Audiences’ Perception and Evaluation of Online News Videos: A study on Chittagong University Students

Abstract

While research on news quality has traditionally focused on print and broadcast media, limited attention has been paid to emerging forms such as online news video, especially from the audience’s perspective. This study explored how university students perceive and evaluate online news videos, using a mixed-method approach. A structured survey (N=100), a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and two In-Depth Interviews (IDI) were conducted among students from the University of Chittagong. The analysis draws on Media Credibility Theory and Modality Interactivity Theory to understand students' content preferences, trust judgment and engagement behaviors. Finding showed that 61% student consume online news videos multiple times daily, primarily via social media platforms like Facebook and Youtube. As a result, recommendations from platforms and trending content significantly shape their viewing habits. Although 47% prefer online news videos over traditional formats, credibility remains a nuanced issue. The qualitative findings revealed that professionally produced content is more trustworthy than user-generated content used in the news video. Besides, visual elements and charts enhance engagement while poorly integrated music and lengthy advertisements deter it. These results highlight the central role of platform algorithms in shaping students’ news consumption. The study offers practical implications for online news producers to understand digital news engagement among young audiences.