Research Service Inc.
Journalism - built to inform
MIRS team includes five professionally trained journalists focusing on crafting the in-depth Capitol coverage public policy professionals require. Each dedicated full time to Michigan's public policy process. Read sample articles from our blog.
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Every two years, MIRS commissions EPIC/MRA—an independent Lansing–based polling firm—to survey lawmakers, legislative staff, association executives, lobbyists and trade unions on which publication or service best covers the Capitol. In the May 2025 poll, MIRS captured 54 percent of the vote.
Which NEWS ORGANIZATION do you think is most
effective in covering the Capitol?
• 54% MIRS
• 27% Gongwer/State Affairs
• 7% The Detroit News
• 5% Bridge Magazine
• 1% Lansing State Journal
• 1% Michigan Advance
• 1% MLive
• 1% None; no one
• 2% Other (less than 1% each)
• 1% Undecided/Refused
EPIC ▪ MRA
Capitol Insider Survey Frequency of Survey Responses May 2025
MIRS’ Journalism Ranked Best 20 Years Running
Boasting over 571,000 downloads, the MIRS Monday Podcast has led the state’s public-policy conversation for more than a decade—making it the longest-running, most-listened-to podcast of its kind.
Home to Michigan’s Most Listened To
Public Policy Podcast
“. . . the much watched Michigan Information & Research Service. . .”
- The Wall Street Journal
“God bless MIRSnews in Michigan . . .”
- Rachel Maddow - MSNBC
“Comprehensive and indispensable.”
- Brian Dickerson, former editorial page editor, Detroit Free Press
Worthy of praise . . .
In late 2024 we surveyed our readers and asked about the balance of our content. Nearly 7 out of 10 said MIRS fairly covers the issues and all sides involved.
We asked about the length of our articles - 87.3% said they were right on the mark.
Surveying readers is research MIRS conducts every 24-months.
To ensure we hit the mark - we also check in with our subscribers and the greater Capitol community through in-depth research. At MIRS we are not afraid to check ourselves by asking our customers: Are we comprehensive? Are we balanced and fair? What can we do better?