With so much attention being paid to newspapers and print, there is seldom talk of how viable and versatile magazines are. I am a firm believer in the magazine industry (perhaps because I write for one) so I was glad to see the ‘Annual Report’ on journalism show upbeat trends. (See “The State of the news media, 2004” report published by the Project for Excellence in Journalism)

As we head toward the PR Blog-Week in July, this will be one report would put into perspective what so many bloggers are doing and writing about.

Just 2 interesting facts:

The Big Three (Time, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report) have become less news magazines and more general interest. The Economist, and The Atlantic have seen readership gains, while the Big Three saw readers depart. Surprised?

Research/Fact Checking has reduced dramatically. In 1983, Time magazine had 76 positions in charge of researching and fact checking. By 2003, the report says, there were just 18.

The Project for Excellence in Journalism is part of Columbia University’s Grad School of Journalism, and is underwritten by the Pew Charitable Trusts.