AN ASSESSMENT OF READERSHIP OF ONLINE AND PRINTED VERSION OF NEWSPAPERS AMONG RESIDENTS OF UYO IN AKWA IBOM STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigates the readership patterns of online and printed newspapers among residents of Uyo Local Government Area (L.G.A.), Akwa Ibom State, with a population of 1,329,284 as estimated by the National Population Commission in 2023. The study aims to determine readership levels, frequency, preferences, and factors influencing readership choices between the two formats. A sample size of 384 respondents, derived using Philip Meyer’s recommendation for statistical significance, was selected through cluster sampling to ensure a balanced representation of urban and rural populations. The findings reveal that printed newspapers dominate readership preferences, with higher daily consumption compared to online versions, although a segment of the population consumes both formats. Key factors influencing these preferences include availability, tangibility, convenience, layout, accessibility, and affordability. Notably, the digital divide and the occasional outdated nature of printed news content emerged as significant barriers to balanced readership. The study concludes that while printed newspaper remain the dominant medium due to their perceived reliability and aesthetic appeal, online newspapers are progressively gaining traction, driven by time efficiency and accessibility. Addressing challenges like the digital divide and the cost of printed media is essential for fostering a more inclusive and accessible media landscape. Recommendations include enhancing internet infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, improving the credibility of online news content, reducing printing costs, adopting hybrid publication models, and implementing media literacy programs to promote informed readership across both formats. These measures aim to support equitable access to diverse news sources and strengthen the role of newspapers in fostering an informed citizenry in Uyo L.G.A.