Survey results add data to Episcopal Life Online redesign

October 22, 2009 [Office of Communications] Seventy-three percent of Episcopal Life Online readers responding to a survey indicated they were either "very satisfied" or "fairly satisfied" with the news site, according to a press release from the Office of Public Affairs. 

The 23-question survey focused on reader satisfaction, trends, content and design. It was completed by 1,282 people over a four-week period ending Oct. 4. (About 800 people accessed the survey via the Episcopal Church's Facebook page within the first 24 hours.)

The Office of Communications plans to use the survey results in its redesign of the online news service, which is expected to debut in early 2010. 

Sampling of results

Overall, Episcopal Life Online received high marks for timeliness, objectivity, immediacy and comprehensiveness.  

Thirty percent of Episcopal Life Online readers completing the survey said they check the site daily, and 31% visit the website several times a week, according to the results. And more than half (53%) said they prefer to receive news updates daily by e-mail, given other options. More than 10,000 people subscribe to the daily news and information e-mail, Episcopal Life Daily.

Respondents ranked the news category Top Story most popular by 78 percent, with Diocesan Digest and World Report the next two most popular categories.

The results also indicated that respondents would like more book reviews, and news about the presiding bishop, the House of Deputies, dioceses, advocacy efforts, disabilities, discernment and older adults, and less coverage of sexuality and gender issues. 

Who completed the survey?

Ninety-six percent of the survey's respondents identified themselves as Episcopal/Anglican. Of the Episcopalians, the majority (64%) self-identified as parishioners, along with 22 bishops, 296 priests, 47 deacons and 36 General Convention deputies. Eighty-four percent were 46 years old and older, and split evenly 50% men and 50% women.

Sixty percent of respondents said they subscribe to Episcopal Life Daily; 50%of those have been subscribers for between two and five years. Fifty-nine percent follow The Episcopal Church on Facebook.

The Episcopal Life Online survey findings will contribute to a larger, overall strategic communications plan for the Episcopal Church.

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