Implications of News Blog on Newspaper Patronage Among Students of Osun State Polytechnic Iree

Abstract
The primary objective of this research was to investigate the influence of news blogs on
newspaper patronage among students at Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. However, with the
increasing accessibility of technology, reading news from online sources such as blogs, websites,
and social media has become more prevalent among students. This shift, facilitated by
smartphones has contributed to a decline in newspaper sales, as people now consume breaking
news online without waiting for the next day's print edition. A cross-sectional survey research
method was employed, utilizing 385 questionnaires distributed to students on the OSPOLY
campus. The sample size of 385 students was selected using a non-probability sampling
technique (Accidental Sampling). Data collected were analyzed using frequency and percentage
methods. The findings revealed a continuing decline in the consumption and patronage of
physical newspapers, with a significant proportion of respondents regularly accessing news
online. This trend was particularly pronounced among students who frequently surf the internet
for news. The study recommended that media organizations should adapt by diversifying their
content production and embracing new media technologies to remain competitive in the evolving
media landscape.
Keywords: Students, media, newspaper, patronage, online, research, blogs