Twitter Is Fastest Growing Social Media Channel Among Fortune 500 According to New Study
February 23, 2010 | 8 Comments
San Jose, Calif., – February 23, 2010 – The Fortune 500’s use of blogs, online video, and podcasts continues to increase, but Twitter was the social media channel of choice in 2009. This was among the key findings of the study, “The Fortune 500 and Social Media: A Longitudinal Study of Blogging and Twitter Usage by America’s Largest Companies,” conducted by Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes, Ph.D., Senior Fellow and Research Chair of the Society for New Communications Research and Chancellor Professor of Marketing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Eric Mattson, CEO of Financial Insite Inc., a Seattle-based research firm.
The new report is the outcome of a statistically sound study of the Fortune 500. The study examined the 2009 Fortune 500 in an attempt to quantify their adoption of social media tools and technologies. This is the second year that Barnes and Mattson have tracked social media adoption among the Fortune 500, and theirs is the only statistically sound longitudinal study of its kind.
The 2009 study’s key findings include:
• 22% (108) of the primary corporations listed in the 2009 Fortune 500 have a public-facing corporate blog. This represents a six percent increase over the 2008 study.
• 86% of these blogs (93) link directly to a corporate twitter account, a 300% increase over the 2008 study. (Note: More Fortune 500 corporations have Twitter accounts, but do not link directly from their blogs.)
• 35% (173) of the Fortune 500 have active Twitter accounts (a post within the past thirty days); and nearly 50% of the top 100 companies (47) have a Twitter account.
• 80% — four of the top five corporations – Wal-Mart, Chevron, ConocoPhillips and General Electric – consistently post on their Twitter accounts. The number one ranked company, Exxon Mobil, does not have a Twitter account.
• The insurance industry has the most Twitter accounts (13).
• 19% of the 2009 Fortune 500 is podcasting, a three percent increase over the 2008 study
• 31% are incorporating online video into their blog sites, a 10% increase over 2008
“The continued steady adoption of blogs and the explosive growth of Twitter among Fortune 500 companies demonstrate the growing importance of social media in the business world,” stated Barnes. “These large and leading companies drive the American economy, and to a large extent, the world economy. Surely a willingness to interact more transparently via these new technologies with their stakeholders is a positive step. Where this leads will be fascinating to watch!”
“As social media become more integrated with a variety of business functions both internally and externally at companies, we continue to see a steadily growing adoption of blogs, Twitter, online video, podcasts and other new communications channels,” added Mattson.
A full copy of the new research report can be downloaded here:
http://www.umassd.edu/cmr/studiesresearch/
Additionally, Barnes and Mattson will publish a paper based on the findings in an upcoming issue of the Society for New Communications Research’s Journal of New Communications Research and will present the findings via a web-based briefing and at the Society for New Communications Research’s annual research symposium.
About the Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
To facilitate the economic development of the region by providing an affordable, high-quality economic alternative to meeting business needs for research, training, and consulting in any and all aspects of Marketing. The Center for Marketing Research is associated with and maintains a close relationship with the Chambers of Commerce within southeastern Massachusetts. This unique relationship provides the Center with an effective business networking capability. For more information, visit http://www.umassd.edu/cmr/.
About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR)
The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank focused on the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. For more information, visit http://sncr.org.
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Journalists’ Use of Social Media Is Surging, According to 2nd Annual Middleberg/SNCR Survey of Media in the Wired World
February 19, 2010 | 5 Comments
Journalists’ Use of Social Media Is Surging, According to 2nd Annual Middleberg/SNCR Survey of Media in the Wired World
Nearly 70% of Journalists Surveyed Are Using Social Networking Sites to Assist Reporting
SAN JOSE, CA – (Marketwire – February 19, 2010) – Use of social media tools by journalists is surging, growing in double-digit percentages in some cases. This is among the key findings of the 2nd Annual Middleberg/SNCR Survey of Media in the Wired World, conducted by the Society for New Communications Research team of Jen McClure, SNCR founder and president, and SNCR Senior Fellow, Don Middleberg. The study was made possible in part by Marketwire.
Major objectives of the study included an examination of:
* The impact of new media and communications tools on the way journalists work
* Online resources and social media that are considered the most valuable tools and how they are being used by journalists
* The frequency of use and preferences for a variety new media and communications tools and technologies
* Attitudes of journalists toward the impact and value of these new tools and trends in journalism
Another goal of the study was to provide insights as to how public relations professionals can understand these changes in order to work more effectively with journalists, and provide more value to the journalistic community.
Three hundred forty one journalists participated in the survey. Top findings include:
* Nearly 70% of journalists surveyed are using social networking sites, a 28% increase since the results of the 2008 Survey of Media in the Wired World were released
* 48% are using Twitter or other microblogging sites and tools, a 25% increase since 2008
* 66% are reading blogs
* 48% are viewing videos online
* 25% are listening to podcasts
* Nearly 80% of journalists surveyed believe that bloggers have become important opinion-shapers in recent years
* 91% of journalists surveyed agree that new media and communications tools and technologies are enhancing journalism to some extent
When asked to share their thoughts about how social media is changing the profession of journalism, participating journalists provided a wide range of responses. One respondent answered, “Social media is changing the profession. It has enhanced the dialog between audience and writer and expanded the scope of those who can participate in disseminating news.” Another commented, “It is full of peril and promise.”
“This study indicates that there is now a large and growing percentage of journalists who view social media and the participation by the public in the journalistic process to be a necessary, and in most cases, positive step in the evolution of journalism,” said Jen McClure, founder and president, Society for New Communications Research. “They understand the future of journalism to be a highly participatory, collaborative and dynamic process.”
SNCR Senior Fellow Don Middleberg, CEO of Middleberg Communications, added, “While companies are increasingly paying more attention to social media for revenue generation, employee productivity and enhanced consumer loyalty, many do not yet understand the true scope and depth of these new communications tools for journalistic usage. As a result, some companies are losing share of voice among journalists to their competitors. Social media presents a new opportunity to communicate and develop relationships with a whole new generation of journalists through these new channels of choice.”
“The definitions and roles of journalists and public relations practitioners have changed significantly over the past few years,” commented Paolina Milana, EVP, Marketing/Editorial Operations/Media Relations at Marketwire, corporate sponsor of the study. “Social media is immediate, it is accessible, and it has irrevocably changed the relationship between makers, reporters and consumers of news. The more that all journalistic participants understand each other’s needs, how they use various media channels at their disposal, and how they want to work with PR professionals, the better the entire communication process will be.”
The research findings will be shared in a complimentary web briefing hosted by the Society for New Communications Research and Middleberg Communications, sponsored by Marketwire. The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 10:00 am PT/1:00 pm ET. For more information and to register, visit http://sncr.wufoo.com/forms/sncr-research-briefing/.
The final results will be highlighted in the SNCR’s Journal of New Communications Research and published in a full report, which will be available later this month.
About Marketwire
Marketwire is a full-service communications partner to PR, IR and MarCom professionals seeking top-tier press release distribution, media management, multimedia and monitoring solutions. Delivering news to the world’s media, financial and social communities, Marketwire offers innovative products and services that help communicators maximize their effectiveness while ensuring accuracy and best practices. More than 11,000 clients worldwide are serviced via Marketwire’s 20 offices on four continents. For more information, visit www.marketwire.com/.
About Middleberg Communications
Middleberg Communications is a full-service, independently owned public relations agency with specialized expertise in the consumer, corporate and financial services, media, and technology markets. The agency focuses on delivering tangible results that help clients grow their businesses. Hallmarks of the firm are smart, creative strategic thinking; targeted media relations; and unbridled enthusiasm for clients’ business goals, all supported by good old-fashioned hard work. For more information, visit http://www.middlebergcommunications.com.
About the Society for New Communications Research
The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank focused on the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. For more information, call +1 408-266-9658 or visit http://sncr.org.
Media Contact:
Angi Roberts
Executive Director
Society for New Communications Research
(408) 266-9658
sncroffice@gmail.com
Society for New Communications Research Announces 2010 Fellows
February 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Society for New Communications Research Announces 2010 Fellows
San Jose, Calif. – February 3, 2010 – The Society for New Communications Research, a global, nonprofit research and education foundation and think tank focused on the latest developments in media and communications, today announced its 2010 Fellows. These new Fellows join the Society’s existing group of Founding Fellows and Senior Fellows who are business leaders, scholars, professional communicators, members of the media, futurists and technologists from around the globe. The SNCR Fellows collaborate on research initiatives, educational offerings, and the establishment of standards and best practices focused on the advanced study of emerging trends and developments in media and communications, and their effect on business, professional communications, media, culture and society.
The 2010 SNCR Fellows include: Chris Boudreaux, creator of SocialMediaGovernance.com; Douglas Haslam, supervisor, Voce Communications; John Havens, senior vice president, social media, Porter Novelli; Chuck Hemann, manager of research and online reputation management, Dix & Eaton; Kami Huyse and Beth Kanter of Zoetica; Francesca Karpel, senior manager of internal communications, NetApp; Crystal Kigoni, director, Voices of Africa for Sustainable Development; Dr. Yuping Liu-Thompkins, associate professor of marketing and E. V. Williams Faculty Fellow, Old Dominion University; Kate McCallum, founder, c3: Center for Conscious Creativity; Jacob Morgan, principal, Chess Media Group; Michael Netzley, assistant professor, Singapore Management University; Michelle Venorsky, APR, management supervisor, Marcus Thomas LLC; Revi Sterling, Faculty Director, ICTD Graduate Studies, ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado at Boulder.
In addition, the Society named five new Senior Fellows: Peter Auditore, head of SAP’s Business Influencer Group; Jamie Beckett, managing editor of News@Cisco, New Media Group, Cisco; Barb Chamberlain, director of communications and public affairs, Washington State University Spokane; Michael Kelly, CEO, Techtel Corporation; and Don Stacks, professor, University of Miami.
During 2010, the SNCR Fellows will focus on numerous research and education projects, including exploring the link between social media and innovation, social CRM and social ecommerce, interactive TV (ITV), augmented reality (AR), mobile trends and developments, social data, online video and corporate storytelling, social media in relation to corporate social responsibility, best practices for social media policy development by industry and organizational type, social media governance, and internal uses of social media.
“We are very pleased and honored to welcome our fifth group of Fellows,” said Jen McClure, founder and president, SNCR. “They come from both top universities from around the globe, as well as some of the world’s leading companies, nonprofits, and communications organizations. They bring an incredible depth and breadth of knowledge and experience to our organization. We are looking forward to working with this group of Fellows to continue to produce valuable new research and educational offerings exploring the latest developments in media and communications and their impact on business, media and communications models, culture and society.”
About the Society for New Communications Research
The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank focused on the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications. SNCR is dedicated to creating a bridge between the academic and theoretical pursuit of these topics and the pragmatic implementation of new media and communications tools and methodologies. For more information, visit http://sncr.org or call (408) 266-9658.
Media Contact:
Angi Roberts
Society for New Communications Research
+1 408-266-9658 -
sncroffice@gmail.com
Society for New Communications Research Issues Call for 2010 Fellows
November 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment
November 11, 2009 – San Jose, Calif. – The Society for New Communications Research, (http://www.sncr.org), a global nonprofit 501c3 research and education foundation and think tank dedicated to exploring the latest developments in new media and communications and their effect on business, media, culture, and society, is pleased to announce a call for 2010 Fellows. The application deadline is December 11th, 2009.
The Society for New Communications Research Fellowship is a year-long, volunteer-based program. All futurists, scholars, technologists, business leaders, professional communicators and members of the media from around the globe are invited to apply.
Applicants are asked to complete the online application, which is available at http://sncr.wufoo.com/forms/2010-sncr-fellowship-application/
Applicants must provide a detailed summary of their professional and academic backgrounds, three professional/academic references, and a project proposal that is in line with the SNCR’s research/education roadmap. SNCR seeks proposals related to:
• Best Practices for Social Media Policy Development
• Internal Uses for Social Media
• Emerging Social Ad Platforms and Privacy Issues
• Social CRM
• Social eCommerce
• Interactive TV (ITV)
• Mobile Trends and Developments
• Social Data
• Online Video
Applicants who are selected will collaborate with other SNCR Fellows on a volunteer basis on original research and educational programs. The fellowship program is highly competitive. A maximum of 12 Fellows will be accepted for these one-year (renewable) volunteer-based fellowships. In 2009 only one in four applicants was selected.
Those interested are invited to complete the online application at http://sncr.wufoo.com/forms/2010-sncr-fellowship-application/.
About the Society for New Communications Research
The Society for New Communications Research (SNCR) is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank dedicated to the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. The Society creates a bridge between the academic community and practitioners using these news tools and technologies. SNCR’s Fellows include a leading group of futurists, scholars, business leaders, professional communicators, members of the media and technologists from around the globe – all collaborating together on research initiatives, educational offerings and the establishment of best practices. For more information, visit http://sncr.org or call +1 (408) 266-9658.
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Media Contact:
Society for New Communications Research
(408) 266-9658
info@sncr.org
Society for New Communications Research Honors Award Winners for Innovation and Success in Their Use of New Media
November 12, 2009 | 1 Comment
Winning Social Media and New Communications Case Studies Published by SNCR
SAN JOSE, Calif.- The Society for New Communications Research, a global nonprofit research and education foundation and think tank focused on the latest developments in new media and communications, announced the winners of the 2009 SNCR Excellence in New Communications Awards at the 4th Annual SNCR Research Symposium & Awards Gala held at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Mass. on Friday, November 6, 2009.
The Society’s prestigious awards program honors individuals, corporations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and media outlets that are pioneering the use of social media, ICT, mobile media, online communities, and collaborative technologies in the areas of business, media, journalism and professional communications, entertainment, education, social initiatives, government and politics. Top winners include:
* Behind the Firewall Category
o Novartis Oncology with Fleishman-Hillard for Open Employee – Corporate Division
* Collaboration and Co-creation Category:
o Prevention Institute and Berkeley Media Studies Group for Jointuse.org – Nonprofit Division
o Weight Watchers and MS&L for “I Really Want!” Snack Widget – Corporate Division
* External Communications & Communities Category:
o Clickable, Inc. for Clickable’s Search Marketing Gurus – Corporate Division
o Sutter Medical Center Castro Valley with Creative Sage and G2 Communications, Inc. – Nonprofit Division
o Stanford University for its Facebook Strategy & University Fan Page – Academic Division
* Influencer Relations Category:
o Intel Corporation’s Global Communications & Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide for “Intel Insiders” Program – Corporate Division
o PBS KIDS with 360 Public Relations – Media Division
* Measurement Innovation Category:
o Zócalo Group for The Digital Footprint Index – Media Division
* Microblogging Category:
o Sodexo Talent Acquisition Group for Social Recruiting – Corporate Division
o Dana Lewis for #hcsm – Nonprofit Division
o Washington State University Spokane for Building a Health Sciences Campus Identity – Academic Division
* New Media Creation Category:
o HP Technology Services with Cohn & Wolfe for “What Haunts Your Data Center?” – Corporate Division
o United Nations University Media Studio for Our World 2.0 web magazine – Academic Division
o Catholic Healthcare West with JWT INSIDE for PURL Employee Communications Site – Nonprofit Division
* Online Publishing Category:
o Canadian Centre for Architecture – Nonprofit Division
o Lion Brand Yarn with Converseon for Yarncraft Podcast and Lion Brand Notebook Blog – Corporate Division
o AdweekMedia for Real Time Cannes – Media Division
* Online Reputation Management Category:
o Georgia Institute of Technology with KDPaine & Partners, LLC – Academic Division
* Social CRM Category:
o Phoenix International Raceway for CRM through Facebook & Twitter – Corporate Division
In addition to the top award winners in each division and category, Commendations of Merit and Commendations of Excellence were presented to many other organizations that submitted case studies in the awards program. All of the winning case studies have been published on the Society’s website at: http://sncr.org/symposium2009/.
“These winning case studies provide impressive examples of how organizations are successfully using new tools, technologies, solutions and practices in innovative ways to enhance their communications, relationships and improve their organizations,” commented Jen McClure, founder and president of the Society.
Founding Fellow and board member Steve King of Emergent Research was named the 2009 Fellow of the Year. McClure stated, “Steve has been an incredible asset to the Society since the inception of our organization. His vision for SNCR’s potential, his impressive experience and expertise as a business leader and researcher, and his unwavering commitment to the Society’s mission and goals is greatly appreciated, and I am honored to work with him as a colleague on our board of directors and as a Fellow conducting research on behalf of our organization.”
The Society’s Fellows also honored Ford Motor Company as the SNCR Brand of the Year, Amazon.com and Lab126 for the Kindle as the SNCR Innovation of the Year, the Iranian political bloggers as the SNCR Humanitarians of the Year and David Plouffe, President Obama’s campaign strategist as the SNCR Visionary of the Year.
About the Society for New Communications Research
The Society for New Communications Research (SNCR) is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation dedicated to the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. For more information, visit http://sncr.org or call +1 (408) 266-9658.
Contact:
Society for New Communications Research
Angi Roberts, 408-266-9658
info@sncr.org
http://www.sncr.org
Despite the Recession, 94 Percent of Enterprises Continue to Invest in Online Communities & Social Media
October 7, 2009 | 7 Comments
New Study from Deloitte, Beeline Labs and the Society for New Communications Research Indicates Organizations are Not Tapping Social Media’s Full Potential
NEW YORK, October 7, 2009 – A second annual survey of companies sponsoring online communities shows signs of increasing maturation as enterprises continue to invest in social media tools and online communities. According to the survey, conducted by Deloitte, Beeline Labs and the Society for New Communications Research, 94 percent of the respondents indicated that they plan to maintain or increase investment in their communities, while only six percent plan to decrease investment. However, while enterprises are effectively using these tools to engage with customers, partners and employees for brand discussions and idea generation, the survey also indicates that organizations continue to struggle with harnessing social media’s full potential.
The “2009 Tribalization of Business Survey” evaluates the perceived potential of online communities and identifies how enterprises believe they may better leverage them. The survey measured the responses of over 400 companies, including Fortune 100 organizations, which have created and maintain online communities today. The communities ranged from fewer than 100 members to more than one million members.
“Despite risks associated with participating in online communities, the internal costs of community formation and management, and the fact that we are in the midst of a profound recession, organizations’ continued and enhanced investment in online communities underscores the perceived potential for the value that they may provide to the enterprise,” said Ed Moran, director of product innovation, Deloitte Services LP. “Social media and communities are expected to continue to play a significant role in the way in which companies are interacting with employees, customers, partners and the larger business ecosystem, thereby redefining the very edge of the corporation.”
Of the companies surveyed, a majority agreed that increasing word-of-mouth (38 percent), customer loyalty (34 percent) and brand awareness (30 percent) continue to be the top business objectives of online communities, followed by idea generation (29 percent) and improved customer support quality (23 percent). However, in the majority of companies surveyed, marketing continues to be the primary driver of online communities, resulting in a significant gap between community goals and the organizations’ capability to fully leverage these communities on an enterprise wide basis.
Market Shows Signs of Maturation
Several data points indicate continued maturation of the enterprise’s use of communities and social media. For instance, this year’s survey pointed to an evolution in the way in which companies are tracking and engaging with both active and inactive members. While the number of active users and their level of participation have been considered the top measures of success for an online community, this year survey respondents are paying close attention to non-active users or “lurkers” – people who observe the community, but don’t participate in the discussion. Thirty-two percent of respondents are capturing data on how these individuals derive value from the community.
Additionally, 20 percent of survey respondents have set up formal “ambassador” programs, which give outsiders preferential treatment in return for being more active in the community. Thirty-nine percent of the survey respondents also indicated that more full-time people are being deployed to manage the communities.
“While we are seeing signs of maturation in this year’s study, there are still plenty of companies who do not realize the power of communities, and others who have not yet figured out the proper approach for leveraging communities as part of their business,” said Francois Gossieaux, partner with Beeline Labs and a senior fellow with the Society of New Communications Research. “Businesses are truly become social again, and companies should look to leverage the collective wisdom of their employees, customers and partners in order to innovate faster, reduce costs, and bolster their bottom lines.”
Rethinking Community Success
According to the survey, the biggest obstacles to creating a successful community – getting people to join (24 percent), stay engaged (30 percent) and keep returning (21 percent) – can be easily remedied through partnering and new management practices. The study indicates that very few companies, however, are taking the steps necessary to overcome these challenges.
While 58 percent of respondents evaluated partnering with existing communities, complementary vendors or end users when developing their community, 55 percent of the companies that evaluated a partnership did not actually partner.
Furthermore, the survey also revealed significant gaps between community goals (such as generating word of mouth, customer loyalty and brand awareness) and how success is being measured. The top two analytics for measuring success are the number of active users (34 percent) and how often people post/comment (32 percent), indicating that participation is still considered to be the biggest measure of success. Potentially more useful analytics, however, such as increase in search engine rank and citations/links on other sites, are less often utilized, highlighting a mismatch between the desired outcome and how that outcome is measured.
“To realize the full benefit of social media and online communities, business leaders must move beyond viewing them as “bolt-ons” to their corporations,” added Moran. “Companies need to integrate the new information flows associated with the communities with those that already exist within their companies. New management strategies and practices will be critical, including redefining the scope and role of alliances as well as the overall boundary of corporations.”
For additional insight on the Tribalization of Business findings, please visit: www.deloitte.com/us/2009tribalizationstudy.
About Deloitte
As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Services LP, a subsidiary of Deloitte LLP. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.
About Beeline Labs
For more information about Beeline Labs visit www.beelinelabs.com.
About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR)
For more information about SNCR, visit http://www.sncr.org.
Society for New Communications Research Launches New Study to Explore How Social Media Affects Business Decision Making
July 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Palo Alto, Calif., July 28, 2009 – The Society for New Communications Research (SNCR), a global nonprofit research and education foundation and think tank, today announced the launch of a new research study to explore how business leaders use online communities and peer networks to support their decisions. SNCR Fellows Vanessa DiMauro, CEO, Leader Networks and Don Bulmer, vice president, SAP, are conducting this study. This study will examine the role of social media has on decision-making among enterprise users.
Specifically this study will explore the following questions:
• Is social media typically regarded as a trustworthy source of information for professionals?
• Are social media tools effective sources of information, advice and peer collaboration and how do they compare to traditional off-line networking and knowledge share?
An online survey is available at: http://www.newsymbiosis.com
“A great deal of attention and research has been devoted to evangelizing social media as a new
form of customer-centric relationship building,” stated Bulmer. “However, what is often overlooked is the impact of social media to change behaviors, and the potential to leverage social media to impact professionals’ decision-making processes. While everyone is endeavoring to capture the mindshare of the buyer, few understand what success truly looks like.”
“This study is designed to get inside the heads of decision makers as to how social media tools like online communities are changing the way they make their decisions,” added DiMauro.
About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR)
The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank dedicated to the advanced study of new communications tools, technologies and emerging modes of communication, and their effect on traditional media, professional communications, business, culture and society. For more information about the Society for New Communications Research, visit http://www.sncr.org or call +1 (650) 331-0083.
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For more information, contact:
Jen McClure
SNCR
(650) 387-8590
jmcclure@sncr.org
Society for New Communications Research and Middleberg Communications Announce Second Annual Middleberg/SNCR Global Survey of Media in the Wired World
July 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Palo Alto, Calif., JULY 25, 2009 – The Society for New Communications Research (SNCR) and Middleberg Communications today announced the launch of the Second Annual Middleberg/SNCR Global Survey of Media in the Wired World to examine the effects of new media and communications developments on journalists and journalism. The research team will examine the effects of new media and communications developments, social media, and citizen journalism on journalists and the journalism profession. The survey seeks to:
• Determine how and why journalists use new media and communications tools and technologies
• Determine the frequency of use of and preferences for new media and communications tools and technologies
• Assess the perceived impact of new media and communications tools on the way journalists work
• Assess the attitudes of journalists toward the impact and value of these new tools and trends on journalism
Similar to last year’s initial re-embodiment of the Middleberg-Ross Survey, the current study will include an updated online survey and case studies based on interviews with journalists.
All journalists are invited to participate in this research study. An online survey is available at http://www.sncr-middleberg-2009survey.com.questionpro.com/
Journalists who complete the survey will be entered to win an iPod Touch, and will receive a complimentary copy of the executive summary of the survey results, which, this year, will focus on social media, including journalists’ use of and views on the credibility of content found on Twitter, blogs, and Facebook. Participants will also receive a special discount to attend the 2009 Society for New Communications Research Symposium, which will be held on November 5-6, 2009 at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Mass., where the initial findings will be shared. The final results will be highlighted in the Society’s Journal of New Communications Research and published in a full report.
“This study is needed today more than ever, due to the significant changes and continuously evolving developments that are affecting traditional media organizations, journalists, and professional communicators as the result of new technologies and the emergence of social media,” stated Jen McClure, president, Society for New Communications Research. “Last year’s study resulted in important new insights and discoveries about this changing profession, and we are excited to continue this discovery process through this year’s survey.”
“I am delighted that to be working with SNCR on this survey for the second year in a row,” commented Middleberg, a SNCR Senior Fellow. “For those of us in public relations it is vital that we understand the new media channels journalists are using if we are to be effective communicators. One of the objectives of this survey is to help inform public relations professionals about how they can communicate more efficiently and effectively with journalists, thereby providing more value to the journalistic community.”
About Middleberg Communications
Middleberg Communications is a full-service, independently owned public relations agency with specialized expertise in the consumer, financial services, media, and technology markets. The agency places a major emphasis on achieving real, tangible goals that are designed to help our clients grow their businesses. Hallmarks of the firm are: smart, creative strategic thinking; in-depth media relations; and unbridled enthusiasm for achieving clients’ business goals – all supported by good old fashioned hard work. For more information, visit http://www.middlebergcommunications.com.
About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR)
The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank dedicated to the advanced study of new communications tools, technologies and emerging modes of communication, and their effect on traditional media, professional communications, business, culture and society. For more information about the Society for New Communications Research, visit http://www.sncr.org or call +1 (650) 331-0083.
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For more information, contact:
Jen McClure
SNCR
(650) 387-8590 – mobile
jmcclure@sncr.org
or
Don Middleberg
Middleberg Communications
212-812-5664
914-629-3999 – mobile
don@middlebergcommunications.com
Society for New Communications Research Announces Call for Entries for 2009 Excellence in New Communications Awards
July 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Prestigious Awards Honor Excellence in New Media and Communications, Social Media and ICT Developments
PALO ALTO, Calif.–July 13, 2009 - The Society for New Communications Research, a global nonprofit research and education foundation and think tank focused on the latest developments in new media and communications, today announced a call for entries for the 2009 Excellence in New Communications Awards.
This prestigious awards program honors the work of corporations, governmental and nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, media outlets and individuals who are innovating the use of social media, ICT, mobile media, online communities and virtual worlds and collaborative technologies in the areas of business, media, and professional communications, including advertising, marketing, public relations and corporate communications, as well as entertainment, education, politics, and social initiatives.
Awards are granted in six divisions: Corporate, Government, Media, Nonprofit/NGO, Academic and Technology Innovation (for New Communications and Social Media Technology Vendors), and in twelve categories: Online Reputation Management; Behind the Firewall; Influencer Relations; External Communications & Communities; Collaboration & Co-creation; New Media Creation; Online Publishing; Mobile Media; Microblogging; Social CRM; and Measurement Innovation.
Entrants are asked to submit case studies detailing their initiatives and technologies. The winning case studies are published by SNCR and New Communications Review and the winners will be honored at the 2009 Society for New Communications Research Symposium & Awards Gala, which will be held November 5-6 at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Mass. and hosted by SNCR Fellow Paul Gillin.
Entry guidelines and the online entry form can be found at http://www.sncr.org/awards. The deadline for submissions is September 7th, 2009. No extensions will be granted.
Entry fees: $75. USD per entry. A portion of each entry fee is tax-deductible, and all proceeds benefit SNCR, a 501c3 foundation. For more information, contact info@sncr.org or call +1 408.266.9658.
About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR)
The Society for New Communications Research is a global 501c3 nonprofit research and education foundation and think tank dedicated to the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. SNCR creates a bridge between the academic community and practitioners using these new tools and methodologies, and is focused on research, education and best practices. For more information about the Society for New Communications Research, visit http://www.sncr.org or call +1 (650) 331-0083.
Nonprofit Organizations Lead the Way in Social Media Adoption According to Society for New Communications Research Chair Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes and Eric Mattson of Financial Insite
June 28, 2009 | 7 Comments
Palo Alto, Calif., – June 29, 2009 – The nation’s largest nonprofit organizations have outpaced corporations and academic institutions in their adoption of social media, for the second year in a row, according to a new research study, “Still Setting the Pace in Social Media: The First Longitudinal Study of Usage by the Largest US Charities.” The study was conducted by Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes, Ph.D., Senior Fellow and Research Chair of the Society for New Communications Research and Chancellor Professor of Marketing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Eric Mattson, CEO of Financial Insite Inc., a Seattle-based research firm.
This landmark study compares organizational adoption of social media in 2007 and 2008 by the 200 largest charities in the United States as compiled annually by Forbes magazine. The study provides the first longitudinal look at social media adoption among the nonprofit sector, and demonstrates that social media has become an extremely important component of the communications strategy for US charities.
While Barnes’ and Mattson’s prior research has confirmed that the Fortune 500, the Inc. 500, US colleges and universities and charities have all increased their adoption of blogging between 2007 and 2008, charities are “out-blogging” them all for the second year in a row. Their latest research shows the Fortune 500 with the least amount of corporate blogs (16%), the Inc. 500 with 39%, colleges and universities blogging at 41%, and charities now reporting 57% with blogs.
Other key findings in this study include:
• In 2007, 75 percent of the respondents reported using at least one form of social media. One year later, 89 percent of these organizations are using at least one form of social media. Usage increased for every tool studied.
• Social networking and video blogging are now the most common tools used, with 79% of charities using each of them. Use of online video increased by 38 percent; social networking increased by 47 percent in the one-year period studied.
• In addition, the charities reported that they have begun to use Twitter.
• When asked if they felt their blogs were successful, approximately 90% of charities with blogs said yes. This finding is consistent with studies in business and academia that have consistently shown those using social media are satisfied and feel it provides positive results.
• Sixty-six percent of respondents in 2007 and 75% in 2008 report they monitor the Internet for buzz, posts, conversations and news about their institution. This compares with 54 percent of colleges and universities and 60 percent of the Inc. 500.
• More than 80 percent of those studied feel that social media is at least “somewhat important” to their future strategy; 45 percent responded that social media is very important to their fundraising strategy.
“These organizations are demonstrating an acute, and still growing, awareness of the importance of Web 2.0 strategies in meeting their objectives,” said Barnes. “They have found a new and exciting way to win the hearts – and maybe even the dollars – of potential donors. For volunteers and donors looking to have a conversation online about particular aspects of the charity’s mission, this increased interaction can be significant. These nonprofits are clearly learning to use social media more effectively.”
A full copy of the new research report can be downloaded here:
http://www.umassd.edu/cmr/studiesresearch/socialmediacharity.cfm
In addition, Dr. Barnes will publish a paper based on the findings in the upcoming issue of the Society for New Communications Research’s Journal of New Communications Research and will present the findings via a web-based briefing and at the Society for New Communications Research’s annual research symposium.
About the Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
To facilitate the economic development of the region by providing an affordable, high-quality economic alternative to meeting business needs for research, training, and consulting in any and all aspects of Marketing. The Center for Marketing Research is associated with and maintains a close relationship with the Chambers of Commerce within southeastern Massachusetts. This unique relationship provides the Center with an effective business networking capability. For more information, visit http://www.umassd.edu/cmr/.
About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR)
The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank focused on the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. SNCR is dedicated to creating a bridge between the academic and theoretical pursuit of these topics and the pragmatic implementation of new media and communications tools and methodologies. The Society’s Fellows include a leading group of futurists, scholars, business leaders, professional communicators, members of the media and technologists from around the globe – all collaborating together on research initiatives, educational offerings, and the establishment of standards and best practices. For more information, visit http://sncr.org.
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