Online niches of English-language newspapers in Bangladesh: Analyzing news stories and user engagement on Facebook

Abstract

This study examines the online niches of English-language newspapers in Bangladesh by analyzing stories and user engagement on the Facebook pages of five highest circulated newspapers. Based on the theory of the niche, this study analyzed data on 17,687 Facebook posts downloaded programmatically. Results indicate that users read these newspapers for in-depth news stories and features on diplomacy, national security, lifestyle, science, technology, and international events. The study identified a gap between what these newspapers offer and what their users want.