Walt Mossberg is Influential?

Steven Baker of BusinessWeek has the inside scoop on on his blog about a soon-to-be released study by the University of Miami and USC that correlates a company’s stock performance with reviews of its products by Walt Mossberg of the WSJ.

Initial data shows on average, “firms with bad product reviews saw stock losses of $200 million, while those with positive reviews saw gains of $500 million,” proving traditional media influencers still pack a punch.

It will be interesting to see the complete study next month.

What the data seems to support is something successful consumer electronics companies have known for a long time. A strategic reviews program is critical to a successful product launch. Of course, Walt will tell you the key is having a great product.