Project Abstract

Abstract
The purpose of this research project is to explore the determinants and challenges associated with reading the print version of newspapers among youths. In today's digital age, where online news platforms and social media are prevalent, the traditional print newspaper faces increasing competition for the attention of young readers. Understanding the factors that influence youths' choices to engage with print newspapers and the obstacles they encounter can provide valuable insights for the newspaper industry and educators. The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather data from a diverse sample of youths aged 18-30. Surveys and interviews will be conducted to assess factors such as reading habits, preferences for news sources, perceptions of print newspapers, and the challenges they face in accessing and reading print newspapers. Additionally, demographic information and media consumption patterns will be collected to provide context for the findings. The determinants that will be examined include factors such as convenience, content relevance, credibility, and nostalgia. Convenience refers to the ease of access and portability of print newspapers compared to digital alternatives. Content relevance explores whether youths find the news stories in print newspapers engaging and informative. Credibility examines perceptions of the trustworthiness and accuracy of print news sources. Nostalgia investigates whether youths have a sentimental attachment to the tactile experience of reading a physical newspaper. Furthermore, the challenges faced by youths in reading print newspapers will be analyzed, including issues related to cost, availability, time constraints, and digital distractions. Cost concerns may arise from the price of newspaper subscriptions or the affordability of purchasing newspapers regularly. Availability refers to the accessibility of print newspapers in physical locations or through subscription services. Time constraints encompass the busy schedules of youths and their ability to dedicate time to reading newspapers. Digital distractions highlight the competition for attention from online news sources, social media, and other digital content. By exploring these determinants and challenges, this research project aims to provide valuable insights into the reading behaviors of youths in relation to print newspapers. The findings may inform strategies for newspapers to attract and retain young readers, as well as guide educators in promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills among youths.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

There is a thing referred to as reading culture which refers to a conscious habit of reading among a community of people. To attain this reading culture a couple of factors bear upon it. One of which is a sufficient reading content in the popular media.

Before the turn of the millennium, the popular medium of reading were the newspaper and books and for new articles everyone turned to only newspapers with vigour so that it was associated with the learned and the elite.

However, with the advancement of information technology and all its other means of information dissemination and information systems, the patronization of the print media has so far dwindled and to add to the bargain the information technological know-how are on the increase and their uses are proving to be very simple especially among the youth. They are multipurpose and aim at simplifying life in every way possible. With this sort of picture, the print media doesn’t seem to stand a chance.

1.2   Statement of the Problem

The challenges of a particular method of doing something or engaging a problem is only highlighted when an easier method is discovered. With the innovative of journalism to include websites and social media platforms for new dissemination, the attention of young people has shifted away from the print media to soft prints through phones and computers. In fact, not only do most newspaper houses now have websites where they publish their news alongside the print media, they also make use of blogs and social media pages. This influences greatly the posture of millennials towards the seemingly cumbersome print media. This is the task that the present research work has set for itself namely to study the determining factors and challenges of reading print versions if newspapers with the youth of Delta state of the federal college of education, Asaba as a case study.

1.3   Research Questions

1.3.1     what are the shortcomings of print newspapers

1.3.2     What are the other options apart from the print version of newspapers.

1.3.3     What are the advantages of these other option over the print versions.

1.3.4     What are the advantages of the print version over the other option which sees to it not totally going obsolete.

1.4   Objectives of the Study

The purposes of this research work include identifying the various challenges facing the reading of print versions of newspapers among youths and establishing the factors that inform this total reverse away from newspaper culture and turning to soft copies and less journalistic form of news writings. The processes that saw to the paradigmatic movement from the print media form of news articles to the present one that is determined by information technological systems.

1.5   Significance of the Study

The research aims at shedding light on the determining factors and challenges in reading the print versions of newspapers. With the help of the findings of this research, newspapers can better adapt to the changing terrains, preferences and reading habit of millennials in order to survive an age where the reading of newspaper prints are relatively cumbersome and costly.

1.6   Research Hypothesis

The hypothesis guiding the present research work is that the present young people aren’t predisposed towards reading news through print newspapers.

1.7   Scope of the Study

The research will focus its study on Delta youths. Specifically the young people of federal college of education Asaba. The comparison to be carried out between the youth friendly information technology and the moribund print newspapers will focus on the use of soft new reports in websites, blogs and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter where young people choose the kind of news materials they want to be seeing and it begins scrolling down their timelines

1.8   Limitations of the Study

The major limiting factor of this research work is the time factor which hasn’t fully allowed the researcher the leave to fully engage the research problem as would have been desirable.

1.9   Definition of Terms

Print Media

These are mediums used by news outlets in disseminating their news materials which involves the use of hard copy printed materials as opposed to the soft online medium which millennials favour over the former.