The application of the uses and gratifications theory comparing television and newspaper coverage during product tampering cases

Periods of crisis communication are uncertain, at best, for any organization dealing with a product tampering. This study examined how the public would use the media to gain information about the product tampering, if there would be a difference between newspaper and television usage, and what gratifications the public would seek from the media.The hypothesis stated that there would be no significant difference in media use during product tampering cases between newspapers and television. Three hundred eighty-eight households, the number needed for statistical reliability, were surveyed by telephone in the Muncie, Indiana, area. Results of the data supported the hypothesis.Department of JournalismThesis (M.A.