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Article published In:
Strategic Communication: Beyond nation cultural adaption, images and identity
Edited by Hassan Abu Bakar and Bahtiar Bin Mohamad
[Journal of Asian Pacific Communication 28:1] 2018
► pp. 172–194

Understanding online consumption of public affairs news in Malaysia

A strategic approach

| Universiti Sains Malaysia
| Universiti Sains Malaysia
| Universiti Sains Malaysia

Evidence from past news research suggested that people are less interested to read hard news including public affairs news. Focusing on Malaysia, this study examines the role of demographic variables, mobile and social media use for news, perceived news credibility and users’ motivations for news in explaining online consumption of public affairs news in the setting which is known for its tight media control. An online survey was employed to collect data from Malaysian Internet users, aged between 18 and 64, who regularly read news online. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. The findings of the study suggest that digital immigrants, or older news users, are more likely to consume public affairs news than young ones. Malaysians read public affairs news which they perceive to be highly credible to fulfill their information and social needs. News organizations in Malaysia can use these findings to design a strategic approach for a more competitive news industry.

Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Predictors to online news consumption
    • Demographic variables
    • Mobile and social media platforms for news use
    • News credibility
    • Motivation for news: Information seeking and social utility
  • Methodology
    • Sample and procedures
    • Measures
  • Discussions
    • Theoretical implications
    • Practical implications
    • Recommendations for future research
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
Published online: 19 January 2018
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.00009.oma
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