A Survey Of News Consumption Patterns Of Students Of The University Of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study sought to find out the news consumption patterns of University of Ghana students. Specifically, it was to ascertain whether the advent of the internet was discouraging students from accessing the traditional media. Also in consideration were the news sources of students and their motivations for accessing those news media. A survey was employed to gather the required data. A sample of 148 was drawn from Commonwealth Hall, Volta Hall and Legon Hall. Among the respondents, the use of online news had not diminished the use of traditional news platforms. On the contrary, the study found use patterns of students patronising or sourcing both traditional and online platforms for news. Findings also showed young people’s complementary use of traditional and online news platforms. In addition, there were patterns of both males and females relying on both the traditional and new media even though more males preferred the new media to the traditional media. Academic programme or course of study did not also affect the choice of a news medium. The sampled students accessed media based on accessibility, affordability and how convenient it was for them to use. However, as the use of online news continued to grow and young people are confronted with time constraints, future research could focus on more platform-specific functions that traditional and online news media fulfill in the daily lives of the young