Applicability of the Informational Utility Model for Radio News

Abstract

The informational utility model states that (a) message utility increases as the intensity of the magnitude, likelihood, and immediacy of outcomes conveyed in the message increases, and that (b) increased utility leads to increased selection of the message. This study tests the model with radio news. Respondents listened to stories reflecting high or low intensity of one informational utility dimension. Afterward, respondents reported their retention and perceived relevance of each story. Results showed that individuals recalled more facts about stories of high, as opposed to low, utility; however, perceived relevance findings were nonsignificant.