All research has limitations. This study was conceived as a field experiment with
exacting controls placed on participants and stimuli employing real people who actually
exposed themselves regularly to the channel employed (newspaper). All materials were
vigorously reviewed and commented on by professionals who vetted the content – even
objecting in several cases where source attributions and writing style of the test
materials were unrealistic. The study also tested promotional messages on a product
that clearly lacks high levels of consumer excitement and product interest. This was
done purposefully and then inserted in a mock New York Times food section spread
that reflected in layout and content the actual publication.
Even though editorial and advertisement placement was optimized, participants
were not told to look for anything specific. They were instructed to just read the spread
in as much time as needed. At the conclusion of their review, these respondents
completed the self-administered test materials.
What was learned in these three research phases is that more research is
needed. The research needs to focus not only in looking for that elusive multiplier, but
also focusing on a possible additive effect of editorial content and advertising. Additional research also needs to explore the ramifications of editorial content and advertising on
the buying public and those who serve as “third party endorsers” endorsing the key
messages provided by public relations practitioners. This research is particularly
important in light of the measurable decrease in media credibility over the past decade
(News Consumption and Believability Study, 2008, p. 59). Such research is currently in
the planning stages.