Catholic Media and Publishers

CARA is a national leader in the study of Catholic media use. CARA regularly includes questions regarding media use in its CARA Catholic Polls (CCP) series and has conducted studies specifically focused on media use including surveys and analysis of other national data sources. Our most recent media use study can be read here.

At a diocesan level CARA designs surveys to be completed by readers of diocesan newspapers, priests in the diocese, and other diocesan personnel. CARA can assist in the analysis of subscription trends over-time and map subscription areas. Using survey research and/or focus groups CARA can collect information about readers and subscribers as well as their attitudes and preferences for a publication. This research collects readers’ evaluations of the paper, reading habits, interest in stories, topics, and format, as well as religious behavior, demographics, other media use, and consumer behavior. It is often used to make decisions about content and format as well as produce the information needed to attract potential advertisers. CARA can provide comparisons between readers, diocesan newspaper readers nationally, adult Catholics nationally, and/or the general U.S. adult population.

CARA also conducts research for Catholic publishers. We utilize surveys, focus groups, and interviews to understand reader’s and educator’s interests in and satisfaction with material. These studies are typically custom designed to evaluate a product in development or already out in the marketplace. We help publishers understand their markets and refine their products from religious education textbooks to online media.

For further information about Catholic newspaper and media research, contact Mark M. Gray, Ph.D. by phone (202-687-0885), or by email.