INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION IN JOURNALISM PRACTICE (A CASE STUDY OF AKWA IBOM STATE BROADCASTING CORPORATION – AKBC TV)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Â Â Â Â Background of the Study
Digital journalism also known as online journalism is a contemporary form of journalism where editorial content is distributed through the internet as opposed to publishing through print or broadcast.
What constitute ‘digital journalism’ is debated by scholars. However, the primary product of journalism, which is news and features on current affairs, is presented solely or in combination as text, audio, video and some interactive forms and disseminated through digital media platforms.
Fewer barriers to entry lowered distribution cost and diverse computer network technologies have led to the widespread practice of digital journalism. It has democratized the flow of information which was previously controlled by traditional media including newspapers, magazine, radio and television.
Some scholars have asserted that greater degree of creativity can be exercised with digital journalism when compared to traditional journalism and traditional media. The repurposing of print content for an online audience is sufficient for some, while others require content created with digital medium’s unique features like hypertextuality.
Fondevila Gascon (2012) adds multimedia and interactivity to complete the digital journalism essence. For Dueze (2003) online journalism can be functionally differentiated from other kind of journalism by its technological component which journalists have to consider when creating or displaying content.
Digital journalistic work may range from purely editorial content like CNN (produced by professional journalist) online to public connectivity website like Slashdot (communication lacking formal barriers of entry).
The expectation of society for instant information was important for the evolution of digital journalism. However, it is likely that the exact nature and roles of digital journalism will not be fully known for some time.
1.2Â Â Â Â Statement of the Problem
It is quite certain that digital communication has aided today’s journalist in the receival and dissemination of information. Journalist can now obtain information online and post news messages on the internet for the publics.
The information in which individual journalist has decided to keep private online has experienced some level of security over the years but in these days of (National Security Agency) NSA snooping, (Syrian Electronic Army) SEA hacking, corporate espionage and cyber fraud, everyone should have concern for digital security.
Many organized, well funded groups – competitors, criminals and governments have a vested interest in getting one’s data. As digital technologies become more pervasive, protecting the security of our information will only become important.
