1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The evolution of mobile technology has significantly impacted various sectors, including journalism. The smartphone, which integrates communication, computing, and multimedia capabilities, is redefining how information is gathered, processed, and disseminated. According to Goggin (2012), smartphones have revolutionized everyday communication by providing users with multifunctional devices that facilitate instant access to information and communication channels. The portability and advanced features of smartphones have made them indispensable tools, especially in fields that demand quick information dissemination, such as journalism.
Westlund (2013) reported that the emergence of mobile journalism, commonly referred to as MoJo, is directly linked to the growing adoption of smartphones by media practitioners. He asserted that smartphones provide journalists with the flexibility to capture photos, record videos, conduct interviews, and publish reports from any location, thereby enhancing the speed and efficiency of news coverage. This technological shift is changing the traditional newsroom setting and empowering individual journalists to function as independent content creators.
Newman (2017) stated that the increasing reliance on smartphones for news gathering is transforming journalism into a more dynamic and real-time profession. He affirmed that journalists now have the capability to cover breaking news, conduct live broadcasts, and engage with audiences through social media platforms using just their smartphones. This development is not only expanding the reach of journalism but also promoting immediacy in news reporting.
On the other hand, the adoption of smartphones in journalism is raising significant questions about professionalism, content credibility, and ethical practices. Posetti (2018) reported that while smartphones enhance journalists' ability to report swiftly, they also expose them to risks such as misinformation, legal challenges, and security threats. She asserted that the ease of sharing content through smartphones may lead some journalists to bypass traditional editorial checks, thereby compromising the accuracy and reliability of news.
According to Goggin (2012), a smartphone is a mobile device that combines cellular communication functions with advanced computing capabilities, allowing users to perform a variety of tasks such as internet browsing, multimedia capture, real-time communication, and access to numerous applications (Goggin, 2012). In the context of journalism, smartphones have emerged as multi-functional tools that enable journalists to gather, edit, and disseminate news with unprecedented speed and convenience. Unlike conventional news-gathering tools such as cameras, recorders, and laptops, smartphones integrate these functions into a single portable device, making them highly adaptable to the fast-paced demands of modern journalism.
The global shift toward digital media consumption is influencing how news is gathered and reported. Journalists are increasingly leveraging smartphones for on-the-spot reporting, live streaming, instant photography, and audio-visual interviews. According to Westlund (2013), the rise of mobile journalism (MoJo) is driven by the ability of smartphones to offer immediacy, flexibility, and affordability in news production. This shift is especially relevant in situations where quick response and mobility are critical, such as breaking news coverage, conflict reporting, and live events. This study is set against the backdrop of examining how smartphones is influencing news gathering among journalists, exploring both the opportunities and the challenges they present in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the advent of smartphones is transforming journalism practice globally. With their portability, advanced camera features, internet connectivity, and ability to run various applications, smartphones is serving as effective tools for gathering, processing, and disseminating news in real time. Unlike the traditional model of journalism that often depends on bulky equipment, professional-grade cameras, and scheduled newsroom reporting, smartphones is enabling journalists to capture events as they unfold and transmit information instantaneously (Westlund, 2013).
Furthermore, smartphones is democratizing news gathering and offering journalists the flexibility to cover events swiftly, it is also exposing them to ethical dilemmas, security risks, and legal implications, especially in conflict zones or politically sensitive environments. The dependence on smartphone applications and social media platforms for dissemination is also making journalists vulnerable to digital surveillance, censorship, and cyberattacks (Posetti, 2018). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the extent to which smartphones is serving as tools for gathering news among journalists, considering both the opportunities and inherent challenges they present in the contemporary media landscape.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to examine how smartphones are being utilized by journalists as tools for gathering news, analyze the impact of their use on the quality and credibility of news reporting, and explore the opportunities and challenges associated with mobile journalism in Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the role of smartphones as tools for gathering news among journalists. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the extent to which journalists use smartphones for news gathering.
- To identify the advantages of smartphones in news gathering among journalists.
- To investigate the challenges journalists face when using smartphones for news gathering.
- To analyze the impact of smartphone use on the credibility and professionalism of news reports.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the objectives above, the following research questions will guide the study:
- To what extent do journalists use smartphones for news gathering?
- What are the advantages of smartphones in news gathering among journalists?
- What challenges do journalists face when using smartphones for news gathering?
- How does smartphone use impact the credibility and professionalism of news reports?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
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: There is no significant relationship between the use of smartphones and the effectiveness of news gathering among journalists
- H1: There is a significant relationship between the use of smartphones and the effectiveness of news gathering among journalists
Hypothesis Two
- H0: The use of smartphones do not significantly provides advantages in news gathering among journalists
- H1: The use of smartphones significantly provides advantages in news gathering among journalists
Hypothesis Three
- H0: The challenges associated with smartphone use do not significantly affect journalists in news gathering
- H1: The challenges associated with smartphone use significantly affect journalists in news gathering
Hypothesis Four
- H0: The use of smartphones do not significantly impacts the credibility and professionalism of news reports
- H1: The use of smartphones significantly impacts the credibility and professionalism of news reports
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will serve as a guide on how they will effectively utilize smartphone technology while maintaining journalistic integrity, ensuring accuracy, and adhering to ethical practices in their news-gathering activities. It will also assist media organizations in adopting policies and training programs that encourage ethical smartphone use in journalism.
Furthermore, this study will serve as a reference for policymakers on regulating mobile journalism practices in Nigeria. It will contribute to academic research on mobile technology's influence on journalism in the digital age.
Lastly, the research study will be significant for media trainers and journalism educators, as it will provide useful information that will help in developing training programs focused on mobile journalism skills.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on smartphone as tools for gathering news among journalists. The study covers journalists working in Lagos State, Nigeria, with a focus on staff employed in print, broadcast, and online media organizations.
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
Smartphone:
A smartphone is a mobile device that integrates advanced computing capabilities with mobile telephony, allowing users to perform a range of functions including voice calls, internet access, photography, and application usage (Goggin, 2012). In this study, it refers to the device used by journalists for capturing, editing, and transmitting news content.
Journalist:
A journalist is a professional trained to gather, write, and report news to the public through various media platforms. This study considers journalists working in print, electronic, and online media who are engaged in news gathering and dissemination (Newman, 2017).
News Gathering:
News gathering is the process of collecting information, facts, and evidence on current events, which is then processed for public dissemination through various media outlets (Westlund, 2013). This study focuses on how smartphones assist journalists in performing this role.
Mobile Journalism (MoJo):
Mobile journalism, often abbreviated as MoJo, refers to a form of digital reporting where journalists use portable devices, primarily smartphones, to gather, edit, and share news content. It emphasizes speed, mobility, and multimedia storytelling (Posetti, 2018).
Credibility:
Credibility refers to the perceived trustworthiness and reliability of news content provided by journalists. It is a key factor in public acceptance and trust in media reports, especially in the digital age where misinformation is prevalent (Newman, 2017).
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