All of these issues can be uncovered with solid research. Other consequence might include strategic planning that is off-course, inaccurate allocation of funding, or a wrongly targeted community initiative, PR campaign, or awareness program. Whatever dollars and energies have been spent would be wasted. If you have information that's done in a professional manner with credible sources, or if you have the assistance of a professional research firm with a reputation for good work, the media's more likely to pick it up. If it's a piece of work that doesn't have a good sample size or a representative sample, or if the data seems to be tainted, the media will be less likely to carry it.
Professional firms are objective.
Although individuals involved in the development of the research idea such as students or student groups will try to maintain objectivity, they will have a point of view just because they are the creators of the research. This can affect the manner in which the research is designed and in which the data is collected, as well as the interviewing process and the analysis of the results. For example, it's very important that questions are written in non-biased language, with answer categories that aren't leading. The research firm can be hired to conduct any of the stages of the research project from the design to the writing of the report. A good way to start is to hire the firm to consult about the design and the sampling plan.