My name is Yomi Omogbeja, a postgraduate student at the University of Sheffield, UK. At the moment, I am researching the Internet usage and ICT deployment in Nigerian newsrooms.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the way we view our world today.

Realising that journalists play key roles in disseminating information, building awareness and stimulating perceptions of the citizenry, the world media has been quick to gravitate towards more digital and interactive media platforms and environment.

The use of email, Internet and videoconferences not only facilitates working across borders, it also reduces problems of distance. Production techniques are also changing. Multimedia computers and faster hardware processors are improving copy flow and delivery periods.

Nigeria has over 100 national and local newspapers and publications, some of them are state-owned and more than 280 radio and TV licenses had been granted to private operators as at 2005. Today, more than 20 Nigerian mainstreaml and specialist media outlets have some form of internet presence.

My study intend to investigate the access and usage of Internet and other ICTs in the media, Its impact and implications for working practices, generation and presentation of content and business practice.

The research will hope to provide answers to the following questions:

•  What, if any, are the impact on the form, content and method of story gathering and delivery?

•  What new skills have they acquired in order to maximise the potential of interactive media in their work?

•  Do they presently engage the Internet and other ICT's in researching for news and sources? Are they integrating multimedia elements in their work?

•  How long do they spend on the Internet? Or the World Wide Web.

•  Has online technology impact on their working conditions and professionalism? Do they conduct phone, video and email interviews?

•  How often do they use ICT's – mobile phones, PDA's, computers and Internet in and outside the newsrooms?

The findings from this study on media usage of Information and communication technologies in a specific setting (media) and in a highly populous developing country (Nigeria), will provide an insight into how ICT adoption and diffusion in the media can impact on the industry and on its development.

Last Updated: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 10:56 AM

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