Compares the content of the new genres of newsletters--the in-house letter focusing on writing quality--with what writing coaches have said are the major writing problems. Indicates that the newsletters may need refocusing and that, while coaches said news writers' chief problems are conceptual writing improvements, newsletters focus on mechanics…

Investigates whether news stories that are easier to read will be more positively evaluated by readers. Finds no support for that hypothesis. Suggests that intriguing topics might attract and challenge all readers and potential readers because reader interest appears to be accompanied by a host of other positive reactions. (RS)

Indicates that personal religious preference is the demographic characteristic best able to predict a religion journalist's use of a particular denominational news service. Shows that the journalist's own religious preference is a much weaker predictor than is the strength of the religious tradition in the newspaper's circulation area. (JD)

Indicates that, across three circulation categories, there are differences in the research process, availability and use of resources, and how writers rate usefulness of sources. Finds that most editorial writers make use of various sources for ideas and background material. Shows that some writers disagree about how much research is needed to…

Discusses trends and concerns in news reporting and news writing, including the accuracy of investigative reporting, the increased use of news "leaks" and unidentified sources, and the need to orient newspaper content toward real people with real interests instead of writing for an "average" reader. (RL)

Reports on the news gathering behaviors of 24 mass media science writers. Concludes that organizational constraints were the major factors determining news selection strategies, but that individual-level variables came into play at both the information gathering and writing stages. (RL)

Belief clusters show that journalism students' early impressions of newspaper work may be influenced by advanced journalism courses. (RL)

Reports on a survey of 78 newspaper editors. Includes information about the types of readership research that newspapers conduct, the extent to which such research has influenced editorial decisions, and the characteristics of newspaper organizations that conduct research. Suggests that while most newspapers conduct research, the type and quality…