ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to ascertain Uyo resident’s perception of the credibility of select online newspapers (PUNCH and Vanguard). The main objective of the study was to find out their perception of the credibility of select online newspapers. The survey method was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 427,436 being the population of the residents of Uyo and the sample size of 400 was reached using the Taro Yamane formula for determining sample size and the research instrument used was the questionnaire. After the analysis of the data gathered from the study, the findings revealed that majority of Uyo residents perceive PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers to be credible and do not have doubts about what they read on these papers online. Majority ofUyo residents believe PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers ensure objectivity in their reportage and are free of bias. Majority of Uyo residents also believe that PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers report balanced news with all sides of the story duely reported and containing all the information/details it should. Majority of Uyo residents consider PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers to be competent and trustworthy. The study therefore recommended that PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers should put in more efforts to ensure that facts are presented accurately in their reports. PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers should make sure facts in their reports are always verified to avoid discrepancies when compared with those of other newspapers online and lastly, PUNCH and Vanguard online newspapers should update their website/app regularly to enable prompt update of breaking news.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
With the significant proliferation of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs), it is not very surprising how the internet has become integrated into our lives as an important, if not indispensable tool for information and communication.
The internet continues to evolve into a major source of information, including news. This, of course among other issues gave rise to newspapers opting to have an online presence. (Shor, 2005).
On a typical day, millions log onto news websites to obtain news from the web. As a matter of fact, more news sites are becoming profitable and news organizations are investing more money in online journalism. (Project for Excellence in Journalism, 2006).
However, questions have been raised about the credibility of online news sources. These concerns are significant because journalism is built on credibility. The large quantity of information and news available online as well as the heavy dependency on the internet by information seekers raises concerns of the credibility and/or quality of information and news found online.
Credibility in this context refers to the believability and reliability of the news and its sources. If the public does not believe or trust the online press, they are less likely to pay attention to it.
Essentially, credibility can be multifaceted with two primary dimensions namely expertise and trustworthiness. Expertise has to do with the skill and knowledge being put to use in the management of online news while trustworthiness is the ability to be relied on to do or provide what is needed or right. In other words, trustworthiness denotes one to be deserving of trust. Other secondary factors that affect the credibility perceptions are attractiveness and dynamism.
