INFLUENCE OF ICT ON MODERN DAY PRACTICE OF BROADCAST JOURNALISM

Abstract

This research examined the influence of ICT on Modern day Practice of Broadcast Journalism: An Appraisal of MCR Unit of DRTV, Asaba Delta state. Findings shown that one of the hallmarks of modern technology in broadcasting media is effective performance. It is not an overstatement to say that advancement in modern technology has revolutionalised all aspect of human society to include media practice and Master Control Room, studio and the entire broadcast industry to a larger extent. The usual practice of using manual or analogue equipment and devices is now the issue of the past because today most of the activities in MCR are now automated and more computerised or digitalized especially now that broadcast media are now on pressure to go digital. Findings show that 22.2% of the respondents agree that ICT has enhanced the performance of MCR Unit of DRTV to a large very high extent. Inadequate funding accounts for 44.4% and in effective human resources have been attributed to be major constraints to the use of Information and Communication Technology in MCR of broadcasting station. Also, 44.4% of the respondents were of the opinion that ICT reduces stress among MCR staff to a very high extent. Findings show that ICT has made MCR operations and activities more effective because with the use of computer and other digital devices media practices now automated gone are the days of manual or analogy equipment.  The study adopted survey research method and questionnaires were administered to respondents within the DRTV who were drawn using simple random sampling techniques. Data collected were analysed using frequency and percentage method.