THE INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON BROADCASTING IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF DELTA BROADCASTING

STATION ) ASABA, DELTA STATE.

ABSTRACT

In the wake of the 21st century, the modern societies became hungrier for information as more ways of
communicating this information were formulated and adopted. One of these new adopted means of
communication is broadcasting. The broadcasting environment which started in an analogue form has
been greatly transformed with the improvement in the media of communication which is now known in
the media parlance as new media. The advent of broadcasting in Nigeria in the early 1930s brought a
new lease of life to the communication sphere in Nigeria as it ushered in a new medium of expression
and communication for the people of Delta state and Nigeria at large. As the world expands, the need for
development in the media of communication arose with a view to accommodating the expanding
communication boundaries. With the introduction of new media technologies came more opportunities
to the broadcasting sector in the area of media convergence. The challenges brought by these new
media are so immense that no part of the world could afford to be left out in the turn of events. It
therefore becomes expedient for the Nigerian broadcast sector like Delta Broadcasting Station (DBS) to
avail itself of the opportunities which new media technologies herald. This study therefore was designed
to find out the influence of technology in broadcasting narrowing it down to DBS which government
owned station. Data collected were collated and analysed with the aid of simple percentage data analysis
and presented with the aid of tables. Part of the research findings includes; DBS under study as a
broadcasting station in Nigeria are presently equipped with new media facilities which are capable of
placing them in the same pedestal as their counterparts in Africa and other developing countries of the
world, that the new media technologies have not come to replace the old media. Instead, the new
media would work alongside the old media. Broadcasters are quite satisfied with the use of new media
technologies in broadcasting. Some broadcast stations in Nigeria are still transmitting on analogue
broadcast equipment and this is in complete contrast to the National Broadcasting Commission’s
objective of phasing out analogue broadcasting equipment from the country come 2023. Suggestions for
further research were made at the end of the study based on the findings of the research.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0. INTRODUCTION

As the world grows complex and sophisticated, new media technologies are invented. The invention of
new media technologies has always been a catalyst for change in the broadcast industry. This change can
be attributed to the introduction of new media technologies in broadcasting occasioned by giant
technological advancement. The advancement in media technologies has cut the barrier of time and
space in our broadcast industry; it has also made communication easier and more democratic and the
creation and distribution of media content easier. No wonder Defleur and Dennis (1991: 229) observed
that: Technology has always been a metaphor for change in media industry. As far back as Gutenberg, it
was technology: the movable type that spurred change. Later, fast printing presses, the telegraph, zinc
engraving, modern photography, radio, television, fibre optics, and other technologies heralded new
developments for media and their audience.

The emergence of technologies and the imaginative applications of these new technologies and older
technologies make it possible for the society to be more informed. It also makes information processing,
delivery, storage and retrieval easier. As the world strives towards globalization, the technologies are
believed to be a great facilitator of this move. Nsude (2004:102) believes that the human family is
disunited and fragmented into nations and cultures with conflicting interest and perceptions and there is
need therefore for a more united world. Throughout history, new media and new forms of media
delivery have continually appeared. Today we have witnessed the arrival of a global community brought
about by advances in communication technologies. This has invariably brought to fore the concept of
globalization. Marshal McLuhan, a Canadian Scholar, who foresaw the effect of technological change in
communication, said that the human society has been restored to a „global village‟. The concept of
global village assumes that “communication technology” now work like the nervous system in the
human family. Messages could be sent and received with surprising speed. This therefore has shrunk the
world into a smaller place not because of a contraction in landmass, but due to the marvels in
communication technologies. Baran (2009:314) citing McLuhan states:

The media permit us to experience the world with a scope and depth otherwise impossible. Media, then,
are extension of our bodies. Just as clothes are an extension of our skin, permitting us to wander farther
from our warm caves into the cold world; just as the automobile is an extension of our feet, enabling us
to travel farther we could ever walk; television extends our vision and hearing, and computers extend
our central nervous system. With television we can see and hear around the world, beyond the galaxy,
into the future, and into the past. Computers process, sort, categorize, reconfigure, and clarify.

The technologies play functional roles and make tremendous contributions to the day to day running of
the broadcast industry and society. Each advance in communication increases our power to convey and
record information, and each has played a role in prompting significant changes in our culture and
society. It is difficult to digest fully the influence of one medium before another comes on the scene.
Prior to the arrival of technologies, broadcasting equipment has been mechanical or analogue in nature.
These mechanical states of the equipment hinder effective production and dissemination of news and
information. Even the transmission of broadcast signals was often affected by wave interference, hedges
and unclear signals. The reception of signals was largely limited to the carrying capacity of the
transmitter. The arrival of the computer has had enormous influence in the production process in the
broadcast industry. The computer has put tremendous speed on news reporting and editing making the
process almost instantaneous. This process lays a strong emphasis on accuracy as Agba (2001:3) citing
Swinton (1974) observes, “You cannot catch up with an error in an era of satellite circuits and high speed
wires” in today‟s cyberspace, high-tech age, the computer has reduced, if not completely removed, the
difficulties in the production of media products through the electronic system. For instance, in the past,
the production and distribution process in a broadcast industry involved clear definitive steps and
employed manual labour. Today, studies have revealed that broadcast industry especially in Europe and
North America not only gather information but also have their stories written using computers. This
modern technology eliminates the need for compositors to type because reporters have done the key
stroking and the story already exists in an electronic form. In addition, many reporters run their stories
through computers that correct spelling and grammar. Also editors plan the pages of stories on
computers, further reducing the need for compositors. For instance with the influence of technologies
DBS news can be accessed from any part of the world. The station‟s transmission on satellite has broken
the barriers inherent in analogue system and non-satellite system. However, the introduction and
acquisition of new media technologies have strongly influenced broadcast transmission and reception
particularly in Delta Broadcasting Stations, Asaba. According to Agba (2001:47) technology is integral to a
global marketplace wherein media companies and individual media come together and compete across
national boundaries in a fashion unheard of only some years back. Broadcasting as a branch of mass
communication has witnessed a landmark transformation into a field of vigorous competition with vast
liberalization of infrastructure, information can now be digitalized, transported, stored, retrieved,
modified and distributed. High speed digital electronic highways serve as the common technology
through which these pieces of information are transported. With the introduction of new media
technologies, the broadcast media have penetrated deeply into the basic fabrics of our social institutions
in the society by beaming out information and programmes that meet and satisfy the needs and
aspirations of their listener and viewer. In the words of Bittner (1989:37) Technology has aided the media
to move from the experimental stage, to the present stage where they now exert great influence on
world events. With the introduction of new technologies in broadcasting, such as the Internet, satellite
cable system, fibre optics to mention but a few, journalism practice across national boundaries has taken
a drastic turn for the better. Technology has aided both the print and broadcast media to establish a
strong presence in the Cyberspace. This brings us to the concept of technological convergence. By
technological convergence we mean the continuous development in media technology aimed at bringing
about a blend in technologies in the process of message delivery. Okoro (2006:37) citing Folkerts et al
states that in this process, technological changes not only create new forms of media but also cause
formally distinct media forms such as newspapers to blend or overlap functions with the new media, as
is now the case with news on television and the internet. Ilo (2000) in Okoro (2006:37) agrees that this
convergence is rooted in technological innovations in microelectronics, telecommunications and the
computer. In this mode, all kinds of data, irrespective of their origin can be manipulated and integrated
through digitalization on the basis of their common informational structure. With this development they
will become instrument for the dissemination and propagation of local Nigerian news and culture across
Nigeria borders and thus, maintaining a strategic presence on the information superhighway. In view of
the above submission, it is pertinent for the broadcast media professionals to be acquainted and able to
manipulate these technologies and also have good knowledge of the workings of these new
technologies employed in broadcasting. This implies that, the media professionals should know the
means of acquiring them, installing and maintaining these equipment and the ability to overcome the
challenges posed by these innovations as a catalyst for change and as the pivot around which great
competition revolve in the broadcast industry. To authenticate the above assertion Mbam (2007:64)
affirms that information and communication technology (ICT) is applied in communication profession
because media practitioners need organized (systematic or formalized) way of handling information for
proper planning, proper decision making, and proper management in organization and individual
activities which information are meant for. It is unarguably becoming a statement of fact that the success
of any organization; institution, business, or individual venture depends largely on the level of
communication effectiveness and efficiency at its disposal. Every business or organization, regardless of
its size or purpose, is concerned with processing of facts (or data) about its operations in order to
provide accurate information to its management. This function could be carried out faster through the
use of modern communication channels like internet, television, motion picture etc, which disseminate
information to all nooks and crannies of the populace. These modern communication devices go a long
way to alleviate the numerous human efforts being wasted in our previous (un–organized or non–
systematic) manner of running our organizations or collecting our information (Mbam: 2002). The needs
in today‟s organizational and institutional pattern to save time, cost and minimize the process of
organizing and coordinating our big activities is the core function of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs). However, the story is different in the Nigerian broadcast industry. Even in the face of
technological advancement in other countries and the applications of these new technologies in the
broadcast media, the acquisition and use in Nigeria is rather slow. Nigerian broadcasters are yet to catch
up with the trend in modern technologies, although communication experts foresaw long ago that more
private broadcast media will spring up in Nigeria by 21st century, giving communication its place and
priority in the country. The use of new information technologies in Nigeria is a recent phenomenon, as
the media are doing their best to catch up with the trend of things in the world in terms of the
acquisition and use of these new technologies. These technologies are capable of creating sophistication
in the method of broadcasting and also improve the output and quality of programmes. According to
Amuchie (2001:48), in a world that has become a global village where information travels faster than the
speed of light, any country that stand aloof, whether out of ignorance or lack of appreciation of this
necessity will certainly contend with backwardness. The Nigerian broadcast media cannot afford to stand
aloof where others are making progress, thus, to fight the shackles of backwardness successfully, there is
need to embrace the use of these technologies in order to improve the quality of the programmes and
broadcast. The improvement of the broadcast media all over the world is greatly due to the application
of the right technologies and communication system within their broadcast network Malcom (2001:
217). In view of the foregoing, a problem arises as to how to gauge the influence of these new
technologies on broadcast content, message delivery, information reach and quality. Given the startling
development of new media technologies and the expectation that proper application of these
technologies would improve broadcasting in Nigeria this study will therefore, examine the Influence of
technologies on broadcasting in Nigeria. A study of Delta Broadcasting Stations, Asaba.

1.1. Background of the study

Delta Broadcasting Service was established in August 27,1991 to broadcast efficiently and effectively
throughout Delta State and beyond, to attract and sustain maximum viewership/listens.

Delta Broadcasting Station (DBS) was built by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda in August 27,1991.

Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba is one of the parastatals of the Delta State Ministry of
information.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

It is saddening that despite the startling developments in media technology, TV broadcasting in Nigeria
especially in Delta state is yet to assimilate the new innovation or imbibe the realities of modern
broadcasting. The advancement in media technology can only be said to be achieving the desired ends
when they readily and continuously influence positively the operations of the Nigerian broadcast media.
What this translates to, is that the success or otherwise of all these technologies can only be measured
in terms of the extent to which they bring improvement on the accuracy, speed and transfer of message
and redefine the concept of broadcasting to an enviable height. The use of new media technologies can
only be said to be effective when the media professionals and audience benefit from the technologies
through improved quality of programmes. The problem still remains as to how to assess the extent to
which the new media technologies have influenced the Delta Broadcasting Station. How have the new
media technologies enhanced productivity in terms of accuracy and news production in these station?
Are the public broadcast stations more abreast of the influence of the new media or the private
broadcast station more aware of this influence? How have the new media technologies influenced the
members of staff? How proficient are the members of staff in the use of these new media technologies?
What are the challenges posed by these technologies to the members of staff? How do the stations
acquaint their staff with the operations of new media technologies? Are these influences positive or
negative? How have these technologies helped to overcome the barriers of time space and distance?
What are the resultant effects of the total qualities of programmes as a result of the use of new media
technologies? This research is therefore set basically to answer this question; what influences have new
media technologies played in broadcasting, with regard to Delta Broadcasting Stations

1.3 Objectives of Study

The objectives of this study include the following;

1. To determine the extent to which the new media technologies have influenced the operations of
the broadcasting media.
2. To examine the level of proficiency of the members of staff in the use of new media technologies
in a broadcasting firm of DBS.
3. To determine the extent to which new media technologies have been incorporated into the
station operations of DBS.
4. To determine the challenges posed by new media technologies to broadcast operations.
5. Lastly and not the least to find out some possible solutions against the challenges posing threat
to technology in broadcasting.

1.4. Research questions

To realize the objectives of this study, the following research questions were asked;

1. Has the new media technologies influenced the operations of the broadcasting in terms of
reach, programmes, economy etc?
2. Do you think the members of staff of DBS are proficient in the use of the new media
technologies?
3. Do you think the station under study have incorporated new media technologies in their
operations for efficient broadcasting?
4. Are there challenges posed by these new technologies to the broadcast industry?
5. Are there possible solutions to the challenges posing threat to technologies in broadcasting.

1.5. Research hypothesis

Based on the research under study, hypothesis will be used to determine the responses of the
respondents.

1. Ho: Technologies have not influenced broadcasting.

Hi: Technologies have influenced broadcasting.
 2. Ho: There are no challenges of technologies in broadcasting.
Hi: There are challenges of technologies in broadcasting.
3. Ho: The staffs of DBS are not proficient in the use of new technologies in broadcasting.
Hi: The staffs of DBS are proficient in the use of new technologies in broadcasting.

1.6. Scope of the Study

The interest of this study lied in the influence of technologies in broadcasting with regard to Delta
Broadcasting stations, Asaba. The work does not study the generality of influence on all the equipment
used in broadcasting; rather it restricts itself to only new media (Internet), satellite technology, cable
system, computer, digital cameras, fibre optic, teletext and digital television employed in broadcasting.
Analogue equipment and other equipment not mentioned above are not within the scope of this study.

1.7. Significance of Study

This study will be beneficial in the following ways:

1. The findings will help to reposition the thought pattern and help media professionals to get
acquainted with the new technologies to help produce quality programmes.
2. The findings of this research will add to the existing literatures and act as a handy material for
students who might have interest in researching further on the topic.
3. The study shows the extent to which broadcast media have incorporated the use of modern
technologies in their operations.
4. The findings from this research ascertained how favourable or unfavourable these new
technologies are to the broadcast media.
5. The study will also serve as future research guide on prospective researchers and mass
communication students in general.

1.8. Limitations of the study :

In the course of the study there are some limitations encountered by the researcher and is stated below.

1. Some respondents failed to answer to the questionnaire shared even after the researcher visited
there repeatedly.
2. Also the objectivity of the researcher's positions on the findings of the investigation is not
guaranteed as there are chances of researcher's bias interference in the course of interpreting
the findings of this study and the drawing of an objective conclusion.
3. Furthermore, human behavior being the object matter of this research cannot be subjected to
lab experiment, thus is unpredictable and subject to change, therefore conclusions drawn based
on the findings of this investigation if implemented in a future similar, but different case may fail
to yield the same results.
4. There is also time and money constrictions which made the researcher to limit the data source
to just primary and secondary sources within his disposal.
5. The data generated in the course of this investigation may not be representative of the positions
of every member staff may not be their view.

1.9. Definitions of Terms

For a proper understanding of this work, key terms used are defined based on their conceptual relevance
to this study.

1. Influence: According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (7th ed.). Influence is the effect
that somebody or something has on the way a person thinks or behaves or on the way that
something works or develops. It could be further said as the power that somebody or something
has to make somebody or something behave in a particular way.
2. New Media: According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (7th ed.). New Media means
new information and entertainment technologies, such as the Internet, CD-ROMs and Digital
Television. On the other hand McQuail (2005:136) simply defines the “new media as a disparate
set of communication technologies that shares certain features apart from being new made
possible by digitalization and being widely available for personal use as communication devices.
3. Media Technologies: This refers to any special device or medium that helps in the procession,
distribution, storage, display and reception of information.
4. Broadcast: This is the business of sending out radio and television signals over a distance, to a
large heterogeneous audience by means of airwaves.
5. Broadcast Media: This is that electronic media or channel that uses the airwaves which enables
signals and information to be transmitted to a large and diverse audience.
6. Convergence: According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (7 th ed.). Convergence means
to move towards a place from different direction and meet.
7. Digital: According to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (7th ed.). Digital means using a
system of receiving and sending information as a series of the numbers, numbers one to zero,
showing that an electronic signal is there or is not there.
8. Globalization: This means international integration. It can be describe as a process by which the
people of the world are unified into a single society. This process is a combination of economic,
technology, socio – cultural and political forces. www.wikipedia.org.
9. Internet: According to the wikipedia. org the internet also known as the “Net” or the “Web” can
be easily understood as a “network of networks”. Specifically, it is the worldwide publicly
accessible network of international computer networks that transmits data by packet switching
using the standard internet protocol (IP). Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (7th ed.).
“Internet” is an international computer network connecting other networks and computers from
companies, universities, etc.
10. Broadcast Industry: This refers to the public and private radio and television stations, including
cable television services, direct satellite broadcast and any other medium of broadcasting in
Nigeria.
Live broadcast:
11. Technology: That is NTA to more for the growth and development of modern and supersonic
equipment. Hence to too aside the adapted and analogue broadcast equipment and imbibe the
use of digital equipment.
12. Coverage: The extent of NTA audience coverage in Nigeria and the need to cover the rest of the
world like BBC, VOA, CNN and radio France international, Nigerian launched its satellites.
CHAOTER TWO

2.0. Literature Review

2.1. Introduction

As the world grows complex and sophisticated, new media technologies are invented. The invention of
new media technologies has always been a catalyst for change in the broadcast industry. This change can
be attributed to the introduction of new media technologies in broadcasting occasioned by giant
technological advancement.

The advancement in media technologies has cut the barrier of time and space in our broadcast industry;
it has also made communication easier and more democratic and the creation and distribution of media
content easier. No wonder Defleur and Dennis (1991: 229) observed that:

Technology has always been a metaphor for change in media industry. As far back as Gutenberg, it was
technology: the movable type that spurred change. Later, fast printing presses, the telegraph, zinc
engraving, modern photography, radio, television, fibre optics, and other technologies heralded new
developments for media and their audience.

The emergence of media technologies and the imaginative applications of these new technologies and
older technologies make it possible for the society to be more informed. It also makes information
processing, delivery, storage and retrieval easier. As the world strives towards globalization, the new
media technologies are believed to be a great facilitator of this move.

Nsude (2004:102) believes that the human family is disunited and fragmented into nations and cultures
with conflicting interest and perceptions and there is need therefore for a more united world.
Throughout history, new media and new forms of media delivery have continually appeared. Today we
have witnessed the arrival of a global community brought about by advances in communication
technologies. This has invariably brought to fore the concept of globalization.

2.2. History of broadcasting in Nigeria

Broadcasting is an essential act of sending out information through TV or radio stations to a huge
audience. The concept of broadcasting primarily covers radio and TV channels but many observers have
asserted that newspapers also serve as realistic platforms through which information can be transmitted
to a massive audience of readers.

Nigeria’s history of broadcasting dates from the 18th century when “Iwe Iroyin fun Awon Egba ati
Yoruba’’ was introduced in the former Southern Protectorate of the country. In discussing Nigeria’s
history of broadcasting, it is important to discriminate between the origins of the three commonest
broadcasting mediums being the newspapers, TV, and radio stations. Therefore, this article has been
designed to discuss the history of broadcasting in Nigeria beginning from the evolution of newspapers to
the emergence of TV stations. { not forgetting social media}.

2.2.1. The Evolution of Newspapers

It is no longer news that newspapers emerged as the first formal medium of broadcasting in Nigeria. In
1859, “Iwe Iroyin fun Awon Egba ati Yoruba” [translated in English as “A Newspaper for the Egba’s and
the Yoruba’s”] became the foremost newspaper to be launched in Nigeria. Introduced by Christian
missionary Reverend Henry Townsend, the newspaper was aimed at instituting a literacy scheme for the
Egba’s and the Yoruba people. The earliest editions of the newspaper were predominantly read by
Nigerian dignitaries most especially in the present-day South West of Nigeria.

With the advent of “Iwe Iroyin”, Nigerians were stimulated to launch more newspapers and this idea has
buttressed the continual existence of the newspaper industry in Nigeria. Following the footsteps of “Iwe
Iroyin”, some of the prominent newspapers that emerged included:

 The Lagos Standard

 Lagos Time and Gold Coast Advertiser
 Nigerian Tribune
 Lagos Weekly Record
 The West African Pilot
 Anglo-African
 African

The emergence of the aforementioned newspapers contributed immensely to the history of

broadcasting in Nigeria. Moreover, they triggered many Nigerians to engage in journalism and this clearly
gave a good deal of journalists the grace to uphold activism and nationalism by kicking against British
colonialism. Significantly, freedom fighters and nationalists began to emerge and newspapers served as
great avenues for them to oppose British colonialists.

Herbert Macaulay pioneered nationalism in Nigeria and he was regarded as one of the foremost
nationalistic writers in the country. Some of the other Nigerian writers who blazed a trail in freedom
fighting against colonial rule included:

Nnamdi Azikiwe

Anthony Enahoro

Obafemi Awolowo

Mokwugo Okoye

Ernest Ikoli

Dutse Muhammed Ali

Each of the writers above was a great freedom fighter whose struggle contributed to Nigeria’s
independence in 1960. Upon gaining independence from British colonialism, Nigeria welcomed a new
generation of journalism. At the time, TV broadcasting was beginning to gain grounds in Nigeria and
some of the aforementioned newspapers soon metamorphosed into TV stations including NBC, WNRC,
and WNTV.

One of the major challenges encountered by the Nigerian press was the pressure coming from those in
authority. Years after independence, the press was not granted absolute freedom to speak against rulers.
This affected many individuals, especially those who felt they could use the press as an avenue for
speaking against the Nigerian government. To deny the press absolute freedom, the Nigerian
government-controlled broadcasting and its monopolization of the media discouraged individuals from
writing against it.

2.2.2. The Evolution of Radio Broadcasting

1933 marked the beginning of radio broadcasting in Nigeria with Lagos being the site of the foremost
RDS (Radio Distribution System). Under the control of the Department of Post and Telegraphs, the radio
system was designed majorly to function as a reception base for the British Broadcasting Corporation.
About two years after its establishment, the radio system had its name modified into Radio Diffusion
System. In the course of World War II [1939 – 1945], the radio system served broadcasting purposes.

In 1939, precisely 6 years after the first radio system, another radio system known as Ibadan Station was
established. 1950 marked the first real inception of NBS (Nigerian Broadcasting System) in Nigeria and
this gave the country a significant level of radio broadcasting. At the time, the broadcasting services of
the NBS spanned across several Nigerian cities including:

Ibadan

Enugu

Lagos

Kaduna

Kano

Going by the provisions of the Bill of the House of Representatives, 1956 marked Nigeria’s attainment of
its first broadcasting corporation. After many years, the establishment of the Federal Radio Corporation
of Nigeria came about and in the early 1990s, the country established its first external radio service
named the “Voice of Nigeria’’.

2.2.3. The Evolution of TV Broadcasting

Television broadcasting seems to be the most cherished medium of broadcasting in Nigeria. Its history
can be traced back to the late 1950s when the former Western Region launched Nigeria’s foremost TV
signal. Precisely, 1959 marked the beginning of television broadcasting in Nigeria with Western Nigerian
Television being the first TV station established in the country.

With the intent of providing an avenue for regional schools lacking adequate teaching staff, the former
Western Region set up the Western Nigerian Television. Following the footsteps of the Western Regional
government, the Eastern Regional government set up its television broadcasting system with the primary
aim of promoting formal education within its jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the said broadcasting system was
created in 1960.

Only two years after the move by the Eastern Regional government, the Northern Regional government
launched its TV broadcasting system with the intent of promoting education within its jurisdiction.
Established in 1962, the TV system was given the name “Radio Television Kaduna”.
At the start of the operation, all the three regional TV systems stuck with their primary objectives but in
later years, each of them was eventually commercialized. TV stations in Nigeria operated under the
governance of the Nigerian Federal Government until 1992. This monopolization of TV stations by the
Federal Government was abolished through the creation of the National Broadcasting Commission as per
provisions of Decree number 38. In reality, this marked a significant change in Nigeria’s broadcasting
history as private individuals were granted the freedom to own Media and TV broadcasting systems.

2.2.4. The Evolution of the Internet in Nigeria

The internet is obviously one of the popularly used broadcasting mediums in Nigeria. It is not as popular
as either of TV and radio broadcasting mediums but it remains a relevant broadcasting medium in the
country. In Nigeria, the evolution of the internet can be traced back to the mid-1990s. Considered the
lowest-developing broadcasting medium in Nigeria, the internet has remained operative in Nigeria since
1996. Over the years, more than 40 certified internet service companies have been established in
Nigeria.

2.2.5. Modern Broadcasting in Nigeria

Without doubts, Nigeria is in the trend of modern broadcasting as practiced in many parts of the world.
Digital technology has integrated the idea of broadcasting and Nigeria is not lagging behind in exploiting
the benefits associated with this. No learned person would doubt the fact that digital technology has
made it possible for people to enjoy broadcasting regardless of where they are in the world. Today,
information travels rapidly across media platforms like TV, radio, and newspapers.

The rapid growth of modern technology has facilitated the spread of TV channels and radio stations.
Interestingly, Nigeria is not excluded from the countries that have taken the advantage of modern
technology to improve broadcasting.

Over the years, Nigeria’s broadcasting industry has grown massively with a plethora of media channels
like daily newspapers, TV systems and radio stations. Today, radio stations are found in every of Nigeria’s
36 States. Reports from reliable sources imply that there are more than 60 radio stations in Nigeria with
some States having multiple radio stations. More than 20 of these radio stations are under private
ownership while 40 are owned by the government. International transmission is obviously one of the
exciting features of modern broadcasting and Nigerians have been gaining access to it since 2007.

TV broadcasting is considered the most popular aspect of broadcasting in Nigeria and there is barely a
Nigerian household –especially in cities –where you won’t find at least one TV set. In Nigeria, TV
broadcasting is much more admired than radio broadcasting and there are a significant number of TV
channels in the country. About 70 of Nigeria’s entire TV channels are owned by the Nigerian government
while a considerable number of other TV channels are under private ownership. Also noteworthy is that
Nigerians have been gaining access to satellite subscriptions since 2007.

Some of the prominent privately-owned TV channels in Nigeria are Silverbird Television, AIT (Africa
Independent Television), and Channels Television. The most popular government-owned radio station is
Federal Radio Corporation while the most popular TV counterpart is the Nigerian Television Authority.

2.3. What is broadcasting

Broadcasting is the distribution of content, either audio or video, to a large dispersed audience by means
of any medium of electronic mass communications. Typically, the mass communications medium is one
that uses the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e. radio waves, in a one-to-many model.

Odetenyibo, (2001) states that broadcasting “is the giving out, sharing transmission of

information or messages through an electronic device. The electronic device can be radio, tv, etc. One of
the scientific developments of the 19th century was the utilization of the air waves to establish a world-
wide communication system.

According to Robb (1982), “Airwaves consists of electromagnetic radiation which travels at the speed of
light that is one hundred and eight six thousand miles per second. It is used in transmitting voice and
other electronic impulses from a point to a number of receivers” Akpan (2006), notes that in a society
where there is radio broadcasting, that one can identify four main pillars that support the structure of
broadcasting and keep it going. These pillars according to Akpan (2006) are the government, station,
audience and network the network he says is chiefly the product of the emerging trend in Information
and Communication Technologies.

The work also identifies the work of information and Communication Technologies in the radio
broadcasting industry as that of adding the radio the process of conveying messagesinformation,
education and entertainment programmes.

In support of the ideal, Taylor (1997) states that with the application of Information and

Communication technologies in broadcasting industries that “broadcasting has been found to be a force
to reckon within the development of nations, the world over”.

This is more pronounced and well emphasized in the realms of “communication revolution” which is a
shift from interpersonal to mediated communication.

With the application of Information and Communication Technologies, Taylor (1997) maintains that
broadcasting complements other classification of communication operation in terms of the fact that the
information which one would not otherwise have no access to, are source for one, by others. On the
other hand, broadcasting has metamorphosed over the years, from unknown to the known electronic
technological innovations and interventions which have resulted in communication overload for its
audience. Dominick (2009) argues that the application of Information and Communication Technologies
through the worldwide web provide access to worldwide media on a scale never before possible. That
radio stations in other countries, for example, are available on the Net (a convergence of Information
and Communication Technologies). Dominick also has it that a scan of websites beginning from early
2005, found radio stations in Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil, Great Britain and many other
countries broadcasting on the net. Though the application of Information and Communication
Technologies as stated by Dominick (2006), happenings in our immediate environment and around the
world are always brought to out door steps (reducing the wide world) to the size of the village). Radio
broadcast as the case may be being the widest of all the means (in terms of coverage) of communication,
makes news of events available to the widest possible audience through Information and
Communication Technology (ICTs).
Odetoyinbo (2001) posits that radio broadcasting is concerned with only seconds, its strengths is in the
extent of coverage, the kind of transmitter (information and Communication Technologies product), the
position or location of the mast and the kind of radio set the individual uses. The transmitter of radio
sound is either on Amplified Modulation (AM) or Frequency Modulation (FM). The AM wave bands are
for long distances of broadcasting. Thus, in Nigeria, broadcast programmes are got on AM wave hands
especially of the short wave bands are used.

The Frequency modulation (FM) is a stereophonic sound modulation band. It is usually not as powerful
as the (AM) band in terms of each. However, radio broadcasting generally is moderated in terms of
management of equipment and programmes transmission.

2.4. Forms of broadcasting

Radio broadcasting began commercially in 1920, although experimentally it had been done starting in
1906. And it is still alive and well to this day. This form of broadcasting sends audio signals through the
air as radio waves from a transmitter, which are then picked up by an antenna and sent to a receiver. And
you hear it coming out of your radio.

Television broadcasting is probably the form that most probably think of when they hear the term
broadcasting. It began commercially in 1930, and is an extension of radio broadcasting, but includes the
transmission of video signals as well.

In addition to the above, there is cable radio and television, which is the transmission of signals through
coaxial cable.

Direct-broadcast satellite and satellite radio started in the 1970s and is meant for direct-to-home
broadcast programming. It provides a mix of traditional radio or television broadcast programming, or
both, in addition to dedicated satellite radio programming.

Lastly, we have webcasting of video and television as well as audio and radio streams. This is of course
the newest form of broadcast media, this can include media from traditional sources, such as those
named above, e.g. NBC or BBC. But it can also include new media such as podcasts and live streams on
social media platforms such as YouTube or Facebook.

2.5. Challenges of technology in Broadcasting in Nigeria and Possible Solutions

Broadcasting is the profession of sending out messages or programmes to be received by radios and
televisions. Broadcasting is done in radio and television stations by professional broadcasters. A
broadcaster is someone whose job is to speak on radio or television programmes.

A broadcaster basically anchors radio or television programmes. In this case, he/she is a radio presenter
or television presenter. There are radio broadcasters and television broadcasters. They all work in
broadcasting houses and organisations. Broadcasting is a part of journalism. The ethics that guide
journalists also guide broadcasters.

Broadcasting started in Nigeria in 1859 with the printing of Iwe Iroyin by Reverend Henry Townsend.
The Iwe Iroyin newspaper publication provided the platform for the production of other newspaper
publications such as Nigerian Tribune, The West African Pilot, African Messenger, etc. The publication of
these newspapers started the era of journalism in Nigeria. The journalists in this era used these
newspaper publications as weapons to fight for Nigeria’s independence.

Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule ushered in a new era of journalism. Consequently, some of
these newspaper publications metamorphosed into full fledged television stations in Nigeria. However,
these came with a lot of harassment, intimidation and pressure from the Nigerian government.

This is because the concept of free press did not go down well with the government of the day.
Journalists were seen as forthright honest and objective people. This virtues were therefore not the forte
of the Nigerian government.

The year 1933 ushered in the beginning of radio broadcasting in Nigeria while television broadcasting
started in 1959. The Nigerian Broadcasting service was established in 1950 and cover Kaduna, Ibadan,
Enugu, Kano, and Lagos.

It is important to note that the federal government controlled all television stations in Nigeria until
1992.It was in 1992 that decree number 38 was enacted which created the National Broadcasting
Commission.

With the establishment of the NBC, government monopoly was totally removed. This also paved the
way for the establishment of privately-owned radio and television stations in Nigeria. Presently, Nigeria
has about sixty radio stations and seventy federal controlled television stations.

In Nigeria, media houses have not totally embraced digital broadcasting despite the obvious benefits.
Digital broadcasting is still the least developed sector in Nigeria. These and other problems of
broadcasting in Nigeria will be discussed below. For the purpose of this research, we will explain just few
challenges of broadcasting in (DBS) and in Nigeria at large and possible solutions:

1. Poor Remuneration

Broadcasters like journalists are also poorly paid. Their salaries are not enough to sustain them for the
month. A lot of them engage in unethical practices to survive. This breeds corrupt practices like the
Brown envelope syndrome, bribery, financial crimes, etc.

2. Digital Broadcasting is Still the Least Developed Broadcasting Channel in Nigeria

Digital broadcasting started in Nigeria with the advent of the internet in 1996.This has led to the creation
of more than forty listened internet broadcasting companies in Nigeria.

Despite these, a lot of broadcasting houses are yet to go digital in their operations. They still use gadgets
and equipment that are analogue. In other climes, they have totally gone digital.

Many people can live stream broadcasters on the internet. Most broadcasting houses in Nigeria do not
have website addresses where people can live stream them and contribute to their programmes live.

A lot of Nigerian media houses have not utilized fully the benefits of social media like Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram, etc to run their broadcasting outfits and reach out to people all over the world.

This make them technologically backward and hinders them from competing favourably with media
houses worldwide. This restricts their programmes to the local audience and impacts negatively on the
quality of radio and television programmes.
3. Technology in Broadcasting is Capital Intensive in Nigeria

Broadcasting in Nigeria is Expensive to setup and run. It requires a lot of money to buy gadgets and
equipment. Maintaining these gadgets is also expensive.

A lot of money is also expended in paying staff salaries and as overhead cost. Most equipment used in
Nigerian broadcasting houses are not made in Nigeria. They are imported from other foreign countries.
This increases the cost of setting up a broadcasting outfit in Nigeria.

4. Most Nigerian Broadcasters are not Properly Groomed in new media technologies

It is sad that most broadcasters and presenters that work in media houses are not Properly Groomed for
their job. Most of them cannot speak fluent and impeccable English. Their expressions are poor.

They commit a lot of grammatical blunders. Most of them are accidental broadcasters. They lack the
conviction, carriage and comportment to become seasoned presenters and broadcasters.

Many of them do not even know how to write, draft, edit and develop programmes that are qualitative,
educative, informative and appealing to the wider audience. They are practically bereft of ideas and
innovations they can contribute to improve themselves.

5. No Freedom of Speech

Broadcasters like journalists are also frequently harassed by the government. The Nigerian laws provide
for the freedom of speech but the Nigerian governments have consciously tried to infringe on this right.
Broadcasters are also guide by the ethics of journalism which are integrity, honesty and objectivity.

However, these values are not the forte of all Nigerian governments. They feel offended when
broadcasters present programmes that step on their toes.

They promulgate decrees that place blanket ban on broadcasters, broadcasting house and media
organisations. These laws also gag the freedom of speech which should be enjoyed by the media houses.
In some cases, they arrest perceived offenders who have posted “offending messages and information”
on social media.

6. Erratic Power Supply

Broadcasting is an industry that thrives on constant and uninterrupted electricity supply and most new
technologies doesn’t work with solar power. It is sad that power supply in Nigeria is nothing to write
home about. Most media houses operate diesel generators for their radio and television programmes
and presentations.

7. Poor Infrastructural Development

Infrastructural development in Nigeria is almost non- existent. Broadcasters travel round the country to
meet people and interview them. They also travel round The country to cover programmes on places,
people and cultures. This make them prone to accidents and untimely death on Nigerian roads. The road
network is appalling.
Electricity supply is bad and telecommunication is poor in Nigeria. All of these affect the broadcasting
industry. Most broadcasting houses have to provide for their own infrastructure to ensure the smooth
running of their business daily.

8. Poor Quality of Programmes

Lack of new media technologies have reduced the quality of programmes of some stations. Most media
houses produce programmes that lack quality in content and depth. Their programmes fail to reach out
to a large audience and also makes them fail to take more of the global market.

9. Non-Payment of Salaries

Most times, Broadcasters are not paid their salaries at all. They need to survive. To survive, they engage
in unethical practices to feed themselves.

10. Poor Welfare

A lot of broadcasters are not properly taken care of .They are shabbily treated. Their welfare is taken for
granted. Those who have left active service do not receive their pension and gratuity at all. Some of
them die of hunger and poverty. For those still inactive service, their welfare package is poor and not
given to them on time.

2.5.1. Possible Solutions:

The government must endeavour to eliminate censorship of media houses. This will give them the
opportunity to express themselves freely.

The government must enact laws to protect broadcasters and broadcasting organisations.

The government must ensure that it builds and sustains enduring infrastructures to help broadcasters
and the profession of broadcasting.

The National Broadcasting Commission must properly regulate the broadcasting industry to ensure that
broadcasters present content that conform with international best practices. They must enforce quality
assurance on programme content and depth, coverage and audience viewership.

Broadcasting houses must ensure that prospective broadcasters that will work in their organisations are
properly interviewed properly, well-grounded and have the competencies to handle any aspect of
broadcasting.

Owners of broadcasting houses must ensure that staff salaries are paid when due.

The government must ensure that retirees are paid their dues on time. They must not allow them to
suffer from hunger and poverty. For those still in active service, their welfare packages must be improved
to motivate them to give their best.

2.6. Influence of New Media Technologies on Broadcasting in Nigeria

Often new media technology is considered an abstract phenomenon. Keirstead (2005) has created a
better picture on applications of computers in broadcasting and cable newsroom. He explains that
applying new media technology to television news creation takes readers over the usage of computers
and software in the transmission/cable newsrooms studio. His text about television news technology
was to assist news production managers cope with technological modification. He has revealed countless
ways in which today’s reporting is centered around new media technology, and how news reporters rely
on complex and varied technologies to deliverer informative, educational, and timely accounts.

New media technology explores how we have been able to understand the role of the computer in
various parts of the newsroom. What this means is that the uses of computers are key necessities in
actualizing new media in transmitting information in real time. The use of technology in television news
production herein referred to as convergence could be traced to 1980. This was linked to the first
transmission of the cable news network, CNN. Since then, journalism has been tied to technology and
has thus changed the way things are done. Although means of distributing news preceded the invention
of the printing press, it was technology that allured printers to produce copies of documents at
reasonable prices, resulting in the development of newspapers.

Likewise, the invention of radio and television led to new and better ways of sharing information with
large number of people. Today’s television news relies on diverse and difficult but easy to use new media
technologies to help correspondents compose exciting and enlightening broadcasts conveyed in real
times resulting in live broadcasting. Keirstead (2005) further adds that realizing new media technology in
a live broadcasting studio could only be achieved by linking diverse computers and hardware called
networking to a transmitter. This in Keirstead’s view has opened the way for automation of news
production.

If new media technology is a defining phenomenon in CNN, there’s a name that much of the credit must
go. That name was a pioneer staff of CNN. Sidney’s artistry in the CNN story commenced in 2005 when
he states that the emergence of satellite television has created a quantum leap in visual communication;
its ability to inform, entertain, and above all enlighten not millions, but billions of people. He narrated an
ordeal in 2003 shortly after Saddam Hussein’s regime was toppled in Iraq. Sidney notes that as a result of
that satellite television dishes sprang up all over the city of Baghdad. According to him, one young Iraqi
man said that Iraqi wants to see how the outside world lives, how it thinks. An Iraqi woman also
remarked that satellite TV is a great way to shape Iraqis, enable them to know the truth about our land
and also accord them the opportunity to learn about their past. The lady wished that every Iraqis should
have access to satellite television.

Sidney (2005) narrated that the reason he started traveling round the globe was solely with the intention
of building the turner empire and spreading the gospel of convergence and new media. Yet when he
discovered the power of satellites; a new purpose according to him evolved, enlightening the world’s
population, and letting them access the new technology now provided.

In a similar vein, Tryon (2009) notes that new media technology has clearly reshaped the home viewing
experience as families are drawn closely to happening of events at real times. This he believes has
thrown away the close circuit viewing experience popularly known as DVD. According to Tryon, the new
format of broadcasting via media convergence is an ultimate experience that thus continues to inform
industry representatives and stakeholders in media how the previous technology ended. He is of the
view that there is a paradigm shift from the old way to the present-day live streaming made possible via
new media technology. He is of the opinion that viewership and patronage has now been accessed by
the timeliness of an event or occurrence. That’s what the age of new media technology has been able to
achieve, Tryon (2009) laments.
Manovich (2001) notes that, when broadcasting was done via DVD or VCD, there could be some
manipulations. He believes that computers could be used to create some assumptions of a desire of
realism, where documented features work together to yield the desired effects.

The researcher disagrees with Manovich (2001) because in new media technology, un-retouched
photographic accounts of an occurrence that transpired right in front of the camera are streamed
directly to viewers. Manipulations are no longer feasible as events are streamed live while they are
unfolding. Such manipulation is what CNN has been able to eliminate.

Dixon (2015) has brought the concept of the dawn of a new era. Where he believes that in the late
1990’s, the medium started feeling the profound change melted by new media technology. He adds that
this has stimulated a modern technological provision and invention, with a new set of plots, stars, and
iconic conventions. At this time, he thought that producing and broadcasting expensive films focused
basically on young people with the intention of enticing the major likely viewers while reducing
monetary risk was the best. Though, unknown to him, CNN had embarked on a satellite digital mission,
which proved his assertion wrong. These technologies often bypass the theatre, delivering prompt films
and news to abundance of potential seams ranging from high-definition television sets to cell phones. It
has also accorded filmmaking with new tools for and distributing their work to a mass audience.

Keirstead (2005) laments the networking of several computers and other hardware was a significant step
in bringing new media technologies to reality and ensuring the efficiency of news production. As
explained earlier, this all began in the 1980’s when CNN took the lead in rebranding and reshaping the
culture of information dissemination. This also points to the fact that if CNN had not taken this lead, we
may have remained in the era of closed-circuit broadcasting where information broadcasted are timed,
doctored, or edited to suit certain economic class. All this boil down to the fact that if new media
technology in television broadcasting has not been made possible there wouldn’t have been that
dramatic change which paved the way for automation of news and broadcasting globally.

Keirstead (2005) further reveals that in a live broadcasting studio, the activity related to switching among
incoming and outgoing sources has been taken over by computer, hence the new media technology.

This research is extremely important because it unveils the key relevance of how the broadcasting
industry has evolved rapidly upon the establishment and emergence of new media technology.

Murphy (2011) issued a strong statement confirming the importance of new media technology in
repositioning the broadcasting business. Murphy (2011) posits that instructional literature can serve as
lenses through which to evaluate cultural issues, such as modern media technologies in this example.
This narrative further reveals that tutor texts can instruct us in multiple ways thus demonstrating how
cultural convergence takes place in contemporary media. It shows how media users navigate, follow
stories and their creators across platforms. And providing us with a model of how a new media
reception/production practice such as CNN can be recapitulated as part of an original commodity
product, via cross-platform collaboration.

Murphy (2011) suggests that for each of these modalities, tutor texts are about more than just new
media technology. Instead, one sees the merger of peculiar software and hardware forms together, and
also changes in broadcast industry practices; one can also see the connection and edge of various forms
of representation, radio, television and many more. Throughout this example, the medium of television
performs a crucial and cohesive role in containing new form while also providing its old established
styles and aesthetic to web serials and anchoring new attempt to address audiences via the web with
more familiar programming formats.

Olley (2009) investigated the effects of new media and the challenges they pose to Nigerian
broadcasting. He used a survey method to collect data in order to describe a population that was too
large to observe directly, using careful sampling and the creation of a standardized questionnaire.
Although Olley’s effort is commendable, the use of a questionnaire is deemed insufficient for his work.
Questionnaires are closed-ended in nature and may not provide a detailed explanation of the
respondents’ opinions.

Instead of a questionnaire, it is strongly believed that interviews should have been conducted in order to
elicit detailed information and data from the participants. A field interview with the operators,
practitioners, and owners of the various media outlets under investigation would have been ideal.

As a result, gathering data from a group of respondents whose characteristics may have been assumed
to be representative of the larger population becomes impossible, particularly in this study. Olley (2009)
conducted his research on four Nigerian broadcasting stations: Delta Broadcasting Service Warri, Edo
Broadcasting Service Benin City, Silverbird Communications Ltd. Benin City, and the Nigerian Television
Authority Benin City.

While I applaud his efforts, I will also point out the gap in his research that I attempted to fill with this
study. According to Pike, research has shown that the emergence of convergence technology in
broadcasting all began in the West: The United States, Germany, and others. Conducting such a study
without a comparison of one Western broadcast station may not yield a better narrative. On what basis
was he analyzing four broadcast stations without knowing whether they were doing the right thing in
Nigeria, had the right technology, and met the required standard?

After all, it was they who invented technology. Based on this premise, this study focused on a
comparison of CNN and DBS. It is the best in the world, where it all began, and the best in Nigeria in
terms of television broadcasting. The reviewed research study clearly shows that while attempting to
study four local broadcast stations in Nigeria in their area of usage of convergence technology in
broadcasting, it would have been far more ideal to have had one station from the west to guide the
research and yield better results.

2.7. Various Methods of Delivering New Media Technology in Broadcasting

New media technology in digital transmission and mobile devices can be explained as a shift that is
changing the face of television and radio from what it has always been since its invention.

These technologies have positioned broadcasting as a mobile media, with the goal of delivering a large
number of segmented networks with targeted services tailored to mobile users’ ever-changing requests
and usages. According to Olley (2009), the ability to share a large number of programs and other
specialized digital content to a large number of mobile users at the same time, combined with the hopes
that lie in 3rd-Generation mobile networks for consumer interactive services and business models, are
all conditions that generate relative interest in the transmission and mobile industries. Olley (2009) adds
that new media technologies are the most significant developments in not only mass communication but
also broadcasting.
Their features have given them an advantage over traditional media. It is important to note that the
majority of the new media that has emerged are all advancements of the old media. Internet,
communication satellite, television, digital versatile disc (DVD), moving picture expert (mp3), compact
disc read only memory (CD-ROM), web radio, video conferencing, mobile phones, podcasting, and
video/tele-texting are some of the ways that new media technologies have shaped the face of
broadcasting globally in recent times.

2.8. Theoretical Framework

According to Ohaja (2003: 63) knowledge does not exist in a vacuum. In every discipline, there is a body
of theories that provide the explanation for observable phenomena in the field. Therefore, this research
adopted the following theoretical postulations:

2.8.1. The Technological Determinism Theory

This theory was propounded by Marshal McLuhan in 1962. He explains Technological Determinism
Theory by stating that communication technologies shapes how we as individuals in the society think,
feel, act and how society operates as we move from one technological advancement to another. This
theory postulates that changes in communication modes largely determine the course of history. This
goes to show that the explosion in information technology would be followed by change, both culturally,
socially and economically. Williams (1990:13) went further to say that the central believe of this theory
lies in the inevitable power of technologies to cause widespread social change. New communication
technologies are discovered, by an essentially internal process of research and development which then
sets the conditions for social change and progress. Griffins (2000:289) opined that this” theory regards
our present culture upheaval as a direct result of the information explosion fostered by television and
the computers”. Technological Determinism Theory emphasizes the importance of the medium and
subsequently, the influence which the medium can have on the audience. McQuail (2005;12) calls it
media – centric theory where he states that the theory sees mass media as a primary mover in social
change, driven forward by irresistible developments in communication technologies. Schement and
Curtis (1995) in McQuail (2005:102) provide us with a detailed “Timeline” of communication
technologies inventions, which they classify according to their being either “Conceptual or Institutional”
(such as computers and satellites). History shows several apparent trends but especially a shift over time
in the direction of more speed, greater dispersion, wider reach and greater flexibility. They underline the
capacity for communication more readily to cross barriers of time and spaces.

This theory emphasizes the importance of the medium and subsequently, the influence which the
medium can have on the audience. Elucidating on this, Nwodu (2004: 74) opined that the theory shows
not only that the medium, rather than the content of communication influence both audience and the
operators and that, the communication technologies are turning the world into a global village.

2.8.2. Diffusion of Innovations Theory

In explaining this theory as it relates to this study, Diffusion is the process of spread of a given idea or
practice, over time via specifiable channels Katz et al (1963).This theory holds that for a new idea or
innovation to diffuse, there must be awareness stage, interest stage, evaluation stage, trial and adoption
stage. They added that different types of innovations require different kinds of adoption units. This
implies that the success of any new innovation depends highly on the level of awareness, interest and
adoption that is given to that innovation. Therefore, for new media technologies to have influence on
the operations of the broadcast media, the professionals must be aware of the technologies, it must
interest them to use. Also they should be able to evaluate the output and see how effective it is and
decide whether to adopt it or not.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

This topic deals with the fundamental question of how

the study will be brought into scope of research and setting

to yield the desired result, attrition specified method of

collecting data.
 The researcher in this used the description research

design in order to simplify and understand the complex

issue. Concerning the topic under study the researcher

employed the use of question in the collection of data. It

involved studying a large population of the subject by

merely collection data from the population and then

examines the inherent characteristic of the population.

3.2. POPULATION SIZE

The population of this research work were the staffs of

Delta Broadcasting Station, Asaba. The 95 questionnaires

were administered on staffs in the state and they formed the

population of the study.

They were the people to give vital information in the

ascertainment of the objectives of this research work.

3.3. SAMPLE SIZE AND SAMPLING

In the sample of the study, the method used is called the

yaro yemen sampling formula and the formula is started thus:

n =N

1+N (o)2
 where N is the population

0 is the assumed error rate (5%)

Therefore, the sample size is derived from the population

and thus, can be calculated as follows

n = 95
1+95 (0.05)2
n = 95

1+0.2375

95
1.2375 = 76.76App 77
n =77 electorates

Thus, the sample size to be studied is seventy seven

(77) electorates and a selection of the sample size was

through random sampling (SRS). The techniques gave away

numbers of the sample size a chance of being selected.

3.4 DATA COLLECTION INSTRUMENT

In order to obtain the raw data, the following methods

were adopted.
 - Questionnaires and occasional personal observation that

were relevant to the research work.

- Questionnaires papers were distributed to the employees in

proportion to the research population based on the research

perception. There was separate interview scheduled to

ensure that whatever information given by the respondent

were accurate. Similarly, personal observation was used in

the collection of data.

3.5. ADMINISTRATION OF DATA COLLECTION

INSTRUMENTS

VALIDITY OF THE INSTRUMENT

The validity of this research work is concerned with

coverage, scope and adequacy of the information obtained

during the inquiring. These however encouraged most of them

to be objective as required.

3.6. RELIABILITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

For the reliability, entails ascertaining how accurately a

research instrument was measured, what it was supposed to

measure no matter the number of time such measurement

 was taken, and as such, the respondent were convinced and

assured that information given was purely for academic

exercise and will treated in strict confidence. This implied that

the accepted responses were reliable.

3.7. STATISTICAL TOOLS USED IN ANALYSIS OF DATA

All data collected were analysed carefully so as to

reveal the necessary information in the supporting

argument, assertion and postulations made in this research

work.

This was done with the use of table because of it

simplicity and clarity. Percentages where deliberately

rounded since the size of the firm varies quite significantly in

order to get a better overall picture of the organization

under study. The data were analysed and interpreted with

such statistical method as simple percentage and the chi

square (x2) statistical test of association. This method was

used because with aid of percentage, the researcher can

bring out the relative different of the sample under study.

FORMULA
Percentage analysis

For year; total number of years x 100

Total respondents 1

For no: total number of no x 100

Total respondents 1

Chi square analysis

X2 = E (0-E)2

E E

Where X2 = chi square

0= observed value

E= Expected value

Where expected value (E)

= Raw total X column total

Grand total

And degree of freedom of DF

= (R-1) (C-1)

where R =row

C= Column
CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.1 BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF THE CHAPTER

This chapter dealt with the presentation analysis and

interpretation of data obtained from questionnaire

distributed to the staffs of DBS using frequency distribution

 tables based on the simple percentage calculations and chi-

square test for testing the hypothesis.

4.2. PRESENTATION OF DATA

Here the sex, age distribution, material status etc of

respondents were started and analysed as shown below:

What is your sex?

Table 4.2.1 Sex distribution of the respondents

Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Male 43 55.9

Female 34 44.1

Total 77 100

From the above table 43 respondents were male which was

55.9% of total sample population while 34 respondents were
female which was 44.1% of the total sample population.
Where did your age fail?
Table 4.2.2 Age distribution of respondents
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Below 20 44 57.1

21 and above 33 42.9

Total 77 100
From the above table 44 respondents were below 20 years
which was 57.1% of the total sample population while 33
respondents where above 21 which was 42.9% of the total
sample population.
Are you married?
Table 4.2.3: Marital Status of respondents
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Single 43 55.9

Married 34 44.1

Total 77 100

From the above table, 43 respondents where single which was

55.9% of total sample population while 34 respondents were
married which is 44.1% of the total sample population.
What is your Educational qualification?
Table 4.2.4 Educational Distribution of respondents
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

F.L.S.C/ 11 14.29

WASC/SSCE/GCE 7 9.09

NCE/OND/HND 50 64.93

BSC 9 11.69

TOTAL 77 100
From the above table 11 respondents where FSLC holders
which was 14.29% of the total sample population, 7
respondents where WASC/SSCE/GCE holder which was 9.09%
of the total sample population, 50 respondents where
NCE/OND/HND holders which is 64.93% of the total sample
population, where 9 respondents where BSC holders which
was 11.69% of the total sample population.
What is your Religion?
Table 4.2.5: religion distribution of respondents
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Christian 64 83.1%

Islamic 13 16.9%

Traditionalist - -

None - -

TOTAL 77 100

From the above table, 64 respondents where christens which

was 83.1% of the total sample population while 13
respondents where Islamic which was 16.9% of the total
sample population.
Which category of workers do you belong to?
Table 4.2.6 position of occupied by respondents
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Manager 7 9.09%
Journalist 50 64.93

Clerk/Receptionist 9 11.69

Technicians 11 14.29

TOTAL 77 100

From the above 7 respondents where managers which was

9.09% of the sample populations, 50 respondents where
journalists which was 64.93% of the total sample population,
9 respondents where clerk/receptionist which was 11.69 of the
total sample population which was 14.29 of the total sample
population.
What is salary level?
Table 4.2.7: Salary level of respondents
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

01-10 46 59.7

10and above 31 40.3

TOTAL 77 100

From the table, 46 respondents had 01-10 as their salary level

which is 59% of the total sample population while 31
respondents has 10 and above as the salary level which is
40.3% of the total sample population.
 4.3. ANALYSIS OF DATA ACCORDING TO QUESTION
ASKED
QUESTION 1
Do you think if new media technologies in anyway
influenced broadcasting in DBS.
Table 4.2. Social media influence
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Yes it has 43 55.9

No it hasn’t 34 44.1

Total 77 100

Field survey, 2023.

From the above table 43 respondents said yes that new media
technologies in any way influenced broadcasting on DBS which is
55.9% of the total sample population while 34 respondents said
no to the above question which is 44.1% of the total sample
population.
QUESTION 2
Has the new media technologies influenced the operations of
the broadcasting in terms of reach, programmes, economy etc?
Table 4.2.9
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Yes 44 57.1

No 33 42 .9
 Total 77 100

From the above table, 44 respondents believed that new media

technologies have influenced the operations of the
broadcasting in terms of reach, programmes and economy
which is 57.1% of the total sample population, while 33
respondents did not agree which is 42.9 of the total sample
population.

QUESTION 3
Are there challenges posed by these new technologies to the
broadcast industry?
Table 4.3.0:
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Yes there are 43 55.9

challenges
I don’t think so 34 44.1

Total 77 100

From the above table 43 respondents accepted that there are

challenges posed by this new media technologies in broadcasting
industry which is 55.9% of the total sample population while 34
respondents responded negatively which is 44.1% of the total
sample population.
QUESTION 4
Are there possible solutions to the challenges posing threat to
technologies in broadcasting.
Table 4.3.1: Solutions to challenges in broadcasting
Response Respondents Percentage (%)

Yes they are 43 55.9

No they aren’t 34 44.1

Total 77 100

From the above table, respondents agreed that there are

possible solutions to the challenges of technologies in
broadcasting which is 55.9% of the total sample population
while 34 respondents did not agree which is 44.1% of the total
sample population.

QUESTION 5
Does your industry control and supervise new media
technologies in broadcasting?
TABLE 4.3.2:SUPERVISION AND CONTROL IN ORGANISATION
RESPONSE NO OF PERCENTAGE (%)
RESPONDENTS
SUPERVISION 31 40.3
Necessary -
Not Necessary 46 59.7
Total 77 100
From the above table 31 respondents accepted that the

industry supervise and control new media technologies in

broadcasting which is 40.3% of the total sample population

while 46 respondents rejected it which is 59.7% of the total

sample population.

QUESTION 6
Do you have strong and capable hands handling the new media
technologies in your broadcasting station DBS
table 4.3.3. Strong and capable hands
RESPONSE NO OF PERCENTAGE (%)
RESPONDENTS
Good leaders 64 83.1
Bad leaders 13 16.9
Total 77 100
From the above table, 64 respondents accepted that they have

strong and capable hands handling the new media technologies

in their station DBS which is 83.1% of the total sample

population while 13 respondents rejected which is 16.9% of

the total sample population.

Question 7
Has there been any seminar conducted about the influence or

an impact of new media technologies in your broadcasting

station?

TABLE 4.3.4 SEMINAR CONDUCTED

RESPONSE NO OF PERCENTAGE (%)

RESPONDENTS
Seminar 44 57.1
conducted
No Seminar 33 42.9
conducted
Total 77 100
From the above table, 44 respondents agreed that seminar has

been conducted which is 57.1% of the total sample population

while 33 respondents disagree which is 42.9% of the total

sample population.

QUESTION 8

Are there various means used by your station DBS to get every

staff member acquainted in the new media technologies in

broadcasting.

Table 4.3.5

RESPONSE NO OF PERCENTAGE (%)

 RESPONDENTS
Motivational tools 46 59.7
No motivational 31 40.3
tools
Total 77 100
From the above table, 46 respondents agreed that there are

various means used by DBS to acquaint their staffs in the use

of new media technologies which is 59.7% the total sample

population while 31 respondents disagreed which is 40.3% the

total sample population.

QUESTION 9

Do you think the station under study have incorporated new

media technologies in their operations for efficient

broadcasting?

Table 4.3.6: Efficient broadcasting

RESPONSE NO OF PERCENTAGE (%)

RESPONDENTS
Yes it can 52 67.5
No I don’t think 25 32.5
so
Total 77 100
From the above table 52 respondents agreed that the station

under study have incorporated new media technologies in their

operations for efficient broadcasting which is 67.5% of the

total sample population while 25 respondents disagreed which

is 32.5% of the total sample population.

QUESTION 10

Do you think the members of staff of DBS are proficient in the

use of the new media technologies?

Table 4.3.7: Proficient in the use of new media

RESPONSE NO OF PERCENTAGE (%)

RESPONDENTS
Affects senatorial 64 83.1
zone
I don’t think it 13 16.9
does
Total 77 100
From the above table, 64 respondents accepted that member

staffs are proficient in the use of new media technologies in

broadcasting industry of DBS which is 83.1% of the total

sample population while 13 respondents did not accept which

is 16.9% of the total sample population.

4.4 presentation and analysis of data according to test

of hypothesis

HYPOTHESIS 1

1. Ho: New media technologies have no influence on

broadcasting in Delta Broadcasting station and in Nigeria at

large.

Hi: New media technologies have influence on broadcasting

in Delta broadcasting station and in Nigeria at large.

Table 4.4.1: Influence of technologies on broadcasting

Options Respondents Others Total

Technologies 30 22 52

influenced

broadcasting

Technologies 13 12 25

doesn’t

influence
broadcasting

total 43 33 77

Calculate of expected frequency

E = row total X column total

Sum total

Electorates

Yes 43 x 52 = 29.0

77

No 43 x 25 =13.9

77

Other people

Yes 33 x 52 =22.2

77

No 33 x 25 = 10.7

77

chi-square analysis

x2 = E (01-E)2

Chi-square
Where X2 =Chi-square

01 = Observe value

Ei = expected value

Respondents 0i Ei 0i-Ei (0i-Ei)2 (0i-Ei)2

Ei
Yes 30 29.0 1 1 3.44

No 13 13.9 -0.9 0.81 5.82

Others 22 22.2 -0.2 0.04 1.80

people

Others 12 10.7 1.3 1.69 1.57

people

77 2= 12.6

Chi-square (X2) is calculated as 12.6

Level of significant =5% 0.05

Degree of freedom. DF

(R-1) (c-1)

(2-1) (2-1)

Value of X2 =(0.05) idf = 3.841

DECISION RULE

Since the calculated chi-square (x 2) of 12.6 is grater than the

critical value of X2 in the table which is 3.481 the null

hypothesis (Ho) is rejected while the alternative hypothesis

(Hi) is accepted which state that technologies influenced

broadcasting in Delta broadcasting station and in Nigeria at

large.

Hypothesis 2
Ho: There are no challenges of technologies in broadcasting industry of DBS
Hi: There are challenges of technologies in broadcasting industry of DBS

Options Respondents Other Total

s respondents

There are 32 28 60

challenges of

technologies

in

broadcasting

industry

There are no 10 7 17

challenges

facing
broadcasting

industry

Total 42 35 77

Calculate of expected frequency

Ei = Row total X column total

Sum total

Electorates

Yes = 42 x60 =32.7

77

no = 42 x 17 = 9.37

77

others people

yes = 35 x60 =27.2

77

no = 35 x 17 = 7.72

77

Chi-square analysis

X2 = E (01-E)2

Ei
Where X2 = Chi-square

01 = Observe value

Ei = expected value

Respondents 0i Ei 0i-Ei (0i-Ei)2 (0i-Ei)2

Ei
Respondents 32 32.7 -0.7 0.49 1.49

yes

Respondents 10 9.37 0.63 0.39 4.16

no

Others 28 27.2 0.8 0.64 2.35

people yes

Other 7 7.72 -0.72 0.51 6.60

people No

7 7.72 7.72 1.69 1.57

x2= 14.6

Chi-square (X2) is calculated as 14.6

Level of significant =5% 0.05

Degree of freedom. DF

(R-1) (c-1)

(2-1) (2-1)
 Value of X2 =(0.05) idf = 3.841

DECISION RULE

Since the calculated chi-square (x2) of 14.6 is less than the

critical value of X2 in the table, which is 3.481, the null

hypothesis (Ho) is rejected while the alternative hypothesis

(Hi) is accepted which states that there are challenges of

technologies in broadcasting industry of DBS and in Nigeria at

large.

4.5 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

In this chapter, attempts were made to summarize

some of the important findings that have critical bearing on

the subject matter of this research work. The study has

been able to establish that there are influence of new media

technologies in broadcasting industry of DBS being the

station under review.

The study also revealed that there are challenges of

technologies in broadcasting industry and solutions are on

the high gear to savage the situation to minimum.

 The study also revealed that the staffs of DBS are

proficient in the use of new media technologies in

broadcasting industry of DBS.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. Summary of findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1. Introduction

Having had a thorough research on the subject matter this chapter will examine the last chapter of the
study which comprises the summary of findings, conclusions, recommendations and further studies.

5.2. Summary of findings

In this chapter, attempts were made to summarize some of the important findings that have critical
bearing on the subject matter of this research work. The study has been able to establish that there
are influence of new media technologies in broadcasting industry of DBS being the station under
review.

The study also revealed that there are challenges of technologies in broadcasting industry and
solutions are on the high gear to savage the situation to minimum.

The study also revealed that the staffs of DBS are proficient in the use of new media technologies in
broadcasting industry of DBS.

5.3. Conclusion

New media technology is as a matter of fact the way to go for broadcast organisations willing to meet
the ever-growing demand for news based on the many activities going on around the globe daily.
However, a lot of care needs to be taken in the acquisition of these technologies especially considering
the cost.

Organisations that just jump into acquisition of technology may end up running the organisation under
because if you acquire new media technology devices and have no funds to invest in other areas like
staff salary, manpower development, infrastructural development, etc., such acquisition may be counter-
productive.

That notwithstanding though, the cost of not acquiring new media technology far outweighs the cost of
purchasing it. The essence of being in broadcasting is to beam to viewer’s fresh news and not stale news.
To meet up with its singular responsibility means that broadcast stations need to acquire new media
technologies. DBS news was not able to give Nigerians real-time coverage of the military invasion in
Borno State because they had limited new media technology unlike CNN which covers various events
even in the worse of conditions like the Iraqi war. The difference between the ability of CNN and inability
of DBS news was simply new media technology. It is therefore very imperative that broadcast stations
must move with the times and acquire new media technological equipment as observed by Mashal
McLuhan’s theory in other to continue to beam news and other broadcast content to their viewers and
listeners in real time.

4.4. Recommendations

In view of the summary and conclusion reached above, the researcher wishes to make the following
recommendations:

1) The media should be free from government control so that the media will be able to objectively
inform, educate and entertain the audience adequately.
2) ABS (radio) management should recruit its programme in order to find out those that are
sycophantic in nature and application and do something about them for a balanced and
unbiased programme presentation.
3) That DBS news should from time-to-time pay a visit to major broadcast stations like CNN to keep
abreast with the trend in new media technology
4) That CNN should play fair in the broadcast industry by sharing some of their new media
technology knowledge and equipment with other media organisations.
5) That DBS news should be very circumspect in accepting broadcast material from citizen
journalists.
6) Management should see to upgrading of the broadcasting equipment.
7) This work also recommends that particular attention should be paid to the retraining of the
skilled staff to increase their efficiency in broadcast reporting.

4.5. Suggestion for Further Studies

New media technology is a relatively new area in Nigeria, yet it is an area that cannot be ignored by
broadcast organizations. It is therefore hoped that this research work should be able to stimulate further
research in the following areas:

1) Internet Security in Convergence technologies

2) Timeliness in news reporting

3) Broadcast quality Adoption and management of new media technologies in Nigeria by broadcast
organization.

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APPENDIX A

Dear Respondent,

I am a student of Mass Communication Department Afikpo Uwnnana. This research work is the
influence of technology on broadcasting in Nigeria and DBS Asaba were used as a study review.

Below are various questions, which require your candid answers. Please note that all the responses will
be treated as confidential and is also very important in analyzing the research questions

Please kindly express your view by ticking the answers.

Thanks for your co-operation.

Yours faithfully

Okafor Stella Ogonna

APPENDIX B

Sir/Madam,

This is classroom assignment, so feel free to respond to the questionnaire items.

(Please tick appropriately on the box provided).

PART A (DEMOGFRAPHY)

1. What is your gender?

Male

Female

2. What is your age bracket?

18 - 20

21 - 40

41 – 50

51 and above

3. What is your marital status?

Married

Single

4. What is your educational qualification?

WASC/GCE

B.Sc./HND

MA/MSC

Ph.D.

5. What is your occupation?

Student

Media worker

Member of the general public.

6. Do you think if new media technologies in

anyway influenced broadcasting in DBS.
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
7. Has the new media technologies influenced the operations of
the broadcasting in terms of reach, programmes, economy
etc?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
8. Are there challenges posed by these new technologies to the
broadcast industry?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
9. Are there possible solutions to the challenges posing threat
to technologies in broadcasting.
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
10. Does your industry control and supervise new
media technologies in broadcasting?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
11. Do you have strong and capable hands handling the
new media technologies in your broadcasting station DBS
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
12. Has there been any seminar conducted about the
influence or an impact of new media technologies in your
broadcasting station?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
13. Are there various means used by your station DBS to
get every staff member acquainted in the new media
technologies in broadcasting.
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
14. Do you think the station under study have incorporated
new media technologies in their operations for efficient
broadcasting?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
15. Do you think the members of staff of DBS are proficient
in the use of the new media technologies
A. Yes ( ) B. No (