An Assessment of AFIS Periodical Publications: The 1989 Readership Surveys for Defense Magazine, Billboard, and Press and Art Pack

The purpose of this study was to assist the American Forces Press and Publications Service (AFPPS) in ensuring that the information needs of its DoD audiences are being met by three of its periodical publications: Defense Magazine, Defense Billboard, and Press and Art Pack. This IDA effort was undertaken to plan, conduct, and analyze surveys tailored to the readership of each of these three publications. The questionnaires that evolved from the information requirements analysis elicited responses concerning the format, content, and availability of the periodicals which will be used to enhance the effectiveness of each. Results of the surveys are presented. We recommend that AFPPS communicate the results of this and future surveys to their editors in the various services. This communication system should be designed to help AFPPS editors and distribution executives understand which of their market segments are most likely to realize enhancements in quality of life and performance by reading AFPPS periodicals. AFPPS also should consider establishing a regular audience survey function to feed this system with the information it needs.