Which Ticker Format Works Best? Effects of Updating and Scrolling News Content on Viewer Memory and Program Engagement

Abstract

This study considers two news ticker formats—the update ticker and the scrolling ticker—to determine the impact of ticker format on memory for news items in the tickers as well as for news program content presented in the background. Post-viewing responses between two treatment groups were compared, revealing better recognition of both types of news content when tickers updated rather than scrolled. Also, viewers report no differences in perceived clutter or program liking, suggesting there is no downside to using an update format.