Computer Technology And Media Practice In Nigeria

This research basically looks critically at computer technology and media practice in Nigeria focusing on Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation news gathering and delivery. Computer technology including the internet which is embedded with some facilities or applications like: email, social media (facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube) etc search engines (google, yahoo,bing) etc webcasting (podcasting, video streaming, narrowcasting, wedcasting), online news and blogging etc others are electronic news gathering and lots of software and hardware such as video and audio editing software and hardware that have changed the conventional face and practice of mass media like: radio, television, newspaper and magazine not only in Nigeria but across the globe.

Survey research method was adopted and simple random sampling technique was also use to select 120 respondents in which questionnaires were administered and 100 copies were retrieved. Findings show that 65% of the respondents are computer literates with at least 36.2% of them have a personal computer but others have some advanced mobile phones (Smartphone, Blackberry, iphone, ipad) etc. Also, 78% of the respondents also agreed that modern technology is enhancing AKBC news gathering and delivery. Similarly, because of the need to get hooked always to the internet 95% of the respondents said they used cyber café owned by their station. 60% agreed that computer technology has influence the performance of journalists to a larger extent. Data were analysed using frequency and percentage method. It is recommended that seminars and workshops should be organized regularly for the media practitioners in order to grow as technology grows.

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the entire system of media production in Nigeria. Both the print and broadcast media are affected in one way or the other by the information revolution. Information is the primary input as well as the final output of media industry. It collects raw information and converts it into categorized, defined and useful pieces of information.

Therefore it will not be an exaggeration to say that the radical changes brought in the realm of information through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) revolution are bound to affect media more than any other industry. The adoption and absorption of Information and Communication Technologies are being carried out in media industry by bringing efficiencies in all the functional wings including newsgathering, production, editorial and marketing so as to gain competitive advantage (Indo American Print summit 2008:153).

Information and Communication technologies are now used not just by press but increasingly by reporters and editors also in Nigeria. Its benefits are being recognized at every point of the entire supply chain of media production. The impact of Information and Communication technologies on every aspect of Newspaper, on the product, the production process, marketing and distribution in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

According to Chris (2001:7), technology development and absorption in media industry improved the printing process and reduced the operating time of editorial desks. The profuse use of online content and facilities has led to dominance of many-to-many model over one-to-many model of information collection. The individual or the department entrusted for the collection of information and news (Journalist) could gather information as per own and others convenience.

The wide range of editing, page making, database, photo imaging, and mixing software provided cutting-edge facilities to media business which could now streamline and integrate intra-wings functions within a newspaper. The use of telefax, websites, online database, web based information sites, and online readers and newsmakers, made the cumbersome job of information collection and reporting easier than ever before.

The facilities of emails, personal blogs, and online discussion forums further have widened the canvas of information as the news of remotest areas could be retained within the deadlines. Information Technology made its presence felt in all quarters of news quarters. It not only impacted the functioning of newspapers and various departments but even gave birth to new avatar, the epaper. Limitation of print versions, reach and accessibility, cost of newsprint abetted by unfathomable vista of Internet encouraged Newspapers companies

Nigeria to launch electronic version of editions. Thus, ICTs made the media available literally with a click of mouse anywhere anytime. However the e-paper is not a substitute to the print version rather a complement to the same.
Today, the use of advanced commercial printing machinery has also enabled media industry to print copies with well-defined properties, capable of producing high precision graphic prints along with other direct mail printing services, the modern digital printing machines are printing 30 thousand and above copies per hour as against 3000 to 4000 copies per hour published by old printing press.

According to Tony (2004:4), the incorporation of digital inkjet proofing and colour management has enabled newspapers to use distributed printing sites to produce product while minimizing the possibility of colour loss and poor print quality. Decentralized printing distribution has been given a further boost by the introduction of inserting and distribution technologies that help in media customize and produce targeted products.

In the past, traditional newspapers could only tell stories through text and images only, but now the advent of new media technologies allows journalists to tell stories in multiple channels. This increases the credibility of the story. It also allows users (readers), to become active participants in information creation. In other words, it turns users from been passive recipients of information to active participants of information production.

Based on the medium strengths and weakness barometer above it is apparent that online news services are multifunctional and flexible than other traditional forms of news media (Craig, 2005:13). This is also so because online services incorporate all functionalities which are found in traditional news media. It is also so because online news services are able to offer a tripple play (i.e. video, text and audio) which other news media channels can only offer in isolation.

1.2 Statement of Problem

The processes of using manual in media production over the years have been of major concern to media industry. Manual production processes of media not only in Nigeria but the world over takes more time and more workers than the modern process but yet produces less number of copies. This cumbersome process affects the financial base of the industry as more workers and time are required to produce less number of copies which in most cases also fail to meet both the deadlines and the number demanded for. The dependency on manual production also created tedious jobs for reporters, correspondents, editors, copywriters, as well as distribution department. These problems and others are what this research work seeks to solve.

The adoption of Information Communication Technologies, have altered the manual production process. Technology development and absorption in media industry has improved the printing process and reduced the operating time of editorial desk. The journalist, correspondent or the editorial department entrusted for the collection of information and news (Journalist) could gather information while in the office without much inconvenience using the modern technology.

Though new technology has introduced some extra costs, it has brought benefits in return. Portable computers mean that reporters working away from the main office can now deliver stories quickly, simply and reliably using a modem, rather than dictating them to a typist or a rewrite desk as in the case of manual production. The ability to submit stories and communicate with editors electronically saves time for most journalists, particularly freelancers, who often delivered their finished work by hand in the past. Now they can easily work for publications far from office, without worrying about the time and cost of delivering completed work.

1.3 Objectives of Study

To know the contribution of ICTs to media production in Nigeria

To verify how effective the application of ICTs have being in media practice in
Nigeria.

To ascertain the problems associated with the adoption of ICTs in media production in Nigeria.

To find out the extent to which ICTs have affected manual production in media industry in Nigeria.

To identify how media organizations have harnessed the potential of ICTs in enhancing media development in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the status of ICTs on Nigeria media industry?

What are the impacts of ICTs on media production in Nigeria?

What opportunities exist for the application of ICTs in media production in Nigeria?

Have ICT"s affected the manual production processes in media industry in Nigeria?

What are the challenges of ICTs adoption in media industry in Nigeria?

1.6 Significance of Study

This study helps to show how ICTs have improved the delivery of news, research and news gathering processes of newspapers industry

The study is significant because it helps to know how the daily reality of ICTs contributes in media production process. Journalist now has a chance to really know and interact with his or her audience that goes way beyond traditional letters to the editor.

Also is significant because it would serve as a point of reference for those seeking additional information on this research topic and other related subject matter.

This study will also add to existing literature on the role of ICTs

1.6 Definition of Terms

Information Communication Technology:

Chowdhury (2000,p.23) writes that ICTs encompass technologies that can process different kinds of information (voice, video, audio, text and data) and facilitate different forms of communications among human agents, among humans and information systems, and among information systems. They are about capturing, storing, processing, sharing, displaying, protecting, and managing information. Duncombe and Heeks (1999,p.128) simplify the definition by describing ICT as an "electronic means of capturing, processing, storing and disseminating information".

Production:

To non-economist, production would only mean the making or creating of something tangible. According to Anyanwuocha (2006,p.22), production involves the creation of utility. It is the creation of wealth in the form of goods and the provision of services which are capable of satisfying human wants. It could also be described as any activity involving human effort, leading to the satisfaction of human wants.

Newspaper:

A publication containing news, information, and advertising that is usually published on daily basis. Newspapers often feature articles on political events, crime, business, art/entertainment, society and sports. Most traditional papers also feature an editorial page containing columns that express the personal opinions of writers.

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