The Indiana Bankers Association conducted a survey of the Hoosier Banker readership last year. Responses were collected from Oct. 7-31, 2025, asking questions designed to help the IBA staff better understand how you, our members, are best served by the association’s flagship publication.
More than half of respondents said they had engaged with all five issues that had been released last year at the time the survey was conducted, with nearly 80% engaging with at least 3 / more than half. Half of respondents spend 15-30 minutes reading each issue. Readers generally preferred single-page stories with some 2-3 page articles and half-page blurbs mixed in.
One of my favorite stats to see was how the magazine motivates IBA members to connect with one another, with 30% contacting a colleague they had seen in Bankers on the Move or another member feature.
The IBA appreciates the feedback of our subscribers who took the time to respond to the survey. This was the first survey we’ve conducted since creating a website edition. That feedback was implemented in the design of the new website we are unveiling in conjunction with this issue.
Below is a summary of the results.
Reading habits
1) How do you typically read Hoosier Banker?
25.40% print edition
36.51% mix of print & digital
33.33% digital edition
4.76% I don’t, or rarely, read Hoosier Banker
2) Of the five issues released so far in 2025, how many have you engaged with?
57.14% all 5
22.22% 3-4
15.87% 1-2
4.76% none
3) When you read Hoosier Banker, how much time do you spend exploring each issue?
20.97% up to 15 minutes
50.00% 15-30 minutes
22.58% 30-60 minutes
6.45% more than 1 hour
4) How many people in addition to yourself generally read your copy of Hoosier Banker?
69.84% none
15.87% 1-2
7.94% 3-4
6.35% 5+
5) Hoosier Banker added a website edition starting with our January/February 2024 edition. On a scale of 0-100, how would you rate the website experience?
average response: 74
median response: 81
Content evaluation
6) How would you rate Hoosier Banker’s promotion of IBA education and events?
54% Excellent
38% Good
4% Fair
0% Poor
4% no opinion
7) How would you rate the uniqueness of Hoosier Banker content (you read things in this magazine you don’t see elsewhere)?
48% Excellent
22% Good
16% Fair
0% Poor
14% no opinion
8) Rank your preferred length for articles.
17.39% half-page blurbs
71.74% single-page stories
8.70% 2- to 3-page articles
2.17% 4-page+ analysis
Taking action
9) Which actions have you taken, at least in part, as a result of reading Hoosier Banker in 2024 or 2025? (check all that apply)
63.27% registered for an IBA event (Mega Conference, Annual Convention, Banking on Women, FLD Conference or regional meeting)
32.65% registered for an IBA educational opportunity (all others not listed above)
8.16% signed up for another member benefit
26.53% donated to BANKPAC
28.57% contacted a colleague in Bankers on the Move
38.78% forwarded digital/print copy to a colleague
55.10% saved an article or issue
48.98% visited IBA’s website
4.08% contacted an author
6.12% none of the above
10) What description best describes your role within your institution?
33.33% president/CEO
11.76% board of directors
11.76% senior manager
19.61% department specialist
3.92% branch manager
5.88% administrative personnel
11.76% other
0% retired
1.96% n/a – not employed with a financial institution
11) What is your role in making purchasing decisions in your area of your financial institution?
24.49% make the final buying decision
26.53% recommend choices directly to the decision-maker
8.16% research and review as part of the decision-making process
14.29% offer other input into the decision-making process
24.49% none – not involved in the decision-making process
2.04% n/a – not employed with a financial institution
12) What changes would you recommend for Hoosier Banker? (open response)
“I really enjoy reading Hoosier Banker. The information is relevant and interesting.”
“I always look forward to reading your magazine for the current issues that come to play in the banking field as regulatory, history, the future trends, and the Bankers on the Move.”
“I’m content with the current format of the magazine.”
“Nothing specific. Very good publication.”
“I think the current format works pretty well for me. I page through the entire magazine, reading the articles that further interest me. Banker profile almost always gets read, along with Bankers on the Move.”
“Not necessarily any changes, but I would like to see more communication help such as articles on topics that we can share with customers. Examples: the penny issue and round-up/round-down; ID theft tips; cybersecurity tips … topics of that nature.”
“I only look at the print edition. It is harder for me to go back and forth to articles in the electronic edition than with the print edition. With the print edition, I feel like I can put it down or take it home to read when time permits.”
“I prefer reading in PDF format. Please do not eliminate that.”
“I personally like the digital flipbook because it forces me to interact with stories I may not otherwise click on.”
“I only receive the electronic version. I like the layout where I can choose to read the sections relevant to my area of focus or interest. I miss that this was once monthly but understand this probably helps your efficiency and manage resources.” “I don’t read it digitally. My eyes are tired after reading on a screen every day. I probably wouldn’t read HB if not in print. That’s my break from the screen.”
