What audiences do with news: a broader definition of news consumption

Abstract

Audiences can now access news anytime, anywhere and news spreads faster than ever before. This gives news a much broader role, amplifying and supporting social connection and knowledge acquisition. This study explores actions New Zealanders take after consuming news through the lens of uses and gratifications theory. Twenty-five participants kept a weekly diary of their news consumption and discussed actions they took following news consumption. Statistical analysis showed all participants took at least one action, including discussing news in person, sharing news online, seeking further information, or making a decision. Younger participants were more likely to share news with their friends or seek further information; the older cohort was more likely to share news publicly. The findings suggest that after consuming news, audiences may have subsequent needs and seek further gratifications, potentially leading to a second order of gratification within uses and gratifications theory.