Influence of Online Editions on Newspaper Readership in South-Western Nigeria

Abstract This study analysed the influence of online edition on newspaper readership in South-Western Nigeria. Survey research method was used to execute the study while diffusion of innovation and technological determinism theories were used for the theoretical framework. Questionnaire and interview schedule were the instruments of data collection for the study. Findings showed that reading online edition of newspapers reduced hardcopy readership and the younger the age, the greater the tendency to read more of online editions of newspapers while the older the age of the reader, the greater the tendency to read more of hardcopy. The study concludes that online editions of newspaper may not replace the hardcopy versions presently, but there is a threat to the continued existence of hardcopy newspaper as a result of technological advancement. Accordingly, it is recommended, that, young persons’ oriented products should be made available through online edition of newspaper and that publishers of newspapers should also brainstorm from time to time to deliberate on the threat that technology is raising against their industry in order to suggest the way forward. Key Words: Media Technology, Newspapers, Newspaper Readership, Online Edition, Online Newspapers. _______________ *Felix Olajide Talabi, Ph. D. is a Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. **Benjamin Kayode Ogundeji is a Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. ***Florence Iyadunni Adedowole is a Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, October 2016, 141 – 162