Analysis of the Impact of Distribution Formats for News Articles on Readers’ Browsing Behavior

Abstract

With the rise of digital media, news consumption has become increasingly diversified. While online platforms offer personalized content, concerns about filter bubbles persist. In response, traditional newspapers have adapted by providing both fixed-edition (morning/evening) and user-selected content. Using data from Nikkei Inc., we identified distinct reading patterns. Fixed-edition readers tend to browse quickly and engage with a wide range of topics, whereas user-selected readers spend more time per article but focus on a narrower set of content. We also analyzed beginner-oriented articles designed to offer diverse perspectives. Our findings indicate that fixed-edition readers rarely engage with these articles, while user-selected readers actively seek them out. This limited reach suggests inefficiencies in the distribution of such content. Optimizing recommendations for fixed-edition readers could enhance news delivery, ensuring that specialized content reaches a broader audience. Such improvements may contribute to a more balanced information environment in the digital age.