Kelvin Inobemhe*, Felix Ugber & Mustapha Okpokpo Asekhamhe
* Kelvin Inobemhe
Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Email: inobemhekelvin@gmail.com
* Felix Ugber
Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Email: felixugber@yahoo.com
* Mustapha Okpokpo Asekhamhe
Department of Mass Communication, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria.
Email:
Abstract
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) remain crucial aspects of the communication and information-dissemination needs of the world and their adoption has been made a priority across different countries of the world in various sectors of the economies – media, education, arts, culture, science and technology. Despite the realisation of the place of ICTs in the transformation of newsgathering, production, and dissemination in the media industry, the adoption and utilisation is seemingly slow in some countries including Nigeria. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the constraints that hinder the adoption of ICTs in three print outlets in Nigeria namely ThisDay, Daily Trust, and The Guardian. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the researchers identify financial, infrastructural, and human capital development-related issues as some of the major barriers. Findings further reveal inadequate funding, and low digital literacy among some staff as major constraints to the full adoption and utilisation of ICTs in the newsroom operations of the select print mediums in Nigeria. The researchers conclude that ICTs are important in modern journalism practice highlighting the various aspects that the technologies have proven to be indispensable. In line with the findings and conclusion, the researchers recommend policy frameworks, investment in technology, and regular staff training as part of necessary measures to enhance ICTs integration, admonishing media organisation to make digital transformation a priority, particularly in the age of digital media.
Keyword: Adoption, Communication, Media, Newspaper, Newsroom
001-KI