THE IMPACT OF ICT IN NEWS PROCESSING
-
Upload
faithwisedom -
Category
Documents
-
view
4.423 -
download
2
description
Transcript of THE IMPACT OF ICT IN NEWS PROCESSING
THE IMPACT OF ICT ON NEWS PROCESSING: A STUDY OF AIT AND NTA
IFEANYI ADIGWELAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION
ABSTRACT Information and communication has swept the world with powerful force affecting the society. Supported in its entirety by the communication technology, information spread vastly become faster and cheaper. The media through which information is disseminated also gets varied in types, further revolutionizing the information era. In the past, there is a significant time lag separating the point when an event took place and the time when the news may be publicly available. This study attempts to investigate the impact of information and communication in news process; a study of AIT and NTA. It is presumed that the radical changes brought in the realm of information through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution has affected immensely the broadcast more than any other industry. In the same way, the level of adoption and absorption of Information and Communication Technology are being carried out in broadcast industry by bringing efficiencies in all the functional wings including production, editorial and marketing so as to gain competitive advantage. We cannot but say that ICT facilitates the creation, storage, management and dissemination of information by electronic means. This study uncovered some of the numerous benefits and challenges associated with the use of ICT in news processing in broadcast industry. This study employs diffusion of innovation theory and technological determinism theory as the theoretical framework. This study concludes that ICT has created opportunities for widespread electronic delivery of news. Furthermore, the Internet can be viewed as both an opportunity and a threat to the news industry. However, not only are there technology barriers that news organizations need to overcome to deliver news electronically, but there are also problems of employee attitudes toward new technologies and resistance to change, and above all, the implication of this in the society will lead to an overall shrink in the need for human correspondents
1
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background to the study
Before we explore the impact of ICT on news process let’s look at the
words of Silverstone (2000) as he pointed out Media are changing, have
changed, radically. Our century has seen the telephone, film, radio,
television become both objects of mass consumption and essential tools
for the conduct of everyday life. We are now confronted by the spectre
of a further intensification of mediated culture, through the global
growth of the Internet and the promise (some might say the threat) of
an interactive world in which nothing and no one cannot be accessed,
instantly. Much of contemporary debate draws on a sense of the speed
of these various changes and developments, but mistakes the speed of
technological change, or indeed of commodity change, for the speed of
social and cultural change. There is a constant tension between the
technological, the commercial and the social, a tension that must be
addressed if we are to recognize media as indeed a process of
mediation. Silverstone (2000)
2
To a large extent, it is believed that Information is the primary input as
well as the final output of a broadcast 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 Technology (ICT) revolution are bound to affect the
broadcast industry more than any other industry. The adoption and
absorption of Information and Communication Technology are being
carried out in broadcast industry by bringing efficiencies in all the
functional wings including production, editorial and marketing so as to
gain competitive advantage. Gester (2003) points out that ICT facilitates
the creation, storage, management and dissemination of information by
electronic means.
Operationally ICTs comprise digital devices either notifies the hard
wares, or softwares for transferring information. It includes low cost
means of communication like radio, GSM/mobile phones and digital
television.
In the same vein, Adekomi in Soforowa 2009 see ICT as the integration
and utilization of computer technologies for the purpose of
disseminating information to a target destination or consumer without
the constraint of time and space
3
Information and Communication technology in broadcast news gathering
in on the increase by reporters and editors. Its benefits are being
recognized at every point of the entire supply chain of news. Technology
development and absorption in broadcast industry has improved the
packaging of news. The profuse use of online content and facilities has
led to high productivity and efficiency at a reduce cost. (Lapham, 1995)
The wide range of recording of news with high sophistication, editing
database, photo imaging, and mixing software provided cutting-edge
facilities to broadcast industry. The use of telefax, websites, online
database, and web based information sites, and online readers and
newsmakers, made the cumbersome job of information collection and
reporting easier than ever before. It would not be wrong to postulate
that whole nature of editorial job has changed under the influence of IT.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) is an umbrella term
that covers all technical means for processing and communicating
information. The term has gained popularity partially due to the
convergence of information technology (IT) and telecom technology. ICT
defines a broad range of technologies, including methods for
communication (communication protocols, transmission techniques,
communications equipment, media communication), as well as
4
techniques for storing and processing information (computing, data
storage, etc.)
Also, Information and communication technologies (ICT) are often
associated with high-tech devices, such as computers and software, but
ICT also encompasses more “conventional” technologies such as radio,
television and telephone technology.
The term, information and communication technology (ICT) refers to
forms of technology that are used to transmit, store, create, share or
exchange information. This broad definition of ICT includes such
technologies as: radio, television, video, DVD, telephone (both fixed line
and mobile phones), satellite systems, computer and network hardware
and software; as well as the equipment and services associated with
these technologies, such as videoconferencing and electronic mail.
(Wikepedia,2009).
Rogers in Berniger (2005:2), states that communication technology is
the hardware equipment, organizational structures, and social values by
which individuals collect, process, and exchange information with other
individuals.
In the same way, high technology approaches to news processing have
set in motion an evolution in strategies of news gathering in the first half
of this decade. Central to these new approaches is the use of personal 5
computer, Williams and Sawyer (2003:3) pointed out that a computer is
“ a programmable, multiuse machine that accept data –raw fact and
figures, manipulate and process it into information that we can use, such
as summaries, totals or reports” its purpose is to speed up problem
solving and increase productivity.
Communication technologies are the nervous system of contemporary
society, transmitting and distributing sensory and control information,
and interconnectivity a myriad of interdependent units (Rogers cited
Berniger 2005:4). One of the hallmarks of industrial revolution was the
introduction of new communication technologies as mechanisms of
control that played an important role in almost every area of the
production and the distribution of manufactured goods. (Rogers cited
Berniger 2005:4)
Collins (2003: 65), argues that the number of transistors on a chip as
crude measure of the computing power, doubles approximately every 18
months since 1967, because of this steady advancement in hardware, it
is feasible for computers to solve very complex problems in a relative
short time. In addition to this increase in processing, there has been an
increase in the amount of storage available and the amount of
information that can be transmitted over data communication network.
The adoption of personal computers as a news reporting tool is a two-
6
prong approach to news processing commonly known as computer-
assisted reporting. Computer-assisted reporting (CAR), includes both (a)
online-based newsgathering that uses specialized commercial services
and Internet-based services, such as the World Wide Web, and (b)
database-oriented analysis using existing and originally created
databases from both the public and private sectors (Garrison, 1995).
As personal computers became less expensive in the past decade, the
devices began to appear in newsrooms around the nation and their uses
in newsgathering began to expand. At the same time, the computing
power and speed of desktop computers have also increased, permitting
reporters to attempt many of the same tasks for which they would have
used larger mainframe or mid-range computer systems just a few years
earlier.
Between 1994 and 1996, computer-assisted reporting has moved
toward a second stage in its development. Instead of being limited to
special investigative teams or to desks whose reporters work exclusively
on such reporting, some newsrooms have begun to move toward total
integration in newsrooms. This has been facilitated by the conversion in
some newsrooms of dedicated word-processing computer systems
devoted solely to production to PC-based local area networks capable of
production and to enhance broadcast news, but also capable of all other
7
PC-type functions, such as online connections and data processing or
analysis (Garrison, 1996).
In the past few decades information and communication technology has
transformed the world in all spheres of life. It’s potential for reducing
manual operations and fostering growth in the media has increased
rapidly. According to Okoye (2000:195), computer technology has
enhanced news processing and news reporting. With the Internet,
journalist can now click on relevant sites to source for foreign or even
local news for subsequent broadcast news, this will likely lead to an
overall shrink in the need for human correspondents.
The importance of computer technology as a tool for news processing
cannot be overemphasized. The adoption of computer technology in
broadcast industry has revolutionized and enhanced news processing.
Access to information is fundamental to empowerment, recognizing the
impact of increasing digital convergence on media has created an
enabling environment to ensuring people’s access to information
through the adoption of this technology.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
It could be argued that the employment of computer technology in the
newsroom and in news processing will increase cost, as money would
have to be invested into acquiring both hardware and software creating 8
or building websites, include remunerations for personnel that would
man and constantly maintain them. However, going by global trends,
which foretell an increase in the employment and the deployment of
computer technology in news processing, in order to achieve better
efficiency, accuracy, and speed up operations of news processing,
Gester (2003) points out that ICT facilitates the creation, storage,
management and dissemination of information by electronic means.
Abiahenu (2006) pointed that ICT facilitates communication and
processing of information, saves time and reduce cost.
However, when information technology is discussed, it puts people out
of jobs. The reverse is often the case. This technology takes over
mechanical assignment and frees individuals for more intellectual
productive work Similarly, if this technology will achieve its overall
objective, there is need for faster and more accurate means of solving
manual operations of data processing and better storage devices for
information and data as provided by the computer system, the
complexities of modern technology have produced great mathematical,
scientific, and engineering problem and hence, enhanced news
processing. The Nigerian broadcast and print media like other facet of
life and human endeavour in the country have embraced information
and communication technology to some extent.
9
In this vein, this study tends to investigate the challenges facing media
organization with a view of finding out the effect of the use of
information and communication technology in news processing. Also, we
will identify the constraints to the use of information technology in news
processing.
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
1. To ascertain the impact of information and communication
technology (ICT) in news processing in Nigeria.
2. To investigate the constraints to the use of information and
communication technology in news processing in Nigeria.
3. To identify the various ways ICT enhances news processing
in Nigeria .
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What is the impact of information and communication
technology (ICT) in news processing in Nigeria?
What are the constraints to the use of information and
communication technology in news processing in Nigeria?
10
In what ways can ICT enhance news processing in Nigeria?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
According to the Wikipedia encyclopedia “Information technology (IT) or
Information and communication(s) technology (ICT) is a broad subject
concerned with technology and other aspects of managing and
processing information, especially in large organizations.” This draws
attention to the fact that ICT involves technology that can be used to
communicate or rather to convey messages.
ICT has had several effects on news men, with some of them seen as
advantages while others as disadvantages, the computer and the
modem, along with many other ICT hardware and software innovations
and services, have placed a high point of a very significant stage of
development in the history of human communication, often called, ‘the
information society’, and have transformed the way many men and
women work in the media and entertainment industries”. It is believed
that ICT has brought about significant changes in the job. ICT has led to
the generation of more and well researched news. With the coming of
mobile phones, you can call your news sources at anytime and get news
and moreover well-balanced and researched news. When it comes to the
Internet, news and program backgrounders are always available. Think
of any topic you are working, from health, education, lifestyle, to
11
environment, you cannot fail to get information to help you enrich your
story especially with those hard to get facts coupled with pictures. The
Internet has surely transformed the newsroom to greater heights. It is
important to note that this comes as a result of globalization and it is
also a cause of globalization in one way. As a matter of fact, information
and communication technology (ICT) has bridged the gap of distance
and solve the problem of transportation, journalists can now file in their
story from any part of the country, where an Internet access is available.
Recognizing the fact the Internet offers greater editorial freedom and
the ability to publish breaking news. More so, Internet skills help to
provide media professionals with the tools they need to develop
alternative news outlets.
Ultimately, the adoption of these technologies have tremendously
revolutionalized the media house towards profitability. This technology
has enhanced cost of production, improved quality of product; however,
the effect of this technology would result to reduction in staff as most of
the operations would be done by information and communication
personnel.
Carlsson (2005:204), argues that, “The development of innovative
information technologies and the ongoing processes of deregulation and
concentration of ownership, have spurred the pace of globalization
12
especially communications satellites and digitalization-not least the
Internet-have had an enormous impact”. ICT has helped to bring closer
communicators and receivers to the extent that feedback is swift. This in
turn makes communication process participatory, useful and
development focused as it centers on the audience. Servaes and
Malikhao (2005;91), argue that, “Participatory, which necessitates
reasoning and moreover trust will help reduce the social distance
between communicators and receivers, between teachers and learners,
between leaders and followers as well as facilitate a more equitable
exchange of ideals” this draws attention to the fact that ICT has made
exchange of ideas between communicators and receivers easy hence
making the communication process people centered. In the same way,
considering the fact that the use of information and communication
technology has reduced stress and cost implication in the tedious
operations in the media industry. Its adoption in Nigeria will increase
profitability and ease the stress associated with paperwork. Besides,
promoting open Internet inter-news uses information and
communication technologies (ICT) in innovative ways to strength local
and independent media.
Students are not left out, as they will be abreast with the various forms
of information and communication technology (ICT) tools employ in
news processing and reporting, the constraints to the use of this 13
technology in news processing in Nigeria. Better still, this study provide
a clearer view of the challenges faced with the information and
communication technology personnel as regard this technology, in order
for them to upgrade and to move with the trend in information and
communication technology so as not to fade out in this ever changing
technology.
1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY
This study focuses mainly on AIT and NTA, Lagos Nigeria. AIT and NTA
was adopted to investigate the impact of information and
communication technology (ICT) in news processing because of the high
influx of ICT gadgets in its news operations, also, the computer and the
internet would be the major concern of the use of ICT in news process in
AIT and NTA.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY.
This research is subjected to a number of known limitations. One of the
limitations is the fact that this study would have adopted more ICTs to
verify the impact in news process; be that as it may it only employs the
computer and the internet out of all the ICTs. Another known limitation
was that more stations would have been preferred to investigate the
impact of ICT on news process, but time and money are the major
constraints to choosing only two Television stations.
14
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
1.NEWS PROCESSING: it involves the overall procedures that
Culminate in making news available to the readers.
2. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT):
refers to forms of technology that are used to transmit, store, create,
share or exchange information, the computer and the internet shall
be our focus.
15
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The information era has swept the world with powerful force affecting
the society. Supported in its entirety by the communication technology,
information spread vastly become faster and cheaper. The media
through which information is disseminated also gets varied in types,
further revolutionizing the information era. In the past, there is a
significant time lag separating the point when an event took place and
the time when the news may be publicly available. The advancement of
radio and television allows for the real time coverage of an event. In its
time, the existence of radio broadcasting audio-based news was
considered revolutionary in information dissemination. The birth of
television upgrades the information era to the level where visualization
is part of the necessities. Still, the impact of those past inventions is
nowhere to match the recent phenomenon: the internet. The
16
advancement in internet connection, supported by wide spreading
telephone lines (both fixed and wireless), have opened up further the
new information era and redefined the necessity in information. Various
kinds of information exist out there and the limit to the amount of
information one can get is determined more by the person rather than
by the publicly available sources.
The development and use of information and communication technology
(hereafter, ICT) differ in many dimensions: between countries
(developed vs. Developing) and within countries (high vs. low socio-
economic status, etc).
Such differences are mainly due to differences in the quality of human
resources –especially in skills, knowledge and education. ICT application
depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on the existence of ICT
infrastructure. For example, internet technology would first require good
telephone infrastructure, before later one may start considering wireless
Internet connection. Secondly, the ICT application also depends on the
people’s skill and knowledge. The application is not a matter of being
imported and used. Instead, it requires a specific level of knowledge and
skills before one would be able to operate the equipment properly. The
proliferation of technology especially that of the ICT has significantly
changed the social order and interpersonal relationship. Yet, the
flexibility and advance of this technology has proved its role as the 17
supportive measures in human’s life activities in the quest to promote
productivity. Mugo (2006)
The Oxford Advanced Learners’ Dictionary of Current English defines
technology as the “systematic application of knowledge to practical
tasks in industry”. And through this application therefore, technology
improves the quality of life. Therefore it will not be an overstatement to
say that the far-reaching changes brought in the realm of information
through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution are
bound to affect broadcast industry more than any other industry
because of the timeliness and immediacy of information. The computer
system is unique in that writers, editors, and others with a news
background designed it and are now responsible for its management
and development. The successful integration of electronic technology
into the manual world of the newsroom cannot be over-emphasized
It could be argued that the media are changing, have changed, radically.
Our century has seen the telephone, film, radio, television become both
object of mass consumption and essential tools for the conduct of
everyday life.
This changing, or reality, to some extent, is enabled and equipped by
the development of information communication technology (ICT), which
is operationalized by a variety of medium formats, from mass
communication facilities, such as radio and TV stations, to personal
18
communication devices, such as personal computers, personal data
assistant, and mobile phones. Similar to other communication
technologies that have contributed their quota to human society along
our history, ICT has brought some consequences to society, both known
and unknown to us.
The adoption of computer technology in broadcast industry could be
said to have revolutionized and enhanced news processing. Access to
information is fundamental to empowerment, recognizing the impact of
increasing digital convergence on media has created an enabling
environment to ensuring people’s access to information through the
adoption of this technology.
In this vein, Amamize (2003:2), defined computer “as a machine, which
accepts data as input, based on its internal instruction, processes these
data and produced information as output”. The computers are regarded
as general-purpose machines because it can perform different
operations simultaneously as a very high speed. Similarly,
communication technology consists of electromagnetic devices and
systems for communicating over a long distances. The principal
examples are telephones, radio, broadcast television and cable
television (Williams and Sawyer, 2003:3)
19
More recently, there has been the addition of communications of
computers or other information device, connected through a network, to
access information and services from another computer or information
device (Williams and Sawyer, (2003:3). Information and communication
technology also involves other equipments and information transmission
system such as electronic mails, facsimile, cable television, teletext,
electronic telephone exchange, satellite communication. Adigun
(2005:15) described information and communication technology “as the
electronic acquisition, storage and dissemination of vocal, pictorial,
textual and numerical information”
The most obvious aspect of communication technology is the hardware
in the physical equipment related to the technology. The hardware is the
most tangible part of a technology system, and new technologies
typically spring from development in hardware. It is just as important to
understand the messages communicated through the technology
system. These messages will be referred to in this study as the
“Software”
According to Rogers, computer software includes information
manipulated by the computer (such as text, a spreadsheet, or any other
stream of data manipulated or stored by the computer) as well as the
instruction used by the computer to manipulate the data. In the same
20
way, Olamilokun (1999) in Amamize (2003:37) observed that the
computer would not be able to function without the software, and the
software is the written instruction that powers on the computer, and
assist the computer in carrying out its operations, manipulate stream of
data and support the computer in understanding the various complex
tasks that it performs.
Gester in Mugo (2006) remarked that ICTs may be looked at as
technologies that “facilitate the creation, storage, management and
dissemination (communication) of information by electronic means.” In
terms of improvement of life, these technologies achieve this by
facilitating communication and processing of information through their
interactivity, permanent availability and reduced costs. Abiahenu in
Mugo (2006)
While journalism is the art of writing, recording, editing news, events,
various accounts, their transmission among others, ICT has greatly
influenced Broadcast industry and may be thought of from two
perspectives. First, as the utilization of various ICT tools like the radio,
fixed telephone, computers, the internet, mobile phones and others and
secondly, as the kind of journalism in which the journalist has ICTs as
21
the subject for his or her trade, that is generates stories on and about
ICTs.
2.1.1 IMPACT OF ICT ON NEWS PROCESSING
One of the challenging features of ICT in news processing is that news is
Timely and immediate since the emergent of computer technology. It is
evident that ICTs have had a tremendous impact on how fast content
reaches the target. Unlike in the past when audience would largely rely
on newspapers and broadcasters to present information or news the
following day and through special editions (in newspapers) and at the
slotted “news hour”, ICTs have made it even easier to publish
information in real time, updating breaking news and events as they
happen (Muga,2006).
Muga (2006) observed that the telephone has shorted the time between
the reporter and the source, reporter and editor, saving costs such as
travel logistics. Now with the advent of the mobile telephone, The
Standard as well as other media groups have ensured that reporters on
the ground, correspondents, stringers are only a call away and they took
a similarly close to sources who are physically miles away.
22
Therefore, editors can call report writers direct on their mobiles for
clarification. Further, reporters do not necessarily have to carry the
stories to the newsrooms. They may as well prepare their stories in
cybercafés
2.1.2COST
One of the immediate impacts of the evolution of ICT is the cost
element. Technology comes with an economic cost attached to it. More
importantly, the investment in new technology costs money. This is one
of the decisions that organizations have had to make. Despite the
eventual returns- in terms of more wealth generation, time saved and
2overall profits on investment,- there is the challenge of the cost
element for implementation of any new technology.
For example, installing computers, faxes, internet is a monumental cost
for all media outlets. Funds have had to be set aside for installations and
subsequent networking. The same with the rising telephone costs-
whether fixed lines or mobile lines, companies had to funds these new
initiatives which was quite an uphill tasks. Though the final returns are
there to be seen, there was this important financial hurdle to jump. Still
the organizations have to keep budgeting for the cost of using the new
23
technology especially more so in Africa where such communication
infrastructure (ICTs) is prohibitive.
In addition to improving the delivery of news, computer and
telecommunications technology can improve the research and news
gathering processes of broadcast industry. Lapham (1995) established
that "The computer is a perfect complement to the broadcast industry . .
. . It enables the existing news industry to deliver its product in real
time. It hugely increases the quantity of information that can be made
available, including archives, maps, charts and other supporting
material. It opens the way to upgrading the news with full screen
photography and videos, while hugely enhancing the richness and
timeliness of the news.
2.2 THEORECTICAL FRAMEWORK
2.2.1DIFFUSION OF INNOVATION THEORY
The application of diffusion theory to media technology is useful for
examining how media literacy proponents can apply the diffusion of
innovations theory to increase the adoption of media technology to
facilitates news processing.
Before elaborating on diffusion theory of innovation it is important to
understand the tenets of general diffusion theory. Everett M. Rogers
24
(1995) is the best- known scholar in the area of diffusion research. His
book, Diffusion of Innovations , is the most often cited work dealing with
diffusion. As Rogers points out, diffusion is not a single, all-
encompassing theory. It is several theoretical perspectives that relate to
the overall concept of diffusion; it is a meta-theory.
Diffusion is the process by which an innovation is adopted by members
of a certain community. There are four factors that influence adoption of
an innovation. These include 1) the innovation itself, 2) the
communication channels used to spread information about the
innovation, 3) time, and 4) the nature of the society to whom it is
introduced (Rogers, 1995). The application of diffusion theory to media
technology is useful for examining the adoption of media technology to
facilitating news processing.
2.2.2TECHNOLOGICAL DETERMINISM THEORY
The term is believed to have been coined by Thorstein Veblen (1857-
1929), an American sociologist. Veblin's contemporary, popular historian
Charles Beard, provided this apt determinist image, "Technology
marches in seven-league boots from one ruthless, revolutionary
conquest to another, tearing down old factories and industries, flinging
up new processes with terrifying rapidity."
25
Technological determinism has been summarized as 'The belief in
technology as a key governing force in society ...' (Merritt Roe Smith in
Wikipedia 2009) . 'The idea that technological development determines
social change ...' (Bruce Bimber in Wikipedia 2009). It changes the way
people think and how they interact with others and can be described as
'...a three-word logical proposition: "Technology determines history"'
(Rosalind Williams in Wikipedia 2009) . It is, '... the belief that social
progress is driven by technological innovation, which in turn follows an
"inevitable" course.' (Smith in Wikipedia 2009). This 'idea of progress' or
'doctrine of progress' is centralized around the idea that social problems
can be solved by technological advancement, and this is the way that
society moves forward. Technological determinists believe that "'You
can't stop progress', implying that we are unable to control technology"
(Green Wikipedia in 2009). This suggests that we are somewhat
powerless and society allows technology to drive social changes
because, "societies fail to be aware of the alternatives to the values
embedded in it technology" ( Smith in Wikipedia 2009).
Technological determinism has been defined as an approach that
identifies technology, or technological advances, as the central causal
element in processes of social change (Croteau and Hoynes, in
Wikipedia 2009). As a technology is stabilized, its design tends to dictate
users' behaviors, consequently diminishing human agency. This stance
26
however ignores the social and cultural circumstances in which the
technology was developed. Sociologist Fischer in Wikipedia 2009
characterized the most prominent forms of technological determinism as
"billiard ball" approaches, in which technology is seen as an external
force introduced into a social situation, producing a series of ricochet
effects.
Rather than acknowledging that a society or culture interacts with and
even shapes the technologies that are used, a technological determinist
view holds that "the uses made of technology are largely determined by
the structure of the technology itself, that is, that its functions follow
from its form" (Neil Postman, Wikipedia 2009). However, this is not to be
confused with the inevitability thesis (Daniel Chandler), which states
that once a technology is introduced into a culture that what follows is
the inevitable development of that technology.
Marshall McLuhan's belief that print helped produce the nation state.
This moved society on from an oral culture to a literate culture but also
introduced a capitalist society where there was clear class distinction
and individualism. As Postman maintains “the printing press, the
computer, and television are not therefore simply machines which
convey information. They are metaphors through which we
conceptualize reality in one way or another. They will classify the world
27
for us, sequence it, frame it, enlarge it, reduce it, and argue a case for
what it is like. Through these media metaphors, we do not see the world
as it is. We see it as our coding systems are. Such is the power of the
form of information”. (Wikipedia, 2009)
2.3 EMPIRICAL STUDIES
We cannot but say that information and communication technology, ICT
plays an important role in the broadcast media more than any other
sector. One of the key areas of this impact is news immediacy and
timeliness. It could be argued that the internet has made news
immediate and timely, be that as it may, the internet could be said to
have played an emergent role in news gathering, the role of the internet
as a news source has been growing both for general news and for news
about politics and public affairs. The pew Research Institute In March
2000 conducted a survey on the impact of the internet on news process,
it was discovered that 30 million Americans had gotten news about
politics using the internet, and 51 million had gotten news of any kind.
By the middle of 2004, these numbers had grown to 63 million and 92
million respectively. In the same vein, there is another possibility;
28
though running counter to the potential of an internet-aided information
balkanization is the notion that the internet may improve the quality of
democratic deliberation as people have a new and easy-to-use resource
to become informed about civic issues. To explore these cross currents,
the Pew Internet & American Life Project and the University of Michigan
School of Information conducted a survey in June 2004 to examine
people’s newsgathering patterns in the election season. The survey
sought to examine the degree to which individuals encounter
information that is at odds with their positions on issues or candidates.
To the extent that healthy democratic discourse relies on collisions –
people (actively or not) being exposed to information that informs and
challenges their views, with the result being better-informed electoral
choices – our purpose is to see whether the internet contributes to, or
inhibits, such collisions, it was revealed that 65% of internet users say
the internet was important in giving them information that helped them
decide their vote. And 35% say internet information made a difference
in their voting decision.
Conversely, One in five of those who used the internet to get campaign
news (20%) in 2004 identified CNN.com as the single source they used
the most. Some 10% said they relied most on AOL; 10% said MSN; 8%
said Yahoo; 5% said MSNBC’s Web site; 5% said Fox News’s Web site;
29
4% said local media; 3% said the New York Times; 3% said Google news;
and 1% said Drudge Report
The adoption of personal computers as a news reporting tool is a two-
prong approach to news processing commonly known as computer-
assisted reporting. Computer-assisted reporting (CAR), includes both (a)
online-based newsgathering that uses specialized commercial services
and Internet-based services, such as the World Wide Web, and (b)
database-oriented analysis using existing and originally created
databases from both the public and private sectors (Garrison, 1995).
Computer-assisted news reporting refers to anything that uses
computers to aid in the newsgathering process (Garrison, 1999). The
introduction of computers in the newsroom has been a gradually
developing process that must be traced back to early computing
devices. Later advances included inventions by John Napier, Blaise
Pascal, and Charles Babbage. A breakthrough in computing was the
invention of Herman Hollerith's Tabulator and Sorter. Soon after Howard
Aiken developed the Mark I computer.
The concept of computer-assisted reporting (CAR) is a broad one. It
encompasses, as Garrison (1998) explains, anything that uses
computers to aid in the news-gathering process. It can involve online
30
research and database journalism. It is sometimes called computer-
assisted journalism.
Garrison reports a study of leading problems in using the Internet for
Newsgathering that were identified by daily newspaper journalists.
Respondents to 1997 and 1998 national censuses listed their
perceptions of flaws in the Web as a newsgathering source. A total of
226 newspapers in 1997 and 185 in 1998, with a daily circulation of
20,000 or greater each year, participated in the study. Data from similar
national censuses conducted in 1994, 1995, and 1996 are also reported
for some variables. The study found growing use of online resources,
such as the Web and commercial services, during all five years. Among
the leading problems named by journalists were those common to other
forms of news reporting that had little to do with the Web itself. These
concerns included verification, unreliable information, badly sourced
information, and lack of Web site credibility. Technical problems were
not perceived to be as severe. Outdated links and slow loading times
were among the problems cited that related to the medium itself.
Without “access to information through the source, the reporter cannot
function,” wrote Columbia University newsgathering expert Melvin
Mencher (1997, p.309).
While new technologies, as they develop, help to overcome some of the
obstacles, they do not always seem to be the solution. They can,
31
sometimes, add to existing problems. However, journalists have used
telephones, short-wave radio, fax machines, and other new information-
gathering technologies to improve their work and to resolve some of the
difficulties of gathering information that have emerged during the past
century. Technology-based resources, for instance, help increase speed
and, sometimes, the accuracy of information being reported.
Technologies, of course, have their shortcomings. Sources on the
telephone, for instance, may not be who they say they are supposed to
be. Human sources have been known to be unreliable, to lie, and even
to engage in elaborate hoaxes. New technologies, such as cellular
telephones, often provide poor connections and radio communications is
susceptible to interference. Furthermore, third parties may monitor
wireless devices. Faxes, widely used in newsrooms during the past two
decades, can be garbled or reproduced so poorly as to be unreadable
(Mencher, 1997)
The latest information technology, centered on the worldwide network of
computer systems known as the Internet, has been an asset to most
journalists who have embraced it. Growing numbers of journalists use
the World Wide Web as a reporting tool with considerable enthusiasm
(Kaye & Medoff, 1999) Among the most appealing reasons for use of this
new resource is its scope and depth of information as well as the speed
at which the information may be retrieved. “Before personal computers
32
and fax machines, journalists relied on other tools to do their jobs:
telephones, telegraphs and typewriters were at the top of the list…. Add
a modem to a computer with a news library researcher skilled in online
database searching, and reporters discover information resources
unrivaled in scope. With expanded access into electronic files of
government data, and by analyzing that data, reporters really become
power journalists,” wrote University of North Carolina professor and
librarian Barbara Semonche (1993, p. 267).
The value of online resources to journalists is well established in the
literature of newsgathering and mass communication technology (Ross
& Middleberg, Garrison in Garrison, 1999) For example, Journalists use
online resources for background for interviews or other purposes, to find
or identify sources, to check or verify facts, to read their competition, to
become informed about current events, and to identify story ideas
(Garrison, 1999). Just as these advantages have been documented,
there is growing alarm about the problems associated with use of online
resources. When online resources first appeared in newsrooms in the
late 1970s and early 1980s, much concern focused on the cost of the
services (Garrison, 1999). Contemporary journalists often seek
innovative approaches to their newsgathering and news processing and
their jobs often require polished analytical skills and overall higher levels
of computer literacy (Stepp in Garrison 1999). Other concerns focused
33
on learning to use complicated and cumbersome computer systems that
were not very user-friendly. While online fees have been reduced, the
amount and depth of information have increased. Furthermore, use of
these online resources has become much easier in the past decade.
However, other issues remain. One such concern is judging and,
ultimately, trusting the quality of the content of online databases, Web
sites, and other resources (Schlossberg in Garrison 1999).
While the Internet and World Wide Web are valuable newsgathering
tools, finding information is a barrier for all users, especially journalists
on deadline (Callahan, 1997). Even if the act of locating information
were enough trouble, technophobia has been determined to be another
concern (Singer in Garrison, 1999)).
Researchers have identified anonymity and online accountability as
major problems with online newsgathering (Singer in Garrison 1999).
Accuracy and verification issues arise when discussing online news
sources such as Web publications that are often themselves sources for
journalists (Reddick & King in Garrison 1999).
The Internet, one author recently noted with some concern, has changed
the way Internet users assess trustworthiness. Schlossberg (1999)
argued that traditional standards, such as familiar voices or established
reputations, are being discarded in favor of technological features, such
as availability of useful links to other sites.
34
Authoritativeness of sources on the Web is identified as a factor in using
online sources (Evans in Garrison). The timeliness, or freshness, of the
information offered is a concern of many journalists (McGuire, et al,
1997). Ethics problems are also the focus of those scholars studying the
Web as an information source. Carleton (1994) noted that the fluid
nature of the Internet is troublesome because of information found one
day may not appear the next. Andrews (1996) said the new technology
is to blame for still another problem—surveillance in cyberspace.
Reporters using newsgroups and other online resources to find sources,
he explained, often are vulnerable to spying by competitors or corporate
public relations people.
Steady growth in use of ICT in news reporting underlines the importance
of identifying and analyzing problems associated with online information
services and the Internet. The dominance of the Internet and its World
Wide Web as the leading online tool places focus on the Web and
suggests that additional research should be conducted. In fact, serious
thought should be given to development of a Web news research
agenda.
35
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter focuses on the research method, design, population
sample, Area of study, sampling techniques, Instrument for data
collection, sources of data, data collection procedure, validity of the
36
instrument, Reliability of the instrument method of data analysis. The
research method of this study is survey.
The survey method according to Osuala in Tejumaye (2003) focuses on
people, the vital facts of people, their beliefs, opinions attitudes,
motivation and behaviour.
Wimmer and Dominick in Tejumaye (2003) indicated that the descriptive
survey method attempts to picture or document current conditions or
attitudes-i.e to describe what exists at the moment. This method is
adopted, employing the questionnaire because of this quality, which
makes it most relevant and most appropriate for conducting a study that
involve asking some questions from a large respondents.
The appropriateness of survey method to this study is further confirmed
by Babbie in Tejumaye (2003) when he observed that survey method is
good for descriptive research design which in fact is what this study
intends.
This research work was carried out as a field survey using AIT and NTA,
Lagos as its population. This location was chosen by the researcher to
investigate the impact of computer technology in news process because
of the high influx of ICT sophistication in AIT and NTA.
37
3.2 RESEARCH DESIGN
The survey method was adopted by the researcher to investigate: the
impact of ICT in news process: a study of AIT and NTA. Usually, survey
method does not only enable the researcher to make predictions but
also the behaviour of a great body of people requiring measurement
along a broad spectrum of opinions, attitude, feelings beliefs, ideas,
information and understanding, in view of this, the survey has been
considered the best method for this study.
3.3 AREA OF STUDY
The target of study looks at the impact of ICT in news process, taking a
simple-cross section of the perception of reporters in AIT and NTA, Lagos
3.4 POPULATION OF THE STUDY
The research population of this study is reporters in AIT and NTA,
Lagos, Nigeria. 100 copies of questionnaires will be administered during
the conduct of the study
3.5 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
38
A sample size of 100 respondents is chosen using random sampling.
Random sampling is a method of selecting a population such that all
members of the population have equal chance of being selected for the
study, and the sampling of each case from the pool of cases is
independent of the sampling of another case. One of the ways the
researcher employed in administering the questionnaire to it
respondents was the use of convenient sampling technique., which was
administered across 6 departments out of all the departments in AIT and
NTA.
3.6 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
The data collection instrument for this study is questionnaire. The
questionnaire will be both open and close-ended questions to seek
response, opinions and perceptions of the impact of ICT in news process.
The Questionnaire gives the researcher opportunity to establish rapport
with the respondents, which could make the respondents to open-up
and supply all the required information. It also gives an opportunity to
explain the meaning of items that are not clear and may not be
understood by the respondents. It guarantees as much as possible, the
uniformity of response from the response from the respondents and
enhances data processing.
3.7 VALIDITY OF THE INSTRUMENT
39
In the course of the pilot study to investigate the impact of ICT in news
process, a pre-test of the questions in the questionnaire was used to
measure the dependent variables, on this note, it could be inferred that
the research instrument (Questionnaire) was designed to specifically
measure respondents Perceptions, opinions and beliefs in order to
provide answers to research questions, which would in turn provide
solution to the problem of study. The questionnaire was designed in
such a way to generate responses that would directly address research
questions in an attempt to give specific answers to the research
questions.
3.8 RELIABILITY OF THE INSTRUMENT
The study adopted precision and accuracy in its measurement i.e
measuring carefully what is set out to measure and will therefore
consistently yield very similar responses to questions drafted in the
research instrument to address research questions, also when the
research is carried out again and again adopting similar technique and
population of study.
The capacity of the research design as well as research instrument to
yield the same responses and ultimately similar conclusions, when the
same procedure, technique and population of study is adopted gives this
study its reliability.
3.9 METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS
40
Descriptive type of analysis is employed since it gives an overview of
the description of observed phenomena with the use of frequency,
percentages and measurement of central tendency. This type of analysis
is suitable for summarizing sets of numerical data such as scores on
perception, scales and questionnaires. This type of data analysis is
suitable for only research questions and not useful for testing
hypothesis.
CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals extensively with the analysis and the interpretation of
data obtained on “the impact of information and communication
technology on news processing: a study of AIT and NTA.
The interpretation of these responses was judiciously used to address
the research questions asserted in chapter one of this study. The data
were presented in tables and percentage distribution of the frequency
counted and the mean was used as the subject of analysis. Also, the
questionnaire was both open and closed ended questionnaires; the
opened responses sought the views of journalist on the impact of
information and communication technology in news processing.
41
For the purpose of data collection, a total of 100 copies of
questionnaires were distributed to respondents in AIT and NTA, after
distribution and collection of the result 90 copies of the questionnaires
was retrieved leaving a deficit of 10 copies of the questionnaires either
void or was not returned. We can infer that 83% of the total
questionnaires distributed were analyzed and interpreted in the tables
below.
The findings of this study shall be presented in tabular analysis and
simple percentage of data will be employed. The first part analysis on
demography, while the section B deals with the subjective open and
closed ended questionnaires.
It was analyzed freely based on congruence of thoughts, relevance
and /or divergence of opinion of respondents. While the second part will
be dealing with the research questions with the presentation and
discussion of findings.
4.2 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
TABLE 1: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON AGE
AGE BRACKET RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
20-30 YEARS 38 42
31-40 YEARS 33 37
41-50 YEARS 16 18
51 AND ABOVE 3 342
TOTAL 90 100
It was discovered from table 1 that 42% of the respondents are of the
age bracket 20-30 years, 37% of the respondents fall within the age
bracket 41-50 years, 18% of the respondents are of the age bracket 41-
50 years while 3% of the respondents claimed that they are of the age
51 and above. From the above we could deduce that 20-30 years of the
respondents have the highest number of distribution in this study.
TABLE 2: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON EDUCATION
QUALIFICATION
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
GCE/WAEC/NECO 00
NCE/OND 25 28
HND/BSC 45 50
MSC/MA/PHD 9 10
PROFESSIONAL
QUALIFICATION
11 12
TOTAL 90 100
43
It is evident in table 2 that 28% of the respondents are NCE/OND
graduate, 50% of the respondents are HND/BSC graduate, while 12% of
respondents of this study holds professional qualification.
TABLE 3: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON WORK EXPERIENCE
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
0-5 18 20
6-10 43 48
11-15 11 12
16 AND ABOVE 8 9
TOTAL 90 100
It is apparent from table 3 that 20% of the respondents have a working
experience of 0-5, 48% of the respondents have a working experience of
6-10, 12% of the respondents have a working experience 11-15, 9% of
the respondents have a working experience of 16 and above.
TABLE 4: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON SEX
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
MALE 41 46
FEMALE 49 54
44
TOTAL 90 100
Table 4 revealed that 46% of the respondents are male, 54% of the
respondent of this study are female.
TABLE 5: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON COMPUTER LITERACY
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
YES 90 100
NO 0 0
TOTAL 90 100
It is evident from table 5 that 100% of respondents are computer
literate. This indicates to a large extent that the respondents are familiar
with a computer.
TABLE 6: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE VARIOUS FORMS
OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS EMPLOY IN
NEWS PROCESSING
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
COMPUTER 90 100
DIGITAL CAMERA 74 67
INTERNET 87 97
SCANNER 66 73
45
FIXED TELEPHONE 50 55
TOTAL 90 100
It is very apparent from the table above that the respondents asserted
that the computer is one of most common ICT tools that facilities news
processing with a percentage of 100%, this signifies that, the computer
to a large extent facilitate the process and enhance news process in
Nigeria, . Also the respondents affirmed that digital camera is also
another news processing tools as it facilitates the captures of pictures
with 67% of the respondents in news processing , be that as it may , the
respondents said that the internet is next common after the computer in
news processes because it facilitates news gathering by reporters with a
percentage of 97%, the scanner is also another ICT tools employ in news
processes with a percentage of 73%, phones are also ICT tools as
claimed by the respondents as it facilitate the process of news gathering
with a percentage of 55%, most of the respondents did say that the
numerous impact of ICT news processes have forever revolutionized the
news processes in Nigeria. Most the respondents said that ICT is an
asset that enables journalists to compare views and situations about
issues, others pointed out that ICT quickens the pace of news
gathering/writing.
46
Be that as it may, some of the respondents attributed that ICT has
improve news processes in term of timeliness, cost effective, wider news
distribution.
TABLE 7: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON WHETHER ICT
REDUCES STAFF STRENGHT
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
STRONGLY AGREE 52 58
AGREE 28 31
UNDECIDED 0 0
DISAGREE 6 7
STRONGLY DISAGREE 4 4
TOTAL 90 100
It is apparent from the table above that 58% of the respondents
stressed that with the employment of ICT in news room it has help
facilitate news processing but have reduce staff strength, as virtually
47
everything in the news room is digitalized and executed by the use of
computer or perhaps ICT tools which have been highlighted in the
course of the study, 31% of the respondents are in agreement with the
above assertion the noted that to a large extent the computer has
taken the order of the day as every operations in the news room is
executed by the computer within a twinkle of an eye, this has
predominantly pose a challenge in the society in the sense that
computer knowledge is needed in the news room. However 7% of the
respondents contend that the computer have not in any way reduce
staff strength in the news room, 4% of the respondent also agree with
the above statement. From the above we can deduce that with the
advent of computer couple with ICT tools news has been timely and
immediate. Although, since the knowledge of computer is not static but
dynamic it will pose a lot of challenges in manning newer technology
because technology changes very rapidly and swiftly.
RESEARCH QUESTION ONE: WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON NEWS
PROCESSING IN NIGERIA
TABLE 8: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENT ON WHETHER COMPUTER
TECHNOLOGY ENHANCES NEWS PROCESSING.
48
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
AIT NTA
YES 48 42 100
NO 0 0 0
UNDECIDED 0 0 0
TOTAL 90 100
It is apparent from table 8 that 100% of the respondents asserted that
the computer technology facilitates, enhance and has improved the
processes involved in news. We can say to a large extent, with the
advent of computer technology, the tedious work inherent in news
processing in news room is a thing of the past, as news processing
takes just a few minutes with the aid of information and communication
technology.
TABLE 9: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE RELEVANCY OF
COMPUTERIZATION TO NEWS PROCESSES.
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
VERY RELEVANT 56 62
RELEVANT 34 38
NOT RELEVANT 0 0
49
TOTAL 90 100
Indeed, it was exposed from table 9 that 62% of the respondents
claimed that computerization is very relevant in the news processing, 38
% of the respondents affirmed that the computer is relevant to news
processing, while none of the respondent said that the use of computer
in news processing is not relevant. We can therefore say that to a large
ICT is indispensable in news processing in Nigeria as it facilitates,
enhances and improves news processing.
TABLE 10: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON WHETHER ICT
IMPROVES NEW PROCESSES
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
STRONGLY AGREE 40 44
AGREE 24 22
UNDECIDED 0 0
DISAGREE 5 6
STRONGLY DISAGREE 10 11
TOTAL 90 100
50
It was revealed from table 10 that ICT improves news processing with
44% of the respondents strongly agree to the assertion, 22% of the
respondents also complement that ICT has a great impact on news
processing. 6% of the respondents were ambivalent to the impact of ICT
on news processing assertion. 11% of the respondents contend with the
impact of ICT in news processing, this could be as a result of none
familiarity of the role of ICT in news processing, in corroboration to the
above statement, the impact of ICT is not readily apparent perhaps
palpable We can therefore say that with the high responses of the
respondents to a large extent ICT improves the processes involved in
news making.
RESARCH QUESTION TWO: WHAT ARE THE CONSTRAINTS TO THE
USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN
NEWS PROCESSING IN NIGERIA?
TABLE 11: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON WHETHER INADEQUATE MAN POWER CAN MAR THE OPERATION OF COMPUTER IN THE NEWS PROCESSING
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
51
STRONGLY AGREE 43 48
AGREE 18 20
UNDECIDED 5 6
DISAGREE 13 14
STRONGLY DISAGREE 15 17
TOTAL 90 100
From table 11, it is evident that 48% of the respondents affirmed that
one of the constraints that could be identified with the use of
information and communication technology is inadequate manpower as
a key factor. Be that as it may, 20% of the respondents corroborate the
above statement that insufficient manpower could be seen as one of the
constraints that can affect news processing in Nigeria. Nevertheless, 6%
of the respondents cannot deduce the constraint that could affect news
processing in Nigeria this could be as a result of none familiar with ICT in
news processing. Moreover, 14% of the respondents disputed that
manpower might not a key constraints affecting news processing in
broadcasting station in Nigeria. In line with this disagreement, 17% of
the respondents predominantly justified that manpower might not
interrupt the news making process. In as much as we cannot dispense
52
the role of ICT in new processing in Nigeria, it could justified to a great
extent that insufficient manpower could be seen as a constraint that
could affect the process of news making in Nigeria.
Before ICT could be more effective in enhancing news processes in
Nigeria, the constraints to news processing should not be neglected if
broadcast industry must thrive or perhaps compete with its international
counterpart. Some of the respondents did say that inadequate man
power is one of constraints to the use of ICT in news processing in
Nigeria, others did say that epileptic power, maintenance, poverty,
infrastructural underdevelopment, be that as it may, cost of acquiring
technology is very high, above all lack of IT personnel have contributed
to a large extent to the drawbacks of the use of ICT in news processing
in Nigeria AIT and NTA in particular.
TABLE 12: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON WHETHER INADEQUATE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN NEWSROOM CAN HINDER THE NEWS PROCESSING.
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
STRONGLY AGREE 43 53
AGREE 18 19
UNDECIDED 5 10
53
DISAGREE 13 11
STRONGLY DISAGREE 15 7
TOTAL 90 100
More so it was revealed from table 12 that 53% of the respondents
claimed that insufficient computer in news room could hinder the
operation of new processing in the same vein, 19% of the respondents
also claimed that the computer as a medium could adversely affect the
operation of news processing. However, 10% of the respondent believed
that the insufficient computer does not make any difference in news
processing, but 11% of the respondents contend that insufficient ICT
equipment may not hinder the operation in news processing, this is
corroborating 7% of the that strongly affirm the ICT does not have an
immense impact as regards news processing in Nigeria. It can be argued
that most of the respondent that claimed that the impact of ICT is not
palpable in broadcasting as it concerns news processing in Nigeria may
be as a result of the respondent not being able to explore the blessings
of ICT on news process or perhaps is a novice in the matters of the
impact of ICT and it importance in news processing. In as much as we
cannot dispute that the relevancy of ICT in this 21st century is more
prevalent because it makes reporting timely and immediate.
54
RESEARCH QUESTION 3: IN WHAT WAYS CAN ICT ENHANCE
NEWS PROCESSING IN NIGERIA?
TABLE 13: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE EXTENT ICT
IMPROVES NEWS PROCESSING IN TERM OF NEWS TIMELINESS.
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
GREAT EXTENT 80 89
LITTLE EXTENT 10 11
NO EXTENT 0 0
TOTAL 90 100
We cannot dispute the fact that ICT has immensely and tremendously
influence news processing, it was affirmed from the table above that one
of the ways ICT impacts on news processing is noticed in news
timeliness. Without the employment of ICT in news processing one could
not have achieved news timeliness, 89% of the respondents greatly
justified the importance of ICT in news processing, be that as it may,
most of the respondents stated affirmatively that ICT has enhance live
broadcasting from the scene, and breaking news is made possible in
television broadcasting.
55
TABLE 14: DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS ON THE EXTENT ICT
IMPROVES NEWS PROCESSING IN TERM OF NEWS IMMEDIACY.
ALTERNATIVE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE (%)
GREAT EXTENT 66 73
LITTLE EXTENT 20 22
NO EXTENT 4 5
TOTAL 90 100
Table 14 reveals that 73% of the respondents agree to the assertion that
one the ways ICT impacts on news processing is evident in news
immediacy, 22% of the respondents complement the above statement
that news immediacy as been made possible as a result of the
employment of news processing in news room.
4.3 FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
Information and communication technology (ICT) plays an important role
in today’s society. The structural transformation in the economy, society
and culture tend to work faster in this era of information. Different
mediums facilitate the spread of information. In the news we cannot but
say that ICT is the fulcrum that determines the pace of news processing,
It was discovered from the findings of the study that 42% of the
56
respondents are of the age bracket 20-30 years, 37% of the respondents
fall within the age bracket 41-50 years, 18% of the respondents are of
the age bracket 41-50 years while 3% of the respondents claimed that
they are of the age 51 and above. From the above we could deduce that
20-30 years of the respondents have the highest number of distribution
in this study.
The study proves that 28% of the respondents are NCE/OND graduate,
50% of the respondents are HND/BSC graduate, while 12% of
respondents of this study holds professional qualification.
Indeed, It is apparent from the study that 20% of the respondents
have a working experience of 0-5, 48% of the respondents have a
working experience of 6-10, 12% of the respondents have a working
experience 11-15, 9% of the respondents have a working experience of
16 and above.
While the printing machine was considered a revolutionary event in the
past, its invention is nowhere to match impacts of the emergence of
internet in the last couple of decades. In response to this phenomenon,
it was observed from the findings of this study, ICT has immensely and
tremendously influence news processing, it was affirmed that one of the
ways ICT impacts on news processing is noticed in news timeliness, it
corroborates (Lapham, 1995), he submitted that Technology
development and absorption in broadcast industry has improved the
57
packaging of news. The profuse use of online content and facilities has
led to high productivity and efficiency at a reduce cost.
Essentially, it was exposed in this study that 46% of the respondents are
male, 54% of the respondent of this study are female.
It can be argued that the impact of ICT can only be felt if the right
machinery are in place this corroborate the findings of this study as it
revealed that 100% of respondents are computer literate, this could in
turn be felt in the impact of news processing
Research question one: seeks to examine the impact of information and
communication technology on news processing in Nigeria especially in
Nigeria. From the findings of the study, it is apparent that 100% of the
respondents asserted that the computer technology facilitates, enhance
and has improved the processes involved in news. We can say to a large
extent, with the advent of computer technology, the tedious operations
inherent in news processing is a thing of the past, as news processing
takes just a few minutes with the aid of information and communication
technology.
It is apparent, 62% of the respondents claimed that computerization to
news processing is very relevant in the news processing, 38 % of the
respondents affirmed that the computer is relevant to news processing,
while none of the respondent said that the use of computer in news
processing is not relevant. We can therefore say that to a large ICT is
58
indispensable in news processing in Nigeria as it facilitates, enhances
and improves news process.
It was revealed that ICT improves news processing with 44% of the
respondents strongly agree to the assertion, 22% of the respondents
also complement that ICT has a great impact on news processing. 6% of
the respondents were ambivalent to the impact of ICT on news
processing assertion. 11% of the respondents contend with the impact
of ICT in news processing, this could be as a result of none familiarity
with the role of ICT in news processing, in corroboration to the above
statement, the impact of ICT is not readily apparent or perhaps palpable
We can therefore say that with the high responses of the respondents to
a large extent ICT improves the processes involved in news making, this
findings uphold Gester (2003), he believed that the adoption and
absorption of Information and Communication Technology are being
carried out in broadcast industry by bringing efficiencies in all the
functional wings including production, editorial and marketing so as to
gain competitive advantage. The importance of computer technology as
a tool for news processing cannot be overemphasized. . The adoption of
computer technology in broadcast industry has revolutionized and
enhanced news processing. Access to information is fundamental to
empowerment, recognizing the impact of increasing digital convergence
on media has created an enabling environment to ensuring people’s 59
access to information through the adoption of this technology, Okoye
(2000) corroborates the findings of this study, when he noted that
computer technology has enhanced news processing and news
reporting, he further remarked that with the Internet, journalist can now
click on relevant sites to source for foreign or even local news for
subsequent broadcast news, and the implication of this in the society
will lead to an overall shrink in the need for human correspondents.
The findings of this study upholds Muga (2006) when he commented on
One of the challenging features of ICT in news processing is that news is
Timely and immediate since the emergent of computer technology, he
further declared that ICTs have had a tremendous impact on how fast
content reaches the target. Unlike in the past when audience would
largely rely on newspapers and broadcasters to present information or
news the following day and through special editions (in newspapers) and
at the slotted “news hour”, ICTs have made it even easier to publish
information in real time, updating breaking news and events as they
happen. Muga (2006)
The findings of this study refute technological determinism theory,
Rather than acknowledging that a society or culture interacts with and
even shapes the technologies that are used, a technological determinist
view holds that "the uses made of technology are largely determined by
the structure of the technology itself, that is, that its functions follow
60
from its form" . However, this is not to be confused with the inevitability
thesis (Daniel Chandler), which states that once a technology is
introduced into a culture that what follows is the inevitable development
of that technology. Be that as it may, the findings of this study uphold
diffusion of innovation theory as Diffusion is the process by which an
innovation is adopted by members of a certain community. There are
four factors that influence adoption of an innovation. These include 1)
the innovation itself, 2) the communication channels used to spread
information about the innovation, 3) time, and 4) the nature of the
society to whom it is introduced (Rogers, 1995). The application of
diffusion theory to media technology is useful for examining the
adoption of media technology to facilitating news processing.
Research question 2: what are the constraints to the use of information
and communication technology in news processing in Nigeria?
It was observed from the findings of the study, 48% of the respondents
affirmed that one of the constraints that could be identified with the use
of information and communication technology is inadequate manpower
as a key factor. Be that as it may, 20% of the respondents corroborate
the above statement that insufficient manpower could be seen as one of
the constraints that can affect news processing in Nigeria. Nevertheless,
61
6% of the respondents cannot deduce the constraint that could affect
news processing in Nigeria this could be as a result of none familiar with
ICT in news processing. Moreover, 14% of the respondents disputed that
manpower might not be a key constraints affecting news processing in
broadcasting station in Nigeria. In line with this disagreement, 17% of
the respondents predominantly justified that manpower might not
interrupt the news making process. In as much as we cannot dispense
the role of ICT in news processing in Nigeria, it could justified to a great
extent that insufficient manpower could be seen as a constraint that
could affect the process of news making in Nigeria.
Before ICT could be more effective in enhancing news processes in
Nigeria, the constraints to news processing should not be neglected if
broadcast industry must thrive or perhaps compete with its international
counterpart. Some of the respondents did say that inadequate man
power is one of constraints to the use of ICT in news processing in
Nigeria, others did say that epileptic power, maintenance, poverty,
infrastructural underdevelopment, be that as it may, cost of acquiring
technology is very high, above all lack of IT personnel have contributed
to a large extent to the drawbacks of the use of ICT in news processing
in Nigeria AIT and NTA in particular.
More so it was revealed from the findings of the study that 53% of the
respondents claimed that insufficient computer in news room could
62
hinder the operation of new processing in the same vein, 19% of the
respondents also claimed that the computer as a medium could
adversely affect the operation of news processing. However, 10% of the
respondent believed that the insufficient computer does not make any
difference in news processing, but 11% of the respondents contend that
insufficient ICT equipment may not hinder the operation in news
processing, this is corroborating 7% of the respondents strongly affirm
the ICT does not have an immense impact as regards news processing in
Nigeria. It can be argued that most of the respondent that claimed that
the impact of ICT is not palpable in broadcasting as it concerns news
processing in Nigeria may be as a result of the respondent not being
able to explore the blessings of ICT on news process or perhaps is a
novice in the matters of the impact of ICT and it importance in news
processing. In as much as we cannot dispute that the relevancy of ICT in
this 21st century is more prevalent because it makes reporting timely
and immediate.
One of the implication of the adoption and the absorption of ICT was
debated by Uche in Adaja (2008), which also in line with this study was
that the present explosion in communication technologies will in the
twenty-first century and beyond, pose some contradictions, challenges
and confusion to mankind, in his social, economic, and cultural spheres
of life.
63
Meanwhile, Quintana (1997) advocates that the ICT has created
opportunities for widespread electronic delivery of news. He further
remarked that the Internet can be viewed as both an opportunity and a
threat to the news industry. However, not only are there technology
barriers that news organizations need to overcome to deliver news
electronically, but there are also problems of employee attitudes toward
new technologies and resistance to change. In addition, the news
industry faces the problem of trying to meet the needs of a rapidly
changing target market.
It was also revealed that an ICT impact is more prevalent in the
newsroom as most of the respondent did say that ICT enhances news
immediacy and timeliness.
Research question 3: in what ways can ICT enhance news processing in
Nigeria? Indeed, ICT has immensely and tremendously influence news
processing, it was affirmed that one of the ways ICT impacts on news
processing is noticed in news timeliness. Without the employment of ICT
in news processing one could not have achieved news timeliness, 89%
of the respondents greatly justified the importance of ICT in news
processing, be that as it may, most of the respondents stated
affirmatively that ICT has enhance live broadcasting from the scene, and
breaking news is made possible in television broadcasting.
64
In the same vein, 73% of the respondents agree to the assertion that
one the ways ICT impacts on news processing is evident in news
immediacy, 22% of the respondents complement the above statement
that news immediacy as been made possible as a result of the
employment of news processing in news room.
It was also deduced from the findings of this study that most of the
respondent commented on one of the function of ICT is that is facilitate
research, and make news timely, and immediate, at any place and at
any time.
Interestingly, the information era has swept the world with powerful
force affecting the society. Supported in its entirety by the
communication technology, information spread vastly become faster
and cheaper. The media through which information is disseminated also
gets varied in types, further revolutionizing the information era. In the
past, there is a significant time lag separating the point when an event
took place and the time when the news may be publicly available
Therefore it could argued that the employment of information and
communication technology in the newsroom and in news processing will
increase cost, as money would have to be invested into acquiring both
hardware and software creating or building websites, include
remunerations for personnel that would man and constantly maintain 65
them. Going by global trends, which foretell an increase in the
employment and the deployment of computer technology in news
processing, in order to achieve better efficiency, accuracy, and speed up
operations of news processing. The adoption of computer technology in
newspaper industry has revolutionized and enhanced news processing.
Access to information is fundamental to empowerment, recognizing the
impact of increasing digital convergence on media has created an
enabling environment to ensuring people’s access to information
through the adoption of this technology.
66
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 SUMMARY
From the study it can be affirmed that the radical changes brought in
the realm of information through Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) revolution has affected immensely the broadcast
industry more than any other industry. We cannot but say to a large
extent that the level of adoption and absorption of Information and
Communication Technology are being carried out in broadcast industry
by bringing efficiencies in all the functional wings including production,
editorial and marketing so as to gain competitive advantage. We did say
that ICT facilitates the creation, storage, management and
dissemination of information by electronic means. Information and
Communication technology is now used not just by press but
increasingly by reporters and editors also. As a matter of fact, we could
not forget the numerous benefits associated with the use of ICT in news
67
process are being recognized at every point of the entire supply chain of
broadcast stations.
We did mention the adoption of computer technology in broadcast
industry has revolutionized and enhanced news processing. Access to
information is fundamental to empowerment, recognizing the impact of
increasing digital convergence on media has created an enabling
environment to ensuring people’s access to information through the
adoption of this technology. The importance of computer technology as
a tool for news processing cannot be overemphasized. The adoption of
computer technology in broadcast industry has revolutionized and
enhanced news processing. Access to information is fundamental to
empowerment, recognizing the impact of increasing digital convergence
on media has created an enabling environment to ensuring people’s
access to information through the adoption of this technology.
CONCLUSION
We cannot but say that the employment of computer technology in the
newsroom and in news processing will increase cost, as money would
have to be invested into acquiring both hardware and software creating
or building websites, include remunerations for personnel that would
man and constantly maintain them. However, going by global trends,
which foretell an increase in the employment and the deployment of 68
computer technology in news processing, in order to achieve better
efficiency, accuracy, and speed up operations of news processing, it is
believed that ICT facilitates the creation, storage, management and
dissemination of information by electronic means. Also, ICT facilitates
communication and processing of information, saves time and reduce
cost.
Interestingly, the information era has swept the world with powerful
force affecting the society. Supported in its entirety by the
communication technology, information spread vastly become faster
and cheaper. The media through which information is disseminated also
gets varied in types, further revolutionizing the information era. In the
past, there is a significant time lag separating the point when an event
took place and the time when the news may be publicly available
Going by global trends, which foretell an increase in the employment
and the deployment of computer technology in news processing, in
order to achieve better efficiency, accuracy, and speed up operations of
news processing. The adoption of computer technology in broadcast
industry has revolutionized and enhanced news processing. Access to
information is fundamental to empowerment, recognizing the impact of
increasing digital convergence on media has created an enabling
environment to ensuring people’s access to information through the
adoption of this technology.69
One of the implication of the adoption and the absorption of ICT was
debated by Uche in Adaja (2008), the present explosion in
communication technologies will in the twenty-first century and beyond,
pose some contradictions, challenges and confusion to mankind, in his
social, economic, and cultural spheres of life.
Meanwhile, Quintana (1997) advocates that the ICT has created
opportunities for widespread electronic delivery of news. Furthermore,
the Internet can be viewed as both an opportunity and a threat to the
news industry. However, not only are there technology barriers that
news organizations need to overcome to deliver news electronically, but
there are also problems of employee attitudes toward new technologies
and resistance to change, and above all, the implication of this in the
society will lead to an overall shrink in the need for human
correspondents.
RECOMMENDATION:
Before ICT could be more effective in enhancing news processes in
Nigeria, I therefore make the following recommendations:
1. The constraints as highlighted in this study to news processing
should not be neglected if broadcast industry must thrive or
perhaps compete with its international counterpart.
70
2. Broadcast industry should help train their IT personnel in order to
compete, and catch up with the rapidly and swiftly changes in
new technologies and resistance to change.
3. Nigerian government need to help stabilize power because it is a
key factor in actualizing the impact of ICT in news processing in
Nigeria AIT and NTA in particular.
SUGGESTION FOR FURTHER STUDY
The impact of ICT in news processing in broadcast station in Lagos
71
REFERENCES
Adaja. T. A. (2008). Globalization and Africa’s dilemma in the twenty-first
century. Journal of African journalism and communication review (AJCR)
VOL 1 NO. 2 page 80-93
Adigun, G.S. (2005): using information and communication technology (ICT) to
develop Ex-management staff profile in ASCON. An unpublished project
submitted to the department of Computer and Technical Management
Studies (CITMS) of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON),in
partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of certificate in
Electronic Data Processing (CEDAP), ASCON. Badagry.
Amaize,.B. (2003) :Introduction to computer studies: Ibadan. Joytal printing
press.
Carlsson, U. (2005). From NWICO to Global governance of the information
society. In .O Hemer and T. Tufte (ed) Media and global change
rethinking communication for development (pp.216 – 246). Buenos
Aires Nordicom
72
Collins,J.W. (2003):Data Structure and the Template Library: New York.
McGraw –Hill Companies, Inc.
Garrison, Bruce (1996). Successful strategies for computer-assisted reporting.
Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
Garrison, Bruce (1995). Computer-assisted reporting. Hillsdale, N.J.: Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates
Garrison Bruce (1999): journalist perception of online information-gathering
problems. A paper presented to the Newspaper Division of the
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass
Okoye,.I.(2000) :Newspaper Editing and Production in the Computer Age:
Lagos. Mebeyi & associates (Nig) Ltd.
Quintana. Y. (1997). News on the Internet: Technologies and Trends retrieved
14th April 2010 at http://www.isoc.org/oti/news/index.html
Rogers, E.M. (1986): Communication Technology; The new media in the
society: New York. Frees Press
Williams,.K.B. & Sawyer,.C.S. (2003) :Using Information Technology; A
practical introduction to computers & communications 5th ed. New
York: McGraw –Hill Companies, Inc.
73
Grangvist, M. (2002) Assessing ICT in development: a critical practice
perspective In .O Hemer and T. Tufte (ed) Media and global change
rethinking communication for development (PP.285 – 296). Buenos
Aires Nordicom
Pew internet :http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2005/The-Internet-and-
Campaign-2004/4-The-role-of-the-internet-in-2004/05 Mainstream-
sources-dominated-the-online-news-and-information-gathering-by-
online-Americans.aspx?r=1 Communication, Southeast Colloquium,
Lexington, retrieved 20th March, 2010.
Searvaes, J. and Malikhao, P. (2005). Participatory communications, the new
Paradigms In .O Hemer and T. Tufte (ed) Media and global change
rethinking communication for development (pp. 91 –103). Buenos
Aires Nordicom
Silverstone .R.(2000). Why study media ? retrieved at
http://www2.uiah.fi/tutkimus/media/0410a_2k.html ,on March 20th
2010
Wikipedia Britannica (2009). Retrieved at www.wikipedia.com on March 20th
2010
74
Wilson G. (2005) Local knowledge changing technologies. In T. Skelton and T.
Allen (ed): Culture and Global change (pp. 58-69) New York:
Routledge
QUESTIONNAIRE
I am NKECHI SANDRA ALALI, a final year student of the Department of Broadcasting, Lagos State University School of Communication, Surulere, Lagos.
I am conducting a research on “The Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) On News Processing: A Study of AIT and NTA”.
You have been selected as one of the special respondent for the research. Please, kindly answer the questions in this questionnaire as candidly as possible.
Information supplied is meant strictly for Educational Study. It will not be used in anyway for or against you as a person. Be assured also that confidentiality is highly guaranteed.Thanks for your cooperation.
75
INSTRUCTION
Please tick (√) only one option to the following questions in this section 1. Please indicate your age bracket
a. 20-30years [ ]b. 31-40years [ ]c. 41-50years [ ]d. 51 and above [ ]
2. Highest Educational qualificationa. GCE/WAEC/NECO [ ] b. NCE/OND/HND [ ]c. BSC/MSC/PHD [ ]d. Professional qualification [ ]
3. Working Experiencea. 0 -5 [ ] b. 6 -10 [ ]
76
c. 11- 15 [ ]d. 16 and above [ ]
4. Sex: Male [ ]Female [ ]
5. Marital status a. Single [ ]b. Married [ ]c. Widow [ ]d. Divorced [ ]
6. Department/Section --------------------------------------------------------
SECTION B
7. Do you think that computer technology enhances news processing?
a. Yesb. Noc. Undecided
8. How relevant is the computerization to news processing?
a. Very relevant b. relevantc. not relevant
9. Identify constraints in the use of ICT in news processing in Nigeria?
……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………
10. Inadequate manpower can mar the operation of computer in the news processing?
a. Strongly Agreeb. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree
11. Inadequate computer technology in newsroom can hinder the news processing?
a. Strongly Agree
77
b. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree
12. In what ways can ICT enhance news processing in Nigeria?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
13. ICT improves news processing?a. Strongly Agreeb. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree
14. To what extent has ICT improves news processing in terms of news timeliness?
a. Great extentb. Little extentc. No extent
15. To what extent has ICT improves news processing in terms of news immediacy?
a. Great extentb. Little extentc. No extent
16. Please indicate the various forms of ICT tools employed in news processing of your organization?
a. Computerb. Digital camera c. Internetd. scannere. computer-assisted Reportingf. Fixed telephone, g. Mobile phonesh. Others ------------------------------------------------------
17.Enumerate the impact of ICT tools on news processing? a.------------------------------------------------------
78
b.------------------------------------------------------c.-------------------------------------------------------d.------------------------------------------------------e.-------------------------------------------------------f.-------------------------------------------------------
18. In your view how can ICT enhance news processing in the newsroom?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
19. Employment of ICT has reduced staff strength in newsroom?
a. Strongly Agreeb. Agreec. Undecidedd. Disagreee. Strongly Disagree
79