Newsgathering, sharing agreements evolve

The latest RTDNA/Hofstra University Survey continues to show that the TV news business isn't limited to TV anymore, but the numbers also show a stabilization in the outside reach of a TV newsroom.

The percentage of stations involved with other media slid about two and a half points from 2013 to 75.9%. Still a very high number. The group least likely to be involved with others: the smallest stations in the biggest markets -- which came in around the 66 percentage mark -- and Fox affiliates, which came in around 57%.

Generally, the bigger the newsroom, the more likely to have the station supplying news to other places. Fox affiliates were more likely to be involved with cable channels but less likely to be involved with another TV station in the local market or a radio station. Stations in the Northeast were noticeably more likely to be involved with another local TV station, a cable channel and TV in another market than stations elsewhere.

Out of stations supplying news to other media, a majority of stations have a cooperative arrangement with another medium.

[Papper is Professor Emeritus, Hofstra University]