A quantitative approach to quality in Australian newspapers

Abstract

The lack of an objective, universal measure of newspaper quality has led researchers to apply a wide range of criteria suited to their particular needs. But one commonly accepted starting point is that adequate editorial staff levels are a necessary though not necessarily sufficient condition to ensure newspaper quality. A basic industry guide of one editorial staff member for each 1000 circulation does not allow for the distortions imposed by economies of scale. This article adapts the 1:1000 model to produce a newspaper quality index which can be applied both comparatively and longitudinally, and tests it on Australia's metropolitan newspapers. The article concludes by arguing that such an objective indicator of newspaper quality is vital because of the economic and other forces in the community that militate against quality journalism, and the ramifications this has for all of society.