From Print to Screen: Motivational Factors Influencing Online Newspaper Consumption among Open and Distance Learners

The rapid shift from print to digital media has transformed the landscape of news consumption, particularly among learners in technology-mediated education settings.This study explores the motivational factors that influence online newspaper consumption among Open and Distance Learning (ODL) learners in Malaysia.Drawing on a quantitative research design, data were collected from 212 respondents through a structured questionnaire focusing on five key motivations: information, entertainment, social utility, personal utility, and escapism.Data analysis was conducted using Jeffrey's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) version 0.19.1.0.The results reveal that all five motivational factors significantly and positively influence online news consumption.Information motivation emerged as particularly influential, indicating that users primarily engage with digital news platforms to stay informed and access content relevant to their needs.Personal Utility, entertainment, social utility, and escapism also contributed meaningfully, reflecting the multidimensional nature of digital news engagement.These findings offer practical implications for media organisations, educators, and policymakers in designing content and strategies that resonate with the motivations of ODL learners.The study adds to the growing knowledge on digital media behaviour in educational contexts and supports the development of targeted media literacy and engagement initiatives.