New Media Technology and Its Effects on Traditional Newspapers in Ghana

Abstract

For several decades, many newspapers blossomed in their business operations. They had been accustomed to raking in revenue without much competition. After the onsets of the new media technologies and the internet, news audiences were drawn into the foray of fast and convenient news accessible on portable devices virtually everywhere without using the old system of newsstands and purchasing newspapers. With technological advancements there came a shift in news source preferences and intensified competition in the news industry, thereby posing a challenge to traditional newspapers. Lately, newspaper businesses are embracing technology as a way to meet audiences’ expectations. This paper investigated New Media Technology and its effects on Traditional Newspapers in Ghana. The study dwelled on a quantitative method and used hand delivered and online questionnaire as data collection tools. Data were collected from 50 newspaper readers as well as 86 staff of Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, Business and Financial Times, and Daily Guide from the production, circulation and sales and marketing departments. The study found that new media technologies have led to reduction in the quantity of newspapers circulated and revenue reduction. The study also established that many newspaper readers have reduced their purchasing and reading of newspapers and visits to the newsstands as a result of easy access to news through new media technologies such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. On the other hand, new media technologies were found to also have positive effects on traditional newspapers. They enhance production processes, contribute to improved circulation when effectively utilised, and also provides new revenue generations sources to traditional newspapers. To remain competitive and be in business, newspapers have to implement strategies to match up the challenges of new media technologies and equally optimise the opportunities they offer.