New study confirms syndicated content helps publications meet their goals.

MISSION, KS (February 25, 2014) – In a new independent study¹ of newspaper editors, Family Features received the highest satisfaction rating among providers who offer free, sponsored content, such as mat releases.

The study, conducted by the Donald Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia, surveyed more than 500 food and lifestyle editors² from a cross-section of small, medium and large newspapers across the country to measure syndicated content usage, as well as satisfaction with key providers.

When asked to rate their general level of satisfaction among syndicated content providers, 49 percent of respondents rated Family Features either a 4 or 5 based on a 1 to 5 point scale, with 5 being excellent. This rating was the top when compared to other free, national sponsored content providers.

The study results also confirm that ready-to-publish, syndicated content helps fill an important need for media professionals today, with two-thirds (66 percent) of the respondents saying they use syndicated content to fill their food and lifestyle sections, and more than half (53 percent) indicating syndicated content is important to helping meet their publication's goals and deadlines.

"While the gold standard for most publications is to create original content, the reality is that it's just not that feasible for many newspapers today," says Brian Agnes, President of Family Features. "Syndicated content, such as mat releases, helps fill a very real editorial need and those providers that can offer a wide variety of high-quality stories become an invaluable resource."

According to the study, content quality, local interest, price, story variety and color photography are some of the top criteria editors consider when selecting syndicated content.

"The findings confirm what we hear time and time again from our editor network – that Family Features provides high-quality food and lifestyle content that saves them time, money and drives readership," adds Agnes. "Plus, we're free, which makes us all the more appealing."

To download more details on the study findings, visit: http://marketers.familyfeatures.com/research-pr

As the industry leader in food and lifestyle content, Family Features helps brands reach and engage consumers through a network of over 8,000 editors at nearly 4,000 print and online outlets. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Family Features connects brands, consumers and media. For more information, visit http://marketers.familyfeatures.com or call 1-800-800-5579.

¹ Source: "Syndicated Content Assessment Study," sponsored by Family Features and conducted by the Donald Reynolds Journalism Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia, November 2013.

² Editors surveyed were random and not necessarily familiar with or users of Family Features services. Additionally, there was no knowledge by survey participants of Family Features as the survey sponsor.