INFLUENCE OF ONLINE JOURNALISM ON REVENUE GENERATION OF NIGERIA NEW MEDIA
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INFLUENCE OF ONLINE JOURNALISM ON REVENUE GENERATION OF NIGERIA NEW MEDIA
Chapter One
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Since the introduction of the internet and the spread of its services, there has been a steady reduction in the usage of other media. Deuze, M.(2003). This has started and continued a global trend of relentless use of the internet for news and information transmission.
As a result of this tendency, print media has suffered, while internet journalism and e-news have benefited. This change in media practice is plainly obvious in the growing countries of Africa, such as Nigeria, where the onset of online journalism is gradually putting the need for newspapers on the wane. Felix U. T. (2011).
The transfer of newspapers and television networks to the internet has coincided with that of their readership and viewership, respectively. However, as much as this offers a dilemma, it has startled journalists and media organisations into realising that being technologically sorry is the only sure way of being relevant in a constantly changing and competitive journalism, and a considerable number of them are stepping up to the plate. Felix U. T. (2011).
The shift of major newspapers in the country to the internet confirms this. For example, The Punch now operates an online press that allows its readers (both local and Diaspora) to receive news items and communicate with the press on a social network to access and comment to news feeds via their mobile service (Aishat, A.S., 2013).
It also has opinion polls, which help it receive feedback from its readers. Other news organisations go so far as to allow their readers to upload reports about current newsworthy happenings in their area.
Vanguard provides services to its readers, whereas Daily Sun also provides a search engine that allows users to quickly get information on current events Aishat, A.S. (2013).
Surprisingly, it also provides a unique dating service to its readers who enjoy having fun. All of these outstanding advances in online media vividly demonstrate the online press and media practitioners’ dedication to the long-term growth and efficacy of online journalism in Nigeria.
This, when viewed from a futuristic perspective, unquestionably ensures the existence, longevity, and success of internet journalism in Nigeria. Nigeria has 294 radio and television stations, the majority of which also transmit on the internet.
For example, Wazobia Fm and Cool Fm, both independent radio stations, have their audio programs streamed live Ifeoma, T.A. (2010). Their listeners can access, download, and listen to these programs (http://wazobiafm.com/).
In addition, Cool Fm creates unique movies, has a photo gallery called “Cool Photos,” an online game called “Cool Games,” and is active on Facebook and Twitter. Other elements on the website include an opinion poll site called “Football Polls” and a “Weather Forecast Site” (http://www.coolfm.us/).
Television stations in Nigeria are not excluded, as many of them maintain a presence on the internet, where they broadcast live programming. Channels Television, a news-oriented television network, produces original news videos in addition to live broadcasts and provides links to YouTube content.
It also maintains a presence on Facebook and Twitter, distributes “Breaking News” through email notifications to subscribers, runs “opinion polls” and provides weather reports.
Agba, P.C. (2001) defines online journalism as the gathering, assessing, generating, presenting, and reporting of facts produced via the internet by journalists for a reward. Journalism’s principal product, news, is presented in text, audio, video, and certain interactive forms and disseminated via media platforms.
One of the issues that online journalism faces in Nigeria today is the frequent power outages. This makes access and connectivity to the internet for online news impossible or cumbersome for both journalists and the general public. Agba, P.C. 2001.
Another issue that online journalism encounters in Nigeria is the periodic lack of internet access. This can make it difficult for a news organisation to claim an exclusive scoop. It can also limit the public’s access to online news.
The use of the internet by the general public to get or read news stories on newspaper websites without having to pay for the information received is another challenge to online journalism in Nigeria.
This does not benefit news websites because few newspapers will claim to have generated money from their websites, which are often free to visitors Aishat, A.S. (2013).
Another difficulty for online journalism is that the crew is deteriorating and lacking in skills. There is a shortage of expertise and deterioration among skilled workers. This also undermines the efficiency of news reporters and news items among the general public.
Convergence is another challenge for Nigerian online journalism. Media convergence is a sort of cross-media collaboration that typically includes broadcast, print, photography, and internet sites.
Convergence journalism also adds extra features and information to a story by using multiple outlets to tell the tale. Ifeoma, T. A. (2010). Convergence reporters must be taught to report in numerous formats. There should be a wide range of abilities need to work in a convergent media environment.
Another issue for online journalists is their failure to strike a balance between speed and accuracy. This increases the risk of distributing incorrect news in an effort to keep news current within minutes of an event’s occurrence.
Other prospects for online journalism include the government’s failure to provide internet services and appliances, the high cost of surfing, and restricted audience due to a large number of people remaining computer illiterate.
The myriad issues that online journalism faces in Nigeria can be addressed if the government, the general public, and even journalists pay close attention to them.
There are still opportunities for online journalism in Nigeria, despite the challenges it faces. When printing was the sole medium available to journalists, only a few publishers had access to the printing press. However, online journalism has provided journalists the possibility to concurrently contact their audience. Ifeoma, T. A. (2010).
According to Christoph Steck, Director Public Policy and Internet at Telefonica, the internet has three major challenges: accessibility, open internet, and digital confidence.
Because of its informal style of education through its online publications, Nigerian online journalism will create an information society with widespread awareness of rights, liberties, and freedom, increasing the number of internet users in the country and the use of information technology. The number of internet users in Nigeria has been steadily increasing, which bodes well for online journalism in the country.
In addition, the advent of Multimedia Journalism has increased the effectiveness of internet journalism.
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