Measurement of News Websites Quality: An Empirical Study
Abstract
Based on a three dimensional model of internal, external, and contextual factors, this paper strives to develop a reliable, valid, and flexible instrument for measuring news websites quality (NewsQual) from the perspectives of the users. In this respect, A survey on the Internet was applied (N=132). The instrument was validated, after which the hypotheses were tested by way of a structural equation model (SEM) via PLS-Graph Version 3.00. The findings revealed that content; usability; website organization; and familiarity are the most influential factors in perceived quality of a news site, whereas website design, trust, reputation, and experience does not significantly influence in perceived quality. The results of study provide a valuable insight on the direct impact of quality factors that may enhance users' attitudes toward news websites. In addition, it could be a springboard for reliable applications across a broad range of online media.