Examining the Level of Reliance and Perceived Credibility of Online Versus Print Newspapers among Undergraduate Students of Mass Communication Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Cite this article as: Abba M. M. & Sadiq A.A. (2025). Examining the Level of Reliance and Perceived Credibility of Online Versus Print Newspapers among Undergraduate Students of Mass Communication Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Zamfara International Journal of Humanities,3(3), 13-24. www.doi.org/10.36349/zamijoh.2025.v03i03.003

EXAMINING THE LEVEL OF RELIANCE AND PERCEIVED CREDIBILITY OF ONLINE VERSUS PRINT NEWSPAPERS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF MASS COMMUNICATION AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA

Murjanatu Mohammed Abba
Department of Mass Communication
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

And

Abdullahi Abdulrazaq Sadiq
Sapphital Learning, Nexim Bank, Plot 975 Cadastral Zone
Central Area, Abuja.

Abstract: This study examined the level of reliance and perceived credibility of online versus print newspapers among undergraduate students of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It is without a doubt that there is an ongoing metamorphosis in the media landscape today, with print newspapers embracing new technologies and moving online. The objectives of this research therefore, was to investigate the extent of reliance, to know which medium the population prefers, to examine the factors that facilitated their choices and to examine the medium they find more credible. The research employed the uses and gratification and metamorphosis theories as theoretical frameworks. The study adopted the quantitative survey method and used stratified sampling technique to arrive at the sample size of 200 respondents. The findings revealed that there was high preference for online newspapers over print newspapers, and that the online format wasn’t believed to be very credible due to factors such as fake news, misinformation and disinformation. Also, some factors that facilitated their preference were identified which included ease of comprehension, ability to share and comment on news stories and ease of accessibility. Based on these findings, the study recommended that media organizations should invest more in technologies that could help in detecting and eliminating fake news in their content, and that there should be more sensitization campaigns on the dangers of sharing unconfirmed reports and unverified claims on the internet.

Keywords: Print Newspaper, Online Newspaper, Credibility, Reliance, Undergraduates

INTRODUCTION

The media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and disseminating information to the general public. With the advent of the internet and digital media, traditional print media, including newspapers, have been challenged by online news sources. In Nigeria, as in other parts of the world, newspapers have been an essential medium of communication for decades. However, with the increasing use of the internet, the popularity of online newspapers has been on a steady rise.

Adams (2022) describes the concept of News as a sort of “mental breakfast” (p 448) which conveys recent and noteworthy information about events, issues, and people of public interest with the aim of informing, educating, and engaging audiences. According to him, news reports provides citizens with accurate information about events that have direct impact on their daily lives and it also serves as a method of checking the affairs of officials, businesses and other powerful entities accountable for their actions.

Newspapers are publications containing information about politics, entertainment, sports, business, health etc. that are disseminated at regular intervals (Daily, Weekly, Monthly etc.) Newspapers have the power to set the agenda of the nation and can focus the public attention on certain issues. Not only do people acquire factual information about public affairs from the news media, readers also learn how much importance is attached to a topic on the basis of the emphasis placed on it in the news (Mishra & Koundal, 2019). According to Daramola (2006), the major driving force for the establishment of newspapers in Nigeria was for the propagation of nationalistic values, justice and the struggle for independence. The pioneers of the Nigerian press such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoli, Obafemi Awolowo and Lateef Jakande used their newspapers to attain these goals.

The Nigerian media environment is unique, with different regions having their own media preferences and cultural influences. With this in mind, it is important to examine how Nigerians perceive the credibility and reliability of online and print newspapers and how these perceptions affect their news consumption habits.

Recent researches, Isyaku et al (2015), Anyim (2021), Abubakar et al (2018) have raised concerns towards recent newspaper readership, they point out that newspaper readership has been on a steady decline over the past decade and this shift can be attributed to a number of factors but majorly the rise of online media i.e. invention of the internet and social media networks.

The use of internet in communication has revolutionized the business of mass communication. Although, no new medium can send the old one packing, but advancement in technology has definitely and will continue to alter the functions of each medium. Hence, the use of Internet through its dynamism and interactivity is rapidly changing the media industry and the practices of mass communication in Nigeria viz-a-viz its effects on hard copy. It is as a result of this rapid change that traditional newspapers are now harnessing and harmonizing the power of the internet by commencing both online and print operations.

Online newspapers distinguish themselves from traditional newspapers in a number of ways: they are interactive; they offer convenience, which embodies easy access, searchable features and the ability to cross reference through hypertext linking, they provide multimedia features and also feature user generated content (UGC) (Tolabi 2009).

Although this does not entirely mean that the online newspapers do not have implications, Adima (2015) asserted that the rise of online newspaper readership has had adverse effects on print newspaper production processes in terms of:

●       Decline in general production of print newspapers

●       Decline in print circulation and readership

●       Disruption of print newspaper business model

●       Disruption of newspaper traditional value chain and workflow

This study seeks to examine the level of reliance and perceived credibility between online and print newspapers in Nigeria. The study was also aimed at exploring the factors that influence people's choice of news sources.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Since the advent of online newspapers, the print industry has undergone changes as far as reader patronage is concerned. As Ram (2007, p14) cited in Ukonu et al (2013)

“…and then Internet posed an ongoing problem to the business model of most newspapers in developed countries. Paid circulation has declined, while advertising revenue, which makes up the bulk of most newspaper income, has been shifting from print to the new media, resulting in a general decline in profits….”

Studies by Ismail (2018), Adekannbi & Agbolabori (2018), Anyim (2021), have further agreed with the notion that the rise of online media has changed the way people consume news in Nigeria, but it is unclear whether there is a shift in reliance and perceived credibility from print newspapers to online newspapers.

The internet provides online functionalities and possibilities far beyond what the traditional newspapers could offer. However, online newspapers are also known to be a carrier of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.

As at March 2020, during the Co-vid 19 pandemic in Nigeria, various unverified information could be found online regarding the nature of the disease and how it could be controlled. These made people engage in some medically unsanctioned practices e.g. bathing with salts, drinking unhealthy amounts of alcohol etc. The internet gives users the ease to interact and share ideas, and messages and it also allows them to become untrained originators of content, which could be potentially misleading and dangerous.

With these prevailing realities, it is important to examine the level of reliance on both newspaper formats, while also examining how credible it seems to its readers. There is an abundance of literature on audience preference studies, comparing the print and online media, but there is little to no literature on the perceived credibility of these sources by the readers.

Research Questions:

The Research questions of this study are:

1.      What is the preferred newspaper format for receiving news reports among undergraduate students of the Department of Mass Communication Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria?

2.      What are the factors that facilitate and influence reader’s decisions to rely on their preferred format?

3.      How frequently do they receive news reports through their preferred format (Online/Print)?

4.       How do readers perceive the credibility of news reports as disseminated by their preferred format?

Research Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study is to examine the level of reliance and perceived credibility of online newspapers as compared to print newspapers. In achieving this aim, the following objectives are identified:

1.      To determine the preferred newspaper format (Online/Print) of students of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

2.      To understand the factors that facilitate reader’s decisions to rely on their preferred format

3.      To find out how frequently they access news reports through their preferred format

4.      To understand how readers perceive the credibility of news reports as disseminated by their preferred format.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The Internet and Online Newspapers:

Online News can be described as the online version of a newspaper, this could be a standalone publication or an online version of a printed periodical, it also means the use of any online medium for getting news stories (blog spots, social media)

The internet (and by extension new media) eradicates the problems posed by “One-way communication” and the lack of interactivity between originator and recipient which has dominated the traditional media, This has given audiences the chance to also be originators in the communication process and interact with communication messages of their own accord.

The first online news site is generally considered to be the website of the newspaper ‘The News & Observer’, which launched in 1991. In the following years, other newspapers and media outlets began to launch their own websites, offering online versions of their print content (Javier, 2013).

Lately, many newsrooms have taken advantage of the Internet’s potential to create online news platforms that interest news audiences and extend their circulation. Today, there are many active online news sites and newspapers on the World Wide Web through which audiences read, discuss and share news content (Salwen et al. 2005).

Studies by Pavlik (2000) suggest that the internet has elicited changes in journalism as we know it; there are improvements in the ways journalists go about their tasks; improved relationships between newsrooms and audiences; and expansions of newsroom structures.

Pavlik (2000) also attributes the changing character of journalism firmly to the advancement of new technologies, Varzandeh (2018) believes that online news develops in three stages, In the first stage, most content from the original publication is republished. The second stage involves journalists’ creating news contents for the sites, while the third stage is designing the original contents particularly for the web as a new communication medium.

Blogging is another concept that is synonymous to online journalism, a blog in its early stages was a personal web log or journal in which someone could share information or their opinion on a variety of topics. The information was posted reverse chronologically, so the most recent post would appear first. Nowadays, a blog is a regularly updated website or web page, and can be used for personal or to fulfill a business need. Blogging is a contraction of "Web logging”

In a more traditional sense, a blog allows the public to view someone’s online record of the websites he/she visits. Over the years the number of weblogs have increased significantly, according to the ahrefs.com, a blogging statistic site, there are over 600 million blogs on the internet as at 2023.

Another important concept relating to online journalism is the concept of social media, social media is another component of new media which ushered in an era of interactivity, and real-time instantaneous communication. Specifically, advances in World Wide Web (www) which led to the development of web 2.0 technologies in 1990s orchestrated the birth of social media (Gausu & Jimoh, 2014).

Fake News, Misinformation and Disinformation in the Nigerian Mass Media

Fake news, misinformation and disinformation is a serious issue in news culture, Fake news refers to intentionally fabricated or misleading articles designed to deceive readers, Misinformation refers to inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally, while disinformation refers to false or misleading information that is spread with the intent of manipulation.

Siapera (2018) explains in Olise (2021) that the advent of new media has increased the spread of fake news. This is because anyone with the required exquisite device and Internet connection can adequately be involved in the production and distribution of any type of news that may look very believable even when it is completely fake. In Nigerian newspapers, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation are often used for political purposes, to influence public opinion, or to create confusion and chaos (Otulugbu 2021).

Also In the face of the 2020 pandemic (Covid-19), the cause of Corona virus was linked to 5G mobile broadband technology that is designed to replace 4G LTE connection with faster internet connectivity which will enhance faster downloads and other internet activities. 5G conspiracy theorists argue that the newly developed network generates radio frequency radiation that can damage DNA and lead to cancer and premature ageing. The fabricators also contend that the network can disrupt cell metabolism, and potentially lead to other diseases through the generation of stress proteins, and Corona virus in particular by weakening the immune system. This information was carried by online news platforms like operanews.ng

Sensationalism in the Nigerian Media

Sensationalism in the media is the use of exaggerated or provocative headlines, and content in order to attract attention and increase readership or viewership. Sensationalism when misinterpreted leads to the further spread of misinformation, promoting fear and panic while removing credibility from the media. Numerous explanations have been recognized for why the media tends to cover sensational news: to satisfy a diverse range of viewers; to evoke strong feelings and reactions from the audience; and to attain higher ratings and attract more advertisers. (Terngu et al, 2020)

(Terngu et al 2020) also analyzed some headlines from online and print newspaper for sensationalism,

●       “Buhari’s DSS boys go crazy – Arrest over four top judges in Abuja, P/Harcourt and Gombe” (punch.com, October 2016)

The headline regarding the arrest of eight judges from the Supreme/High Courts by the DSS in Nigeria is sensationalized and reflects the typical style of Nigerian newspapers. The use of terms like "boys" and "crazy" in the headline is not only intended to sensationalize the story but also carries a judgmental connotation. The reporter seems to have taken a biased stance, suggesting that the DSS staff are not rational, without any credible source to support this claim. Consequently, this headline revealed a particular ideological perspective aimed at portraying the DSS's action as unjustified.

●        “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS” (dailysun.co.za October 2016) While the headline suggests the DSS declaring the judges as “corrupt” and “unholy”, the attribution does not agree with the statements made by the source (DSS) which are contained in the body of the story. However, the statements made by the DSS in the body of the story did not support this attribution. Instead, the DSS acted based on allegations of corruption and professional misconduct by a few suspected judges. Therefore, the headline is misleading as it implies guilt without due process. It is essential to note that only courts of competent jurisdiction can declare a person guilty of an offense. The newspaper could have used the word "alleged" in the headline to avoid presuming guilt. The continued existence of sensationalized news in the news outlets can only lead to further division among the Nigerian citizenry, the following are other problems caused by sensationalism of news

1.      Misinformation: Sensationalized news often exaggerates or distorts facts to grab the reader's attention. As a result, people may end up believing information that is untrue, leading to misinformation and confusion.

2.      Decreased Trust: Sensationalized news can erode people's trust in the media. When people realize that headlines and articles are designed to generate clicks and views rather than provide accurate information, they may start to question the legitimacy of news sources altogether.

3.      Emotional Distress: Sensationalized news stories can cause anxiety, stress, and fear among readers. The exaggerated and alarmist language used in these stories can trigger an emotional response that may not be proportional to the actual facts of the story.

4.      Desensitization: Over time, people may become desensitized to sensationalized news stories, leading to a lack of empathy and concern for important issues.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The following theories have been reviewed for the purpose of the study: The Uses and Gratifications theory and the Mediamorphosis theory

The Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) was proposed by E. Katz, J. Blumler & Gurevitch in 1974, the theory serves as a framework for understanding how media consumers become active in the choice of media and content to consume, UGT explores how individuals deliberately seek out the media to fulfill certain needs such as information needs, entertainment, socialization (West & Turner 2010, p 397)

West and Turner (2010) argue that there are five basic assumptions of the theory:

1.      The audience is active and its media use is goal oriented

The theory posits that individual members have individual needs and they use the media to accomplish these goals or satisfy these needs, McQuail (1972) identified the ways of classifying the needs and gratification received, they include diversion, personal relationships, personal identity, and information (p 398)

2.      The media competes with other sources for needs satisfaction. The theory also argues that different mediums are also in competition with one another in order to fulfill needs. For example a person who finds gratification in phone conversations with friends and family will definitely turn to the telephone when seeking for information during an election.

3.      Audience are self-aware of their media use, interests and motives and these factors guide their choice of media usage.

4.      Audience place value on media content and this value is subject to their assessment of the content

5.      Uses and Gratification Theory also links a specific medium to a specific need e.g. We watch comedy shows because we want to laugh, We read news stories because we want to stay informed. (p 399)

In relation to this study, the assumptions of the theory can be applied as the aim of this research is also to examine the level of reliance on either online newspaper or print newspaper, the study takes an audience-centric approach to the analysis of media use as the audience are seen as active members in the process of communication. McQuail (1972) cited in (West & Turner 2010), this reason could be to fulfill a number of needs ranging from cognitive reasons, social integrative reasons, tension release e.t.c.

The Mediamorphosis Theory:

The ability for the media to undergo necessary transformation was conceptualized by Roger Fiddler in 1997. Mediamorphosis refers to the transformation of communication media, usually brought about by the complex interplay of perceived needs, competitive and political pressures, social and technological innovations. Mediamorphosis describes how humanity’s unending needs compels the upgrade of communication technology. West and Turner (2010) also refers to the following as the assumptions of the theory:

1.      Co-evolution and Co-existence: The existence of the old communication media, paved ways for the development of the news, The development of online newspapers wouldn’t have been possible without the existence of print newspapers

2.      Metamorphosis: The word itself means the transformation or emergence of new organism from an old one.

3.      Survival: For the older communication media to still exist, Roger Fiddler theorized that it must adapt and evolve, this means that it has to be modified in a way that is suitable to the current generation.

4.      Opportunity and Need: People also utilize the media for different reasons as assumed by Blumler & Katz, the new media doesn’t just succeed because of its sophistication, There are other reasons including audience perception, opportunity to upgrade and need for that upgrade.

In relation to this study, The tenets of this theory can be applied to the transformation of communication media including the transformation of print newspapers to online newspapers, As Roger Fiddler theorized, Co evolution and Co-existence is very important when analyzing media transformation. This theory provides a necessary framework to understanding media transformation and the reasons why people choose to upgrade or not.

Methodology

Research Design:

The researcher employed a quantitative approach, more specifically a quantitative survey. A quantitative approach to media research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. It also utilizes the use of numbers to represent different opinions and/or concepts. Wimmer & Dominick (2011, pg 49) asserts that quantitative approach requires that the variables under consideration be measured. “This form of research is concerned with how often a variable is present and generally uses numbers to communicate this amount”

Population of the Study

Wimmer & Dominick (2011, p87) see population as “a group or class of subjects, variables, concepts, or phenomena”. It typically refers to the entire group of individuals or objects that possess certain characteristics of interest to the researcher. The population of this study are all undergraduate students of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The population of the students of the Department based on the 2020/2021 session as recorded by the examinations office is 750 which consists of 100 level students (182), 200 level students (202), 300 level students (176) and 400 level students (190).

Sampling Technique

This study employed a probability sampling method specifically the stratified sampling technique, this technique would ensure adequate representation of the four undergraduate levels within the Department. This approach involved collecting responses from various classes or levels within the Department, which are treated as separate groups (strata).

This approach is chosen because it ensures that each subgroup or stratum in the population is represented in the sample. This helps to capture the diversity and heterogeneity present in the population more accurately than other sampling methods

Sample Size:

In getting a representative sample for this study, the statistical website survey monkey (www.surveymonkey.com) was employed with the following inputs, a population size of 750, a confidence level of 90%, margin of error 5%, and the population proportion was set to 50, and this approach yielded a sample size of 200 respondents, which represents 26.7% of the population. Since the stratified sampling method is to be applied, 50 questionnaires will be administered to each undergraduate level.

Method of Data Collection

This study utilized the survey method, the study aims to examine the level of reliance and perceived credibility among online and hardcopy newspaper formats. Survey is a method categorized under the quantitative approach, it uses structured questions to gather data, these questions are administered to people who are believed to have desired information and in utilizing this method, a formal list of questions is prepared. A survey is a systematic methodology as it involves obtaining data directly from respondents using questionnaires.

 Instrument of Data Collection

This study would employ the use of an online structured questionnaire. Rubin et al (2009) describe a questionnaire as a methodical tool for gathering data. They define it as a structured instrument comprising a series of questions and prompts designed to acquire information from respondents. This definition underscores the systematic nature of questionnaires, emphasizing their organized format and the presence of prompts or supplementary instructions that assist respondents in providing their answers. This study intends to use this tool to gather information from students from the Department of Mass Communication, to examine their level of reliance and perceived credibility of both online and hardcopy newspaper formats.

The online questionnaire is considered as best for this research study because it provides a consistent set of questions and response options for all participants, reducing the potential for interviewer bias and ensuring uniform data collection. The online questionnaire will be placed on the Google forms platform making it accessible and convenient to the population under study, this convenience makes online questionnaires quite suitable for collecting data from a large number of participants.

Method of Data Analysis

The data obtained from the questionnaire was examined using descriptive statistical methods, including the utilization of tables, percentages, and charts. This approach facilitated a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings. Each variable and research question will be displayed above the corresponding table, alongside the respondents' responses to each question. The outcomes of this quantitative research was interpreted using the SPSS software.

Data Analysis, Presentation and Findings

Research Question 1: What is the preferred newspaper format for receiving news reports among undergraduate students of the Department of Mass Communication Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria?

Selecting A Single Medium For News Consumption

Item	Frequency	Percentage
Print Newspaper	35	17.5%
Online Newspapers	165	82.5%
Total	200	100%

Source: Online Survey, 2023.

This table reveals that 82.5% (165 respondents) prefer to use the more recent and advanced technologies to access news reports and 17.5% (35 respondents) prefer to use print newspapers for the purpose of getting news reports and other related information. Therefore, the findings recorded a very significant shift in news consumption habits from traditional print newspapers to digital technologies. The vast majority of respondents are embracing the convenience and accessibility offered by modern technology when it comes to staying informed.

This goes in line with the assertion of Isyaku et al (2015), Ismail (2015) who indicated that the current advancements in technology is slowly rendering newspaper readership obsolete and almost archaic. The online environment fosters interlinking of information, which provides more context than traditional newspapers, and it also fosters virtual communication through online communities and forums.

Research Question 2: What are the factors that facilitate influence reader’s decisions to rely on their preferred format?

Reasons of Selecting Preferred News Format

Reasons For Selecting Online Newspaper	Frequency	Reasons For Selecting Print Newspaper	Frequency
Easy to read and understand	95	Availability of Hardcopy	25
Accessibility	110	Easy to read and understand	21
Affordability	84	More-In-Depth Coverage of news	17
Ability to share and comment on news stories	137	Reliability Accessibility	16 13
Abundance of news sites to choose from	85
Others	0

Source: Online Survey, 2023

This question sought to find out the factors that facilitated readers’ decisions to rely on their preferred format. Findings in table 7 and table 8 can be used to answer this question, For the respondents who preferred print newspapers, The factors majorly included Availability of hardcopy, Ease of reading and comprehension, More in depth coverage of news and Reliability of news stories.

As Mishra & Koundal (2019) further explained, Print newspapers are tangible and can be physically held and read, making them easily accessible without internet connectivity, They are also often available at various distribution points, such as newsstands, libraries and cafés making them convenient for people who enjoy picking up a physical copy while on the go. Print newspapers often have the space to provide in-depth coverage of news stories. The editorial process in print newspapers often involves more extensive fact-checking and research, contributing to the perception that the content is well-researched and thorough. Print newspapers also includes special sections or features, such as long-form articles, investigative reports, or opinion pieces, which can provide readers with deeper insights into varying topics.

Individuals perceive print newspapers as more reliable sources of news due to established editorial standards, complex gate-keeping processes, and a tradition of accountability. Journalists and editors at reputable newspapers are typically held to high ethical standards. (Asemah & Gambo 2016).

For the respondents who preferred Online news format, their major reasons included, The ability to instantly comment on news stories, Accessibility, Ease of read and understanding, An abundance of news sites to choose from, Affordability, Visual appeal and Flexibility.

As Deuze (2016) further posited that online newspapers allow readers to engage with news content, fostering real time discussions by commenting on news articles. This fosters a sense of community and inclusivity as readers can also connect with other readers thereby enriching the overall reading experience. He further argues that online newspapers are accessible and from virtually anywhere with an internet connection and an internet enabled device. This makes it possible for people with mobility issues to be able to get access to news stories, this also makes it very affordable.

Research Question 3: How frequently do they receive news reports through their preferred format (Online/Print)?

This question was aimed at finding out the frequency with which they receive news reports through their preferred format. This question was divided into two levels of frequency, daily use of preferred format and weekly use of preferred format. Figures 1, 2, 7 and 8 have answered this question. As represented in Figure 1, from the entire population, only about 15.5% read print newspapers at least 1-2 times in a week, and in a day only about 17% of the population spend at least 15 – 30 minutes reading physical newspapers.

As represented in Figure 2, an average of 30 minutes is spent reading newspapers by the respondents and only about 48.6% of the respondents who prefer newspapers spend about one hour reading them daily.

As presented in Figures 7 and 8, In a typical week, About 70.5% of the population read online newspapers at least once or twice, and in a day about 68% of the population spend at least 15 – 30 minutes reading news online

These findings are in agreement with the studies of Chyi and Tenenboim (2019) who posit that print newspapers are gradually dying, they argue that the increasing popularity and growing phenomenon of digital media are changing the media market landscape significantly, and the dire consequences for newspaper publishers are that the migration to digital media is strategically managed.

Research Question 4: How do readers perceive the credibility of news reports as disseminated by their preferred format?

The findings revealed that for the respondents who prefer print newspapers (35 respondents), 82.9% of them have complete trust in news disseminated through print, 11.4% are neutral about this and 5.7% disagree. 65.7% of the respondents are of the view that news stories presented in print format are completely accurate. 88.5% of the respondents also believe that news stories presented through print also accommodate diverse viewpoints and perspectives and 65.7% of the respondents believe that print newspapers do not harbor any form of fake news, misinformation or disinformation.

However, For the majority of respondents, which comprises 165 respondents (82.5%) and who favor online newspapers, 45% of them agree that news disseminated online is trustworthy, 35% of the respondents are indifferent about the trustworthiness of online newspapers while 19% disagreed with the notion. 41.8% are indifferent about the perceived accuracy of online newspapers, 35.7% of them agree that online news is accurate while 22.5 completely disagree that online newspapers are accurate. On the issue of diverse viewpoints and perspectives, 55.7% of respondents believe that news disseminated online offers diverse opinion, 30.9% is indifferent while 13.3% disagree with the statement.

When asked about fake news, misinformation and disinformation in online newspapers, 55.7% disagreed that online news did not contain fake news, misinformation and disinformation, 24.2% were indifferent on the issue while 20% of the respondents agreed that they didn’t come across fake news, misinformation and disinformation while reading online newspapers.

Despite the relatively low amount of respondents who selected print newspapers as their preferred newspaper format, there is a high level of trust and perceived credibility amongst its users when compared to online news which the respondents believe contains some level of fake news misinformation and disinformation due to User Generated Content and Citizen Journalism

Conclusion

With regards to the findings revealed in this study, Level of reliance and perceived credibility of print newspapers as compared to online newspapers, it is clear that each format possesses unique advantages and disadvantages in the eyes of readers. Print newspapers persist as a dependable and reputable source of information, commonly associated with thorough journalism, editorial oversight, and a long-established commitment to journalistic integrity. Nevertheless, as studies have indicated, their level of reliance has experienced a decline in recent years partly due to the ease of understanding and ability of instant feedback offered by online news sources.

Online newspapers have surged in prominence in the digital era, meeting the demand for real-time updates and multimedia content. Although online newspapers offer convenience and accessibility, concerns about misinformation and credibility have emerged due to the proliferation of unverified content on the internet

Recommendations

With reference to major findings discovered in this study, the researcher makes the following recommendations:

1.      Media organizations who are still utilizing conventional media for news dissemination should consider utilizing the environment for news dissemination.

2.      Media organizations should make more efforts in utilizing technologies that could help in detecting fake news, misinformation and disinformation in their content. This will increase perceived credibility of online news

3.      There should be more sensitization campaigns on the dangers of sharing unconfirmed reports and unverified claims on social media and to media organizations.

4.      Clubs that can foster news readership especially at undergraduate levels should be promoted e.g Press Clubs, Newspaper Readership Club

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