POMPANO BEACH, FLA, March 31, 2008 – Not surprisingly, the use of audio and video recordings within an organization’s online newsroom escalated this year. Although audio files are still considered by only 61% of journalists surveyed to be important at some level, the percentage reflects a jump of 16% from last year’s survey. “We expected growth in the audio and video categories,” illustrated Ibrey Woodall, director of marketing/sales for TEKgroup International, Inc. “Journalists now realize the benefits of accessing a text transcript while also being able to listen to the tone and inflection of a CEO’s speech. Corporate messages aren’t as likely to be misconstrued as via the lone written word.”

The overall importance of viewing video files increased by 15%, and accounted for 71% of journalists who participated in the survey. “Time, budget and editorial advantages are felt by both journalist and corporate communicator when a product launch or company event can continue to influence editorial coverage even after the event, or by journalists who are unable to attend the event physically,” added Steve Momorella, partner and co-founder for TEKgroup International, Inc. “It’s also significant for a journalist to be able to access B-roll of product demonstrations and corporate commercials within an online newsroom.”

New to the survey were questions regarding the importance of accessing company background (97%), registering for media credentials (79%), and submitting an information request form (88%).

TEKgroup International, Inc., a leader in the online public relations industry, has conducted the annual survey since 2004. Over 400 journalists participated in the 44-question survey, approximately four times the amount of last year’s contributors. The 2008 Online Newsroom Survey results are available at http://www.tekgroup.com.

About TEKgroup International, Inc. - www.tekgroup.com
TEKgroup International, Inc., an award-winning Internet software and services company, develops E-business software solutions for the public relations industry. TEKgroup clients include Accenture, Best Buy, Carlson Hotels Worldwide, CIGNA, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Detroit Lions, Ford Motor Company, Prudential, VMS, Volkswagen, Walgreens and the Public Relations Society of America.

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