In Search of Local News: How Readers' Desire for Information and Entertainment Predicts Their Choice of Online or Print Local News
by Marsh, Tina A., M.S., ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2010, 51 pages; 1482959

Abstract:

A 60-item mail survey of registered voters in two Rochester, N.Y.-area communities (n=185) assessed differences between information- and entertainment-seeking tendencies of those who use online and/or print media for local news. The research concluded that respondents with high information-seeking scores are not only using print media but also online media. In addition, online-only users showed a significant tendency for entertainment-seeking but not information-seeking. The study occurred amid the print newspapers’ fight to survive by launching or upgrading online counterparts. This research also discusses the implications of the findings for public discourse, a role traditionally played by local print newspapers.

Keywords: Uses and Gratifications Theory; Newspapers; Online News; Information-seeking; Public Discourse

 
AdvisersBruce Austin; Paul Ferber
SchoolROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
SourceMAI/ 49-02, p. , Dec 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsJournalism; Political Science; Mass communication
Publication Number1482959
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