Perception and Awareness of Oklahoma Newspaper Editors Regarding the DASNR at OSU

Abstract

The scope of this study was Oklahoma newspaper editors. The editors were asked to voluntarily complete a questionnaire online regarding their perceptions and awareness of Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Data from this census were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study used the excellence in public relations theory to determine the value of DASNR and information about agriculture provided by DASNR to newspaper editors in Oklahoma.. The study revealed that Oklahoma newspaper editors are well-educated, middle-aged males with a limited definition of agriculture. They define agriculture as farming and ranching only, seemingly ignorant of aspects of the industry beyond production of food and fiber. Editors are familiar with DASNR and consider the Division a credible source of information about agriculture. They find information about programs related to extension to be of most importance to their readers. They prefer to receive information from DASNR in the form of emails and they consider information provided by the Division to be newsworthy and useful to their readers.