INFLUENCE OF ONLINE NEWS ON HARDCOPY NEWSPAPER PATRONAGE IN NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The proliferation of online news platforms has reshaped media consumption, raising concerns about the sustainability of hardcopy newspapers in Nigeria. This study investigates the influence of online news on hardcopy newspaper patronage among mass communication students at Novena University, Nigeria, utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to frame digital adoption. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 345 students using a structured questionnaire, analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS. Findings reveal that 75.1% of students access online news daily, primarily via smartphones (82.9%) and social media (80.8%), driven by cost (84.0%), speed (82.1%), and ease of access (82.0%). Online news significantly reduces hardcopy patronage, with 73.9% rarely reading print and 75.1% citing digital convenience, though 74.7% use print for academic purposes and 60.0% value its credibility. Trust in online platforms is moderate (60.0%), reflecting misinformation concerns. The study concludes that online news dominates due to affordability and accessibility, but print retains a niche academic role, consistent with TAM’s emphasis on perceived usefulness and ease of use. Recommendations include enhancing digital literacy in curricula, fostering print-digital collaborations for affordable access, and improving online news credibility through editorial oversight. These findings offer insights for media stakeholders navigating Nigeria’s evolving news landscape, highlighting the need to balance digital trends with print’s enduring value.
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