1.1 Introduction
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined as the collective term for technological tools and resources used to handle communication, create, disseminate, store, and manage information (Nwachukwu, 2019). ICT is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of human communication and is central to modern social, economic, and professional activities. in the field of mass communication, particularly broadcast journalism, ICT is redefining how news is gathered, processed, and transmitted to audiences across the globe (Asemah & Edegoh, 2020).
Broadcast journalism refers to the practice of reporting, editing, and presenting news and information through electronic media such as radio, television, and, more recently, digital platforms. Traditionally, broadcast journalism depended heavily on analog equipment and face-to-face communication methods for content creation and dissemination. However, the advent of ICT has revolutionized this process, introducing digital recording devices, computer-assisted editing, satellite transmission, and internet-based broadcasting (Ekeanyanwu, 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become an indispensable component in the global communication system, influencing virtually every aspect of human activity, including journalism. According to Nwachukwu (2019), ICT refers to the combination of technological tools and resources that facilitate communication, processing, storage, and dissemination of information. It encompasses the use of computers, internet services, broadcasting systems, and mobile technologies in the creation and sharing of content. in the modern era, ICT has become a driving force behind the transformation of media operations, reshaping traditional modes of journalism and paving the way for new forms of information delivery.
Ekeanyanwu (2019) reported that the introduction of ICT into journalism practice has revolutionized how news is sourced, processed, and disseminated. Before the digital age, broadcast journalism relied heavily on analog technologies such as tape recorders, typewriters, and traditional broadcasting transmitters. However, with the advent of digital tools, journalists can now access, produce, and transmit information instantly, making news more timely and interactive.
Okoro and Diri (2020) asserted that ICT has introduced efficiency, accuracy, and global connectivity into media practice, enabling journalists to communicate in real time and engage audiences through various online platforms. Oso and Olatunji (2018) stated that ICT has brought about a paradigm shift in media operations, where traditional broadcasting methods are being replaced with advanced digital systems. They affirmed that technologies such as digital editing software, internet streaming, and mobile applications have improved both the speed and quality of news dissemination. Furthermore, Uche and Onyekwere (2021) contended that ICT has democratized information flow, allowing audiences to participate actively in the communication process through social media, online comments, and feedback systems. This participatory culture is redefining the traditional one-way communication pattern of broadcast media into a more interactive, audience-centered model.
The evolution of ICT has also had profound effects on the structure and workflow of broadcast organizations. Asemah and Edegoh (2020) asserted that journalists are now expected to perform multiple roles such as reporting, editing, and online publishing simultaneously. This development has created what is known as “convergent journalism,” where a single journalist utilizes multiple ICT tools to produce and distribute content across different media platforms. According to Olatunji (2018), this convergence has made journalism more dynamic but also more demanding, as professionals must constantly update their technical skills to remain relevant.
On the other hand, while ICT provides opportunities for media innovation, it also presents challenges such as digital misinformation, loss of gatekeeping control, and ethical dilemmas. Okoro and Diri (2020) reported that the speed of digital news dissemination sometimes leads to inadequate verification of facts, resulting in the spread of inaccurate or misleading information.
Uche and Onyekwere (2021) contended that the emergence of citizen journalism and social media has blurred the line between professional journalism and amateur reporting, posing threats to journalistic credibility and objectivity (Uche and Onyekwere, 2021). In developing countries like Nigeria, the influence of ICT on broadcast journalism is both transformative and problematic.
According to Asemah and Edegoh (2020), ICT has improved the efficiency of news production but limited access to advanced technologies, poor infrastructure, and inadequate training continue to hinder its optimal utilization. Oso and Olatunji (2018) affirmed that despite these challenges, the integration of ICT remains critical to the modernization of broadcast journalism in Nigeria, as it offers new avenues for creativity, wider audience reach, and faster information dissemination. This study is set against the backdrop of these evolving dynamics, examining how ICT is influencing the modern-day practice of broadcast journalism, its impact on journalistic ethics, professional competence, and the overall transformation of the media landscape.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that modern broadcast journalists are increasingly dependent on technological tools such as digital cameras, editing software, online platforms, and social media networks for content creation and dissemination. However, the integration of ICT into broadcast journalism is not without its challenges and implications for journalistic ethics, objectivity, and quality.
In addition, journalists are required to multitask as reporters, editors, and digital content producers, often under tight deadlines and with limited resources (Asemah & Edegoh, 2020). On the other hand, while ICT is revolutionizing the practice of broadcast journalism by making information more accessible, it is also creating new forms of dependency on technology and diminishing the traditional human touch in storytelling.
Furthermore, ICT is influencing the content and style of news presentation. The rise of digital platforms and citizen journalism is creating competition for traditional broadcasters, as audiences are increasingly turning to online and social media sources for information (Uche & Onyekwere, 2021). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the influence of ICT on modern-day practice of broadcast journalism.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The main aim of this study is to investigate the influence of ICT on the modern-day practice of broadcast journalism. The specific objectives of this study include:
- To examine the extent to which ICT has improved news gathering and dissemination in broadcast journalism.
- To identify the challenges journalists face in adapting to ICT in broadcast media.
- To determine the impact of ICT on the professionalism and ethics of broadcast journalism.
- To assess the level of ICT infrastructure and skills available in selected broadcast organizations.
- To evaluate how ICT has affected audience engagement and participation in broadcast media.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will be guided by the following research questions:
- To what extent has ICT improved news gathering and dissemination in broadcast journalism?
- What are the major challenges journalists face in adapting to ICT in broadcast media?
- How has ICT influenced professionalism and ethical standards in broadcast journalism?
- What is the level of ICT infrastructure and technical competence among broadcast journalists?
- In what ways has ICT affected audience engagement and participation in modern broadcast journalism?
1.6 Significance of the Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will guide journalists, educators, policymakers, and media owners in embracing technological innovations that will improve the efficiency and credibility of news reporting. The research will also encourage management bodies to adopt strategies that balance technological innovation with journalistic integrity, ensuring that professionalism is not compromised in the race for speed and popularity.
Furthermore, the study will be of immense benefit to media organizations by emphasizing the need for investment in digital infrastructure and staff training. It will show how embracing ICT will enhance efficiency, productivity, and audience engagement in broadcasting. For journalists, the study will provide awareness on the importance of ICT skills in improving their professional efficiency and adaptability.
Lastly, the study will expand academic knowledge on digital media transformation and will serve as a valuable reference for further research in media studies. The research will serve as a foundation for curriculum improvement and further inquiry into emerging trends in digital journalism.
1.7 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: ICT has no significant influence on the modern-day practice of broadcast journalism.
- H1: ICT has significant influence on the modern-day practice of broadcast journalism.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: ICT has no significantly improved news gathering and dissemination in broadcast journalism.
- H1: ICT has significantly improved news gathering and dissemination in broadcast journalism.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: ICT has no significantly enhanced audience engagement and participation in broadcast journalism.
- H1: ICT has significantly enhanced audience engagement and participation in broadcast journalism.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study will focus on the influence of ICT on the modern-day practice of broadcast journalism, using the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Lagos State, as a case study. The study will cover areas such as news production, editing, presentation, and dissemination, while also considering the challenges faced by journalists in integrating ICT into their professional routines.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Information and Communication Technology (ICT):
ICT refers to a range of technological tools and resources used to create, store, transmit, and manage information through electronic means such as computers, the internet, and digital broadcasting systems (Nwachukwu, 2019).
Broadcast Journalism:
Broadcast journalism is the process of gathering, producing, and presenting news and information through electronic media channels such as radio, television, and online streaming platforms (Okoro & Diri, 2020).
Digital Media:
Digital media refers to any media that use digital technology for content creation, distribution, and interaction, including social media, websites, and mobile applications (Asemah & Edegoh, 2020).
Convergent Journalism:
Convergent journalism involves the integration of different media platforms radio, television, and online to produce and distribute multimedia news content (Ekeanyanwu, 2019).
Audience Engagement:
Audience engagement is the process by which viewers or listeners interact with broadcast content through comments, feedback, and participation on digital platforms (Uche & Onyekwere, 2021).
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