Exploring Usage Patterns of News and Information Sources among Ohio Residents

Manita Thapa; Cara Lawson; Joy N. Rumble; Annie R. Specht; Emily Buck

doi:10.5032/jae.v67i3.3349

Authors

Manita Thapa The Ohio State University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8615-0488
Cara Lawson The Ohio State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9717-3519
Joy N. Rumble The Ohio State University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8632-8688
Annie R. Specht The Ohio State University https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8482-1057
Emily Buck The Ohio State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2896-8676

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v67i3.3349

Keywords:

Media Usage Patterns, Media System Dependency, New Media, Traditional Media

Abstract

To navigate everyday issues such as food safety, climate change, water quality, and sustainable practices, credible, accessible, and timely information is essential. Our study assessed how Ohio residents use different news and information sources through the lens of media system dependency theory. We also examined how age, gender, income, community type, and education influence dependency on three types of information sources: traditional media (television, radio, newspapers), new media (websites, social media), and interpersonal sources (family and friends, Extension agents). Using a quantitative survey, data were collected from 515 Ohio residents and analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression methods. Results revealed that traditional media were the most frequently used source, whereas interpersonal sources were used the least. Regression results showed that dependency on different media sources is influenced by age and gender. Younger participants relied more on new media, particularly social media, whereas older participants mostly used traditional media. Gender differences were significant only for traditional media; females were less likely than males to use these sources and more likely to rely on new media. Findings suggest that as people rely on different combinations of sources, communication strategies should be tailored to diverse, socio-demographically defined audiences. In particular, age and gender differences should be considered when designing communication strategies. Future research should differentiate between information sources, channels, and the context of the information. Research should also incorporate additional factors such as media literacy, trust in media, and media-specific engagement to inform more customized content delivery.

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