NJOMACS

Globally, newspaper readership has substantially moved from the hard copy to digital platforms as most readers’ access news content using information and communication technology tools. In Nigeria, the movement from hardcopy to digital newspaper consumption has been accelerated by several factors including the growth of the telecommunication industry and access to mobile devices among Nigerians. New online publishers have emerged while traditional publications have also embraced the transition to the digital space in order to survive. As a result, the consumption patterns of students have been altered because of choices available. The study investigates how students of the Plateau State Polytechnic Jos engage with the newspaper in a digital era and also establish factor(s) that influence their choices. It also interrogates how often they go online for news; what content the focus on; and challenges they encounter in online newspaper readership. Data was generated using survey, the strata was used to determine the sample that the questionnaire was administered to. The study benefits from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to support its propositions. The research establishes that most students of Plateau State Polytechnic have moved from hard copy to digital news consumption and rarely purchase the printed newspaper. They are motivated by several factors including easy access, convenience and easy navigation between newspapers. Students consume a variety of online newspaper contents with prominence on entertainment, sports, politics, and education matters. Some of the major challenges they encounter include high cost of data, poor internet connectivity, lack of time, device compatibility. The study recommends that there should be provision of subsidized or free internet service in schools, and there should be internet connectivity.