Journalism class conducts readership survey of students Print E-mail
By Tiffany K. Polasek, Poth High School
May 2009

The Poth Journalism Crew conducted a survey about news and media to all Poth High School students.  These students all live in the vicinity of Poth, Texas, which is located 36 miles southeast of San Antonio. This is a very small rural community.
A total of 187 students were surveyed.  The ages of these students ranged from 14 to 18. Below are the questions with the results directly after each question. 
The intention of this survey was to see how students feel about news print and other media sources that directly affect their lives and community. The group was also trying to find ways to interest more students in the local newspaper. Questions were created with the help of suggestions from the Wilson County News.
Question 1: Do you do any reading outside of the classroom?
67% Yes     33% No
Question 2: Would you be more inclined to read the newspaper if it contained more color?
64% Yes     36% No
Question 3: Do your parents read the newspaper often?
78% Yes     22% No
Question 4: Do you plan on becoming a voting citizen?
91% Yes     9% No
Question 5: If so, how would you stay up to date with current issues?
*news on TV
*Internet
*newspaper
*other people
*radio
Question 6: If you use the Internet to stay informed, do you verify the information you read?
40% Yes     60% No
Question 7: Would you be more interested in reading the newspaper if it contained more articles on younger society? 
77% Yes     23% No
Question 8: Is the newspaper beneficial to you for acquiring information? 52% Yes     48% No
Question 9: Are you aware some papers are available online?
62% Yes     38% No
Question 10: Do you have any suggestions on how to make the newspaper attract younger generations?  If so, please explain.
*more sports
*more color
*more pictures
*latest fashion trends (or youth related)
*advice column
*technology/movies/games (reviews)
*horoscopes
*more comics (Peanuts – several requested this specific strip)
*youth directed articles
*consumer report type reviews (cars)
*interviews
*younger writers (more Junior Journalists)
*vary fonts throughout paper
Question 11: Are there any problems you have with finding certain information in the newspaper?  If so please explain.
*make index larger/easier to read
*Classified section is confusing – too packed with small font
*Print too small
From the results of the survey, many students are still using the same resources for news as generations before them.  However, technology is definitely becoming a wider choice for easy access of information.  The results speak for both the interest in internet use and information, but with the majority lacking the interest or time to verify the information received.
The Poth Journalism Crew has unanimously agreed that with our growing society, a mix of credible print and technological versions of the newspaper would benefit most.  This would allow older generations and programs such as NIE to continue with the benefits of the hands-on print version while the fast-paced technologically savvy members of society can have access to the news at the click of a button.
 

Board of Directors

OFFICERS:

President
Bob Brincefield,
Brownwood Bulletin;

First Vice President
Chad Ferguson,
The Banner Press Newspaper, Columbus;

Second Vice President
Russel Skiles,
Lamesa Press Reporter;

Treasurer
Greg Shrader,
Lufkin Daily News

Chairman
Terry Collier,
Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post;

ELECTED DIRECTORS

Jim Bardwell,
The Gladewater Mirror (2011)
Rochelle Stidham,
Stephenville Empire Tribune (2011)

Greg Shrader,
Lufkin Daily News (2012)
Sue Elizondo,
Pleasanton Express (2012)

Donnis Baggett,
Waco Tribune-Herald (2013)
Brandi Guy,
Thorndale Champion (2013)

APPOINTED DIRECTORS

Sandra Aven,
Plainview Daily Herald
Steven Bridges,
The Goldthwaite Eagle
Lisa Davis,
Wise County Messenger
Chad Engbrock,
The Wylie News
Randy Mankin,
The Eldorado Success
Jim Moser,
The Jackson County Herald-Tribune
Melissa Perner,
The Ozona Stockman
Cyndy Slovak-Barton,
Hays Free Press

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS

Donnita Nesbit Fisher,
The Wylie News,
North & East Texas Press Association

Mary Smithee,
The Canadian Record,
Panhandle Press Association

Daniel Elizondo,
The Pleasanton Express,
South Texas Press Association

Roy Sanders,
Burleson County Tribune,
Texas Gulf Coast Press Association

Melissa Perner,
The Ozona Stockman,
West Texas Press Association

REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS

Randy Keck,
The Community News,
North & East Texas Press Association

Phillip Hamilton,
The Olton Enterprise,
Panhandle Press Association

Tania French,
The Port Lavaca Wave,
South Texas Press Association

Chad Ferguson,
The Banner Press Newspaper,
Texas Gulf Coast Press Association

Mac McKinnon,
The Dublin Citizen,
West Texas Press Association

TPA Staff Members

Joel Allis
Periodicals Consultant

Fred Anders
Information Technology Director

Diane Guffey
Account Executive/National Advertising

Stephanie Hearne
Controller/Office Manager

Micheal Hodges
Executive Director

Shawn Jones
Statewide Advertising Network Coordinator

Laura King
Publications Manager

Dwight McKenzie
Advertising Director

Lolly Nichols
Mail Services Specialist

Donna Shaw
Advertising Assistant/Tearsheets

Ed Sterling
Member Services Director