Newspapers' Video Operations Report

Last year, research from the Newspaper Association of America revealed that the majority of newspaper Web sites features video. Results from this 2008 NAA survey, which looks more closely at the area, show newspapers' video operations are quite extensive. This is a pleasant and encouraging surprise from an industry going through a difficult period of change.
To help newspapers further develop their video initiatives, NAA has developed a guide to online video. The NAA online video survey report is part of that guide, which will also include articles and information on purchasing hardware and software, expert advice and several case studies.
NAA conducted this survey in February and March 2008 to assess how newspaper Web sites are creating and using online video. NAA solicited the top digital contact at 1,117 U.S. daily newspapers that are members of NAA through e-mail. The survey was completed online.
Key Findings

1. Content: In addition to running content from the Associated Press or other wire services, most newspapers are putting resources into producing their own, locally focused original video content. Many newspapers reported a strong focus on local news and local sports videos. The majority of newspaper Web sites in all circulation groups also accepts user-generated video.
2. Editing and Publishing: Flash video is overwhelmingly the most popular format for newspaper Web sites, followed (distantly) by Windows Media. At many newspapers the online staff is responsible for editing and posting video content.
3. Staffing: Many newspapers reported print journalists are picking up video cameras. Photographers and reporters are more responsible for shooting video content than the online staff. More details about these findings and dozens of others in the areas of producing, editing, publishing, monetizing and more are included in this study.
 

Download the full report (pdf) here, and comment on it below.