International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: The proliferation of online news platforms has significantly altered how people consume news, including among the most educated demographics, such as lecturers. Despite the growing body of research on online news consumption patterns, there remains a dearth of studies on the specific influence of online newspapers on traditional newspapers' readership among academics in Nigerian universities, particularly in Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to ascertain the number of Lecturers in Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, that read newspapers, determine the type of newspapers the Lecturers read, and find out the extent electronic newspaper readership is replacing print newspapers readership in Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State.
Method: The study adopted descriptive survey research design, the study’s population was five hundred and forty-two (542) Lecturers. The population is such that the researchers can conveniently cover thus, a census was adopted. Data were gathered through a questionnaire titled “Influence of online newspapers on traditional newspapers` readership Questionnaire (IONTNRQ).” Data collected were analysed with the use of frequency counts and percentages. Results: The findings show that while many Lecturers regularly engage with newspapers, there is a clear preference for electronic newspapers due to their convenience and accessibility. However, a portion of Lecturers still values printed newspapers for their credibility and detailed content. Despite the growing trend toward digital news, concerns about the reliability of online sources indicate that print newspapers continue to hold importance in academic settings.
Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a clear trend among Lecturers at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, towards preferring online newspapers, largely due to factors such as accessibility, convenience, and the availability of up-to-date information.
Unique Contribution: This study has offered new insight into the type of Newspapers University Lecturers read, especially Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, and the extent electronic newspaper readership is replacing print newspapers readership in
Key Recommendation: The study recommends that the university promotes both print and online newspaper access by providing subscriptions to reliable online platforms and maintaining print newspapers in the library to ensure Lecturers stay informed and benefit from diverse news sources.