The Media Insight Project announced on April 15 the addition of Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and the Local News Network at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism as new partners. The project is a collaboration between the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research that has been operating since 2014.
The expansion aims to strengthen research on how audiences interact with news in an evolving media landscape. The initiative seeks to provide evidence-based insights for journalists, researchers, and civic leaders about public engagement with news across generations.
A forthcoming study from the expanded group will examine how adults and teens engage with news today. It will analyze behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions across various sources including local news organizations, independent creators, influencers, and explore issues such as misinformation and trust in information sources.
Stephanie Edgerly, Associate Dean of Research at Northwestern University Medill School said: “Partnering with the Media Insight Project allows Medill to contribute rigorous, audience-centered research on some of the most pressing questions facing journalism today. By working alongside the American Press Institute, The AP-NORC Center, and the Local News Network at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism, we can help ensure that scholarly insights meaningfully inform newsroom practice and strengthen the connection between journalism and the public.”
Tom Rosenstiel from the University of Maryland said: “Too often, high-quality research and newsroom decision-making operate in separate worlds. The Media Insight Project ensures that social science research doesn’t just sit on a shelf but directly informs how journalism serves the public in the real world.”
Robyn Tomlin from American Press Institute said: “With the addition of Northwestern University Medill School and the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, the Media Insight Project deepens its connection to leading centers of scholarship in journalism, communication, and public policy. These partnerships strengthen our ability to ask important questions and apply methodological rigor and then translate insights into practical tools, programs, and strategies that help news organizations better serve their communities.”
Research produced by this collaboration will continue to be made publicly available through reports aimed at journalists scholars.
