Academic writing typically focuses more on the audience than professional writing does.

This statement seems to be a bit of a generalization. Both academic and professional writing require a strong focus on the audience. However, the nature of the audience and the way the writer engages with them may differ.

In academic writing, the audience is usually scholars or people with a specific interest in the field. The writer needs to provide a clear argument, support it with evidence, and use a formal and precise language. The goal is often to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on a particular subject.

On the other hand, professional writing is usually aimed at colleagues, clients, or stakeholders. The writer needs to communicate information effectively, often with the goal of persuading the audience or prompting them to take a certain action. The language used may be less formal and more direct.

So, while both types of writing require a focus on the audience, the ways in which they do so can vary significantly.