ISSN : 1997-1052 (Print)
2227-202X (Online)
Call for paper
INSEARCH 2025: 10th International Integrative Research Conference on Governance in... Read more...
Call for Papers for Academic Journals Read more...
Webmail Login
Drop of Circulation of Print Dailies during COVID-19 Crisis in Bangladesh: How Far is Readers' Return?
Rakib Ahmed, Nowshin Jahan Etee
Abstract

This paper examines the phenomenon of not resubscribing print newspapers after unsubscribing them for households by readers during the COVID-19 crisis in Bangladesh. In terms of theory, this study consulted displacement theory and the theory of media habits to evaluate the contexts of quitting reading print dailies and unsubscribing print papers under a pandemic environment. To understand the picture, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with 12 persons (six males and six females) who stuck to their decision not to resubscribe print national dailies for their houses as the COVID-19 situation improved at one point in time. The key findings are: i) readers unsubscribed print newspapers out of fear of getting infected by coronavirus either through the copies of papers or delivery persons; ii) readers did not resubscribe print papers as they developed a habit of reading news on online news portals, e- papers, and social media pages of news outlets; and iii) although readers are somewhat satisfied with the information and news that they find on digital platforms, they hold a passion for print papers, and cherished their longtime habit of reading print newspapers.

Full Text: PDF