A Study Of The Readership Of The Catholic Standard In Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese

Abstract

This study aims at finding out the variables of the patrons of The Catholic Standard that has existed for more than seven-five years. There has not been a national scientific study of the readership of The Catholic Standard. Hence, qualities of readers are assumed in each diocese. This readership study of The Catholic Standard took place in Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese which happens to be the furthest from the printing press. The purpose was to unravel characteristics of readers and their reading culture. The study revealed that the readership of The Catholic Standard was male dominated. In terms of age, three out of ten were above fifty-five years. It implied that the paper was mostly read by the aged. By and large, readers of The Catholic Standard of Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese were satisfied with the content. They acknowledged high interest for the regular sections of the paper. However, they spent less time reading an issue. When the reading time spent on an issue was examined, an average of thirty minutes was recorded. Most readers skimmed or scanned for information. The ratio of heavy readers to light readers was one to fifteen. How come that a newspaper’s content is preferred yet little time would be spent reading it? The Catholic Standard has to adopt modern and innovative ways of capturing and sustaining young and future readers.