Abstract
The flow of news through mass and social media has become a significant part of daily life for the Iranian population. In this space, audiences aim to engage actively as activists, yet they also encounter constraints related to time and energy. This study seeks to evaluate the role of news and news media, the audience's exposure patterns, and the specifics of their engagement with various news sources. Through qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews with 32 individuals in Tehran aged 18 and above, it was found that audiences develop a strong, enduring connection with news by selecting a personalized set of media outlets among the multitude available. This selection allows them to form a comprehensive understanding of current events within their self-defined information ecosystem, reflecting what is referred to in scholarly literature as their "media repertoire." The research suggests that audiences with lower engagement maintain a traditional pattern of news consumption characterized by minimal energy expenditure and limited exposure, supporting the continued relevance of ritual news consumption. The emergence of the "media repertoire" concept marks a significant evolution in understanding how audiences engage with news consumption rituals.
Keywords: Ritual news consumption, media repertoire, Tehran audience, news consumption patterns, social media.
Introduction
News consumption, an integral part of modern daily life, has undergone significant transformations due to technological advancements and media proliferation. The study titled “Rethinking the Concept of Ritual News Consumption: Behavioral Patterns of News Consumption in Tehran Audience” investigates how Tehran residents engage with news and news media in the evolving media landscape. With the rise of digital platforms and social media, news consumption patterns have shifted from traditional to more selective and multi-source behaviors. This research aims to identify the nature of audience engagement with news, their consumption patterns, and the impact of media plurality on news-seeking behaviors.
The primary issue addressed is the declining authority of traditional media, such as Iran’s state television (IRIB) and newspapers, in favor of online and social media sources. Data from the Iranian Students’ Polling Agency (ISPA, 2021) indicate a 15.6% decrease in IRIB’s news consumption and a corresponding 15% increase in virtual space usage between 2017 and 2020. These shifts, coupled with challenges like declining public trust and the rise of “fake news,” underscore the need to rethink news consumption patterns. The central research question is: How do Tehran audiences engage with news and news media in their daily lives, and what patterns of news consumption emerge in the new media environment?
The literature highlights the “Repertoire Approach,” emphasizing audiences’ deliberate selection of media sources. International studies, such as Kim (2016), Geers (2020), and Buturoiu et al. (2023), have identified diverse news consumption patterns, including minimalists, omnivores, and online users. In Iran, studies like Shahabi and Dehghan (2012) and Alizadeh (2013) emphasize active source selection by audiences. This study draws on theoretical frameworks of “uses and gratifications,” “ritual consumption,” and “news repertoires” to analyze audience behavior.
 
Materials & Methods
The study aims to understand Tehran audiences’ news consumption patterns and re-evaluate ritual news consumption in a new media context. It employs a qualitative approach using semi-structured individual and focus group interviews. The target population consists of Tehran residents aged 18 and above. Purposive sampling with maximum variation was used, considering variables such as age (18-29, 30-50, and over 50), gender, education (up to diploma, bachelor’s, and above bachelor’s), occupation, and residential area (north, central, and south Tehran). A total of 32 individuals (18 men and 14 women) participated in 20 individual and 4 group interviews, with ages ranging from 21 to 85 years.
Data were analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA software. Coding occurred in three stages: descriptive (164 codes), interpretive (7 codes), and overarching (2 codes: serious and non-serious news audiences). Reliability was ensured by detailing methodological procedures, with both researchers involved in data analysis. Validity was achieved through triangulation and direct evidence from interviewees’ statements.
 
Discussion & Result
The study identified two main audience groups based on their news engagement: non-serious (low-consumption) and serious (high-consumption) audiences.
Non-Serious News Audiences: This group exhibits marginal and passive news consumption, with news holding a peripheral role in their daily lives. They typically rely on a single television news broadcast (e.g., 20:30 news) or social media news. Their engagement is often contextual (e.g., listening to radio or watching TV while multitasking) or through interpersonal communication (e.g., non-news Telegram groups). They do not seek alternative sources when a media outlet becomes inaccessible (e.g., Telegram filtering). News consumption may increase during crises, but it generally involves minimal effort. Older audiences with lower media literacy prefer traditional media like IRIB and avoid newer platforms.
Serious News Audiences: This group actively and continuously engages with news, prioritizing news-seeking in their daily routines. They use multiple sources (social media, websites, online newspapers, radio, and TV), often starting their day with Telegram channels or news websites. They cross-check competing sources to verify news accuracy and construct personalized narratives. These audiences maintain a consciously selected media repertoire, habitually revisited. Social media, particularly Telegram and Instagram, are primary news sources, but traditional media like TV remain relevant during crises. Contextual radio use helps maintain news connection during commutes. This group often leans non-conservative politically and demonstrates higher media literacy.
 
Conclusion
The study highlights the need to rethink ritual news consumption in a new media environment. Non-serious audiences align with traditional ritual consumption, engaging with news passively, while serious audiences combine active news-seeking with ritualistic habits through curated media repertoires. These repertoires reduce cognitive load and address the attention economy. Future studies should explore the criteria for media repertoire selection and the influence of socio-cultural factors on news-seeking. Quantitative research could assess the prevalence of each audience group.