THE EFFECT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON

BROADCAST MEDIA

BY

RAMON BARAKAT ASABI

012320262

A RESEARCH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MASS

COMMUNICATION, HARVARDE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE BUSINESS AND

MANAGEMENT STUDIES. ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.

IN

PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF HIGHER

NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN MASS COMMUNICATION

SUPERVISOR

DECEMBER, 2023
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Over the past fifteen years or more, the world has witnessed numerous technological innovations

with significant implications for mass media. These advancements have brought about

substantial changes in various aspects of our global landscape.

Electronic communications refer to the transmission of messages worldwide using computers

and telephones. In contrast to the fax system’s limitation to transmitting one page at a time,

electronic communication facilitates the offline processing of multiple pages, with a single

dialing, these pages can be transmitted to a gateway for distribution to various destinations.

Additionally, electronic communication encompasses diverse forms of information exchange

between computers, employing various interconnection methods like telephone lines and

satellites. This mode of communication is rapidly gaining popularity globally due to its speed,

reliability, and cost-effectiveness, leveraging existing public telephone lines.

The origins of communication and Information technology trace back to Shakespeare’s “ACTA

Diura,” marking the initial breakthrough in creating readable and perusable information

invention that significantly impacted society, which is inherently dynamic, just like the

communication realm.

As society continued to evolve, new horizons were explored, presenting opportunities for

innovation. Subsequently, the British era aimed to master the dissemination of information and

commands to their subjects. The broadcasting industry underwent transformation over the years,

influenced by advancing Western technology. The world’s transformation into a global village is

accelerated by these communication advancements, condensing culture into minute particles

easily grasped in our hands.

According to Uche (1989: 101), “Nigeria possesses one of the world’s most exciting press

systems,” marking the dawn of information superhighways.

Nevertheless, the electronic media in Nigeria grapple with a challenging situation, where the

simplistic view of mass media solely as facilitators of communication and their more complex

role as social actors is perceived to wield significant influence over society or a nation.

Crucially, technology assumes a pivotal role in Nigeria’s broadcast and mass media landscape. In

light of this, the Nigerian broadcast media leverages new communication technologies, including

computer internet, satellite/cable systems, electronic mail (E-mail), and fax systems, among

others.

The advent of new communication technology, coupled with accessible online publishing

software and the continual evolution of mobile devices, empowers citizens to observe and report

more promptly than traditional media outlets. A multitude of amateur online journalists utilizes

platforms like independent media and various weblogs, adding a grassroots dimension to the

media landscape. Bloggers and other non-professional journalists scrutinize mainstream news

outlets, identifying errors in articles, and individuals featured in news stories respond online by

posting supplementary information to provide context and counterpoints. This shift is indicative

of a growing reliance on online sources for news, underscoring an increasing trust in alternative

media.

The computer, among various multimedia technologies, plays a vital role in educating audiences.

Aibsons (1975: 215) notes that achieving the highest level of education demands increased

investment in time, date, money, and skill, with computer assistance offering a pathway to

enhance these factors.

Computer communication is evolving toward a compatible and mutually beneficial coexistence,

as described by Oeffinger (1989) as “computer and communication.” Broadcast media serves as

a source of education and information, reaching all those connected to the computer network,

fulfilling traditional roles of imparting knowledge, informing, and engaging the audience.

Computer technology, functioning as an interactive mass medium, consistently provides stations

with new opportunities to share information with viewers and reach a mass audience. The scope

of computer technology as an educative medium expands significantly with the introduction of

the internet. It is no longer confined strictly to internet-based education; websites serve as

learning platforms that broadcasters cannot afford to overlook. The web, a part of the broader

internet, offers global facilities with documents stored on internet-connected computers, enabling

people to learn, shop, conduct research, listen to news or music, and participate in live events

from their computer screens.

Another valuable resource of the internet is electronic mail (E-mail), acting as the most popular

telecommunication equivalent of postal services, delivering letters to homes and offices through

computers. Over 80 percent of print journalists use the internet to enhance their research and add

depth to the news stories they write. Additionally, a third of all broadcast journalists download

audio and video files from websites. E-mail is another technology aiding mass communication,

allowing users with the appropriate terminal equipment for online services to compose, edit,

send, store, reply to, receive, and file electronic messages.

A new communication technology embraced by broadcast media is the satellite, bringing the

world into our homes. Satellites play a pivotal role in broadcasting live events, Agba (2001: 40)

maintains that during the Gulf War, providing direct feeds from theater cities of operation and

locations such as Baghalad.

The 2002 Africa Nations Cup, which the Nigerian audience simultaneously viewed and listened

to from their homes during matches, highlights the substantial impact of satellite technology.

Similarly, the conclusive results of the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, also underscore the

powerful influence of satellite broadcasting.

Undoubtedly, the significance of information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool for

news processing cannot be overstated. The adoption of ICTs in the broadcast industry has not

only revolutionized but also enhanced news processing. Recognizing the transformative impact

of increasing digital convergence on media, it has created an enabling environment to ensure

people's access to information, acknowledging that access to information is fundamental to

empowerment.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Going by global trends that predict a surge in the utilization of Information and Communication

Technologies (ICTs) in news processing to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and streamline

operations, there’s an argument that deploying ICTs in the newsroom might escalate costs due to

investments in hardware and software. Contrary to the perception that discussions about

Information and Communication Technology lead to job displacement, the reality often differs.

This technology, instead of eliminating jobs, takes over routine tasks, liberating individuals for

more intellectually productive work.

In Nigeria, the broadcast and print media, akin to various aspects of life and human endeavors,

have embraced Information and Communication Technology to a certain extent. This study aims

to explore the challenges encountered by media organizations, assessing the impact of

Information and Communication Technology on news processing and reporting. Additionally, the
study seeks to identify constraints hindering the widespread adoption of ICTs in news

processing.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

i. To assess the influence of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on news

processing in Nigeria.

ii. To analyze the role of Communication Technology in news processing within Nigeria.

iii. To identify the various ways in which ICT enhances news processing in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

i. How does Information and Communication Technology (ICT) impact news processing in

Nigeria?

ii. What factors limit the use of Information and Communication Technology in news

processing in Nigeria?

iii. In what ways can ICT contribute to improving news processing in Nigeria?

1.5 Significant of the Study

This study offers several benefits, including assisting in reshaping thought patterns among media

professionals to familiarize themselves with new technologies for producing high-quality

programs.

Additionally, the findings contribute to existing literature and provide valuable material for

students interested in further research on the topic. Moreover, the study illustrates the degree to

which broadcast media have integrated modern technologies into their operations and determines

the extent to which these technologies are advantageous or disadvantageous for the industry.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study primarily centers on broadcast stations situated in Ogun State, Nigeria. The research

delves into the effects of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on news processing

and reporting by selecting one federal and one state-owned broadcast station. Given the sole

presence of one Federal broadcast station, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the largest

television network in Africa, and one state-owned broadcast station, Ogun State Television

(OGTV), these stations serve as the focal points. The study specifically focuses on the utilization

of ICTs, including computers, the internet, email, and mobile phones, in the context of news

processing and reporting.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

The definitions of terms were operationally defined to account for variations in meaning across

contexts. The provided definitions clarify the intended understanding of the words for the study’s

purpose, recognizing potential contextual differences.

i. Information Communication Technology (ICT): Refers to technologies that provide

access to information through telecommunications, including the internet, wireless

networks, and other communication mediums.

ii. Broadcast Media: Encompasses television and radio broadcasting, delivering content to

a wide audience through electromagnetic signals.

iii. Convergence: The merging of different media forms, such as text, audio, and video,

facilitated by digital technology, leading to integrated content delivery.

iv. Digitalization: The process of converting analog information into digital format,

allowing for more efficient storage, transmission, and manipulation of data.

 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
In recent years, developing nations have increasingly recognized the importance of focusing on

the implementation of modern information and communication technologies application. This

also serves as a foundation on which the theoretical frame work for the study is based.

2.2 Conceptual Review

This study will review the literature under the following subheadings to establish academic

context, provide empirical support, and ensure comprehensive coverage;

2.2.1 The Evolution of Broadcasting in Nigeria

2.2.2 The Concept of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

2.2.3 The Development of Information and Communication Technologies

2.2.4 Challenges of New Media Technologies in the Nigerian Broadcast Industry

2.3 Theoretical Framework

Theory according to Kerlinger (1964), as cited in Okenwa (2000), theory is defined as "a

collection of information constructs, concepts, and postulations that offer a systematic

perspective on phenomena by delineating relationships among variables, aiming to explain and

predict those phenomena." Given these explanations, the study is guided by the following

outlined theories:

Technological Determinism Theory

This theory as cited in Nwodu (2004), originates from Marshall McLuhan and explores the

causal relationship between technologies and culture. McLuhan investigates the impact of

communication technology on daily life challenges, suggesting that advances in Information and

Communication Technologies (ICTs) expand our global perspective. The theory emphasizes

revealing the hidden effects of communication technologies to media and audiences. In the

context of this study, the theory gains significance as technological advancements transform the

world into a global village, enhancing the impact of Information and Communication

Technologies (ICTs) on broadcast media, increasing media output, and promoting audience

accessibility to station messages.

Technological determinism is a theory that suggests technology drives social and cultural change.

In the context of studying the effect of information communication technology (ICT) on

broadcast media, technological determinism would argue that advancements in ICT

fundamentally shape the structure, content, and function of broadcast media. This theory posits

that changes in technology, such as the development of digital broadcasting, streaming platforms,

and social media, exert a significant influence on how broadcast media operates. For example,

the transition from traditional analog broadcasting to digital formats alters production processes,

distribution channels, and audience consumption habits. Technological determinism suggests that

these changes are not just incidental but rather inevitable outcomes of technological progress. It

implies that as ICT evolves, it inherently transforms the landscape of broadcast media, affecting

everything from the types of content produced to the way’s audiences engage with it.
Technological determinism theory helps to understand how advancements in information

communication technology (ICT) impact the broadcast media industry. By exploring how

technological changes shape societal norms, behaviors, and media consumption patterns, the

theory provides insights into how ICT influences the production, distribution, and reception of

media content within the broadcast industry.

Diffusion of Innovation Theory

This theory as cited by Daramola (2003) and Apochi (2007), originated from Ryan and Gross in

(1943). This theory emphasizes the crucial role of communication in introducing new ideas and

contributing to the effective output of organizations or countries. The core proposition asserts

that the media play a vital role in disseminating new ideas and innovations, particularly relevant

in the context of recent innovations like Information and Communication Technologies. In the

context of this study, the theory gains significance as it addresses the dissemination of new ideas

to enhance and improve human activities and subsequent output, aligning with the goals of

Information and Communication Technologies for individuals or organizations.

Diffusion of Innovation theory is pertinent to the study on the effect of information

communication technology (ICT) on broadcast media because it helps to understand how new

technologies are adopted and spread within a society or industry. In the context of the study, this

theory can shed light on how ICT innovations, such as streaming platforms or social media

integration, are adopted by broadcast media organizations and embraced by audiences. It can also

elucidate the factors that influence the rate and extent of adoption, such as perceived benefits,

compatibility with existing practices, and communication channels.

The diffusion of innovation theory offers valuable insights, this theory examines how new

technologies spread and are adopted within a society or industry. When applied to the study of

ICT and broadcast media, the diffusion of innovation theory helps researchers understand how

new technologies in broadcasting are introduced, accepted, and integrated into the mainstream. It

identifies various groups within the media landscape, such as innovators, early adopters, early

majority, late majority, and laggards, each with different attitudes and behaviors towards

adopting new technologies. For example, the theory could help explain the adoption of digital

broadcasting platforms or the integration of social media into broadcast media practices. It

allows researchers to analyze the factors that influence the adoption process, such as perceived

benefits, compatibility with existing practices, complexity, and social norms. By examining the

diffusion of innovation within the broadcast media industry, researchers can gain insights into the

rate and extent of technological change, as well as its impact on content production, distribution

channels, and audience engagement. This theory provides a framework for understanding how

ICT influences the evolution of broadcast media and the dynamics of technological change

within the industry.

2.4 Empirical Review

The two works under consideration are as follows:
Levi Nwodu, 2004, published in the Nigeria Journal of Communication, delves into the

intersection of “Technology Determinism theory and the perceptions of media practitioners

regarding the cultural impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on

developing nations”. This study, utilizing Enugu-based journalists as both the population and

sample subjects, investigates the awareness, exposure, and cultural impact of ICTs on local

values. Employing a case study research method, the work utilizes a questionnaire for data

collection and employs purposive sampling, including interviews with key officers from the
Enugu-based journalist forum. The findings indicate a negative influence of ICTs on the cultural

values of developing nations, attributing this effect to limited access and inadequate training. The

study recommends that governments in developing nations support journalists in obtaining

proper training and ensure easy accessibility to ICTs.

The reviewed work is thematically linked to the aforementioned study, employing a case study

approach and focusing on the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on

Mass Communication and Media Practices.

Levis Brown's 2007 study, available on the website http//egor.gov.sglegout actionplanning:htm,

highlights the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on

broadcasting. Titled "Information and Communication Technologies for Sustainable

Livelihoods".

The research focuses on the impact of new communication technologies and existing information

systems on small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in rural communities. The study aims to

determine whether ICTs might exacerbate the marginalization of disadvantaged communities and

explores ways to alleviate adverse effects. Additionally, it investigates how modern ICTs can

enhance information systems for farmers and small-scale enterprises (SME) in developing

countries, contributing to poverty reduction.The findings underscore the transformative role of

the telephone and radio in improving the lives of the economically challenged. The telephone

emerges as a ubiquitous tool strengthening kinship relations and serving as the cornerstone of

ICTs.

The study identifies a significant demand for radio broadcasting in developing nations,

emphasizing the importance of committing to rural broadcasting through policy creation,

licensing provisions, support for startup broadcasters, and professional training. The study
suggests a shift from technology-driven projects to a more systematic consideration of the

economic and social impacts of ICTs on various facets of human life, encompassing

communication and business.

2.5 Chapter Summary

The influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has elevated the standard

of TV news reporting, addressing deficiencies in production and delivery quality in Nigeria. This

study is guided by both the Technologies Determinism Theory, which explores the impact of

communication and technologies on daily life challenges, and the Diffusion of Innovation

Theory, focusing on the significance of communicating new ideas for organizational output

enhancement.

Data for this study were primarily and secondarily sourced from texts and journals, with a

specific emphasis on the evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and

its subheadings.
 CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter will outline the method and procedures for data collection and fieldwork activities.

It will cover aspects such as research design, population of the study, sampling procedure,

sample size, methods of data collection, validity and reliability considerations, and method of

data analysis.

3.2 Research Design

Research can be conducted through various methods such as content analysis, surveys,

experiments, and observation. However, for this study, the survey method will be employed. This

choice is driven by the study's aim to assess diverse perspectives on the topic. The selection of

this method is justified by its applicability in research, enabling interactions, capturing

viewpoints, convictions, and ultimately draw accurate and valid inferences.

3.3 Population of the study

According to Bluman (2014) Population in research is consisting of all subjects that are being

studies. This research work was carried out as a field survey using two broadcast stations in

Ogun State as its population. This therefore served as the population of the study.

3.4 Sampling Techniques

Sample is defined as a group of individuals, units, or elements that are chosen to represent the

characteristics of the larger population from which they are drawn. Sample takes place because

we cannot study the entire population.

Sampling technique refers to the method used to select individuals or entities from a population

to constitute a sample. However, the sampling techniques used to carry out this study is the

purposive sampling techniques, which will be used to select respondent for the study. Purposive

sampling means selecting participants based on specific criteria relevant to the research

objectives, such as selecting broadcast media professionals with expertise in ICT integration or

selecting media consumers who actively engage with digital media platforms. it is used to carry

out a sample size of 90 respondents.

3.5 Research Instrument

This section primarily focuses on the tools employed in the study. A well-structured

questionnaire served as the data collection instrument. The choice of a questionnaire was based

on its effectiveness in dealing with people, providing the researcher with a convenient means of

data analysis.

The questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions and was divided into two sections. Section

A addressed questions related to the respondents' demographics, while Section B addressed the

research questions.

3.6 Validity and Reliability of Data

To ensure the validity and reliability of this study, the questionnaire underwent modifications and

received ratings from the researcher’s supervisor after construction and a thorough questionnaire

study. The researcher's supervisor approved the questionnaire after a comprehensive review.

3.7 Method of Data Collection

The research instrument to be adopted for data collection in this study would be a well arranged

and structured questionnaire to solicit for an accurate and admissible response from respondents.

3.8 Method of Data Analysis

Conclusions will be drawn from the self-conducted questionnaires, with the researcher collecting

and analyzing the completed questionnaire copies. Tables, simple percentages and frequencies

will be utilized for the presentation and analysis of the data generated in the study.

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