1
The Impact of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on Journalism
Practice in Nigeria: A Study of the Nation, Sun and Champion Newspapers
By
Ezugwu, Ndubisi Martins
PG/MA/08/49568
A Research Project Submitted to the Department of Mass Communication,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Partial Fulfilment AS the Requirements for an
Award of Master of Arts Degree in Mass Communication
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Certification
This research project is an original work of Ezugwu, Ndubisi Martins, with
registration number PG/MA/08/49445. It satisfies the requirements for
presentation of research report in the Department of Mass Communication,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
…………….......
……………
Dr. C.S. Akpan
Date
(Research Project supervisor)
………………………
Dr. C.S. Akpan
( Head of Department)
…………………………………..
External examiner
…………..
Date
.…………..
Date
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to the Almighty God, Who is my sustenance
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am quite indebted to a number of persons who aided the achievement of
yet another laudable goal in the pursuit of knowledge. On this note, I am
effusively grateful to my supervisor, Dr. Church Akpan, for his patience and
doggedness in going through this work.
I wish to equally state my ineffable gratitude to all lecturers in mass
communication department. I appreciate the encouragement extended to me by my
classmates, my friends and well wishers in the course of running this programme.
I express my profound gratitude to my parents, for their unquantifiable support to
this work. I also regard my sisters and brothers for their financial support and
encouragement.
Finally, I thank the Almighty God for His infinite and boundless provision,
with which this work was done and for the good health and protection throughout
the period of this study.
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Table of Contents
Title Page………………………...……………………………...………………….i
Certification Page……………………...………………...……………...…………ii
Dedication…………………………………………………………………………iii
Acknowledgements .……………………………………………...……………….iv
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………...…..vi
List of Table…………………………...…………………………………….……vii
Abstract……………………………………………………….………………….viii
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Background of study……………………...…………………….……………..1
1.2 Statement of problem………………………………….…………….………...9
1.3 Objectives of Study…………………………………………..……................10
1.4 Research Questions…………………………………………..……………....10
1.5 Significance of Study……………………………….……………………..…11
1.6 Definition of Terms…………………………….………………………….…11
References
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Focus of Review………………………………………………………….…..14
2.2 Review itself………………………………………………………………….14
2.3 Theoretical Framework………………………………………………...……..45
References
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design …………………………………………………..……..…..52
3.2 Population of Study………………………………………..………………....52
3.3 Sample Size …………………….……………………………..……………...52
3.4 Sampling Technique……………………………………….…..…………..…53
3.5 Measuring Instrument……………………………...…………………………53
3.6 Validity/Reliability………………………………………………..………….53
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3.7 Method of Data Analysis……….…………………...………………………54
3.8 Limitations of Methodology……………….……………………………..…54
References
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Description of the Sample…………………………..…………….………….56
4.2 Presentation of Data and Analysis…...………………….…………..…….…56
4.3 Discussion of Findings………………………………..……..…….…………63
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary…………………………………..……………………………….…71
5.2 Conclusion……………………………………………...…………………….71
5.3 Recommendations…………………………………..….…….……………….72
Bibliography
Appendices
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List of Tables
1. Sex of respondents……………………………………….…….………..……..56
2. Age of respondents…………………………………………..….…....………..56
3 Marital status of respondents…………………………………………...………57
4. Educational qualification of respondents …………………………...…………57
5. Department of Respondents…………………………………………..……..…57
6. Respondents use of ICT……… .………………………………………………58
7. Year respondents start using ICT……….……………………………………..58
8. Reasons for the adoption of ICT………………………………………………59
9. ICT and newspaper production process………………………………………59
10. Aspect of newspaper production ICT revolutionalized……………………..60
11.Future of newspaper industry……………………………………………….60
12. Problem with the adoption of ICT in newspaper industry………………….61
13. Challenges of ICT in newspaper industry in Nigeria……………………….61
14. Major problem in the adoption of ICT in newspaper industry in Nigeria….62
15. Factor likely to hinder the use of ICTs in newspaper industry in the future..62
16. Implication of ICT in newspaper industry………………………………62-63
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to find out “The Impacts of Information Communication
Technologies in Newspaper Production in contemporary Nigeria: A study of Nation, Sun
and Champion newspapers staff” As a study on the aspect of impact, the survey method
was used to ascertain the impacts of ICT’s in newspaper production. The population of
this study was drawn from Nation, Sun and Champion newspapers. Questionnaire was
used as the instrument for data collection. From the data collected and analyzed, various
findings were made. These findings can be summarized by saying that newspaper
industry in Nigeria makes use of information communication technologies in their
production process. Newspaper industries in Nigeria have been using ICT’s for a long
time: ICT’s make newspaper production easier. The adoption of ICT’s has changed
newspaper production process in Nigeria. ICT’s have much impact on newsgathering.
The adoptions of ICT’s have made the future of newspaper industry in Nigeria bright. To
a large extent, the adoptions of ICT’s in newspaper industry have caused unemployment.
On of the major constraints to the adoption of ICT’s is finance and with the adoption of
ICT’s in Nigeria anybody can be a journalist. Newspapers firms should devote more time
training their worker on the uses of ICTs. They should continually follow ICT’s trend and
government on its own should encourage the adoption of ICTs in every sector in the
country by financially empowering those sectors that cannot afford it.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of study
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the entire
system of newspaper production in Nigeria. Both the print and broadcast media
are affected in one way or the other by the information revolution. Information is
the primary input as well as the final output of Newspaper industry. It collects raw
information and converts it into categorized, defined and useful pieces of
information.
Therefore it will not be an exaggeration to say that the radical changes brought
in the realm of information through Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) revolution are bound to affect Newspaper more than any
other industry. The adoption and absorption of Information and Communication
Technologies are being carried out in newspaper industry by bringing efficiencies
in all the functional wings including newsgathering, production, editorial and
marketing so as to gain competitive advantage (Indo American Print summit
2008:153).
Information and Communication technologies are now used not just by press
but increasingly by reporters and editors also in Nigeria. Its benefits are being
recognized at every point of the entire supply chain of newspaper production. The
impact of Information and Communication technologies on every aspect of
Newspaper, on the product, the production process, marketing and distribution in
Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
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According to Chris (2001:7), technology development and absorption in
Newspaper industry improved the printing process and reduced the operating time
of editorial desks. The profuse use of online content and facilities has led to
dominance of many-to-many model over one-to-many model of information
collection. The individual or the department entrusted for the collection of
information and news (Journalist) could gather information as per own and others
convenience.
The wide range of editing, page making, database, photo imaging, and
mixing software provided cutting-edge facilities to newspaper business which
could now streamline and integrate intra-wings functions within a newspaper. The
use of telefax, websites, online database, web based information sites, and online
readers and newsmakers, made the cumbersome job of information collection and
reporting easier than ever before.
The facilities of emails, personal blogs, and online discussion forums
further have widened the canvas of information as the news of remotest areas
could be retained within the deadlines. Information Technology made its presence
felt in all quarters of news quarters. It not only impacted the functioning of
newspapers and various departments but even gave birth to new avatar, the epaper. Limitation of print versions, reach and accessibility, cost of newsprint
abetted by unfathomable vista of Internet encouraged Newspapers companies
Nigeria to launch electronic version of editions. Thus, ICTs made the newspaper
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available literally with a click of mouse anywhere anytime. However the e-paper
is not a substitute to the print version rather a complement to the same.
There is a complete transformation from the days when reporters used to
file report, which had to be cleared and screened by band of sub-editors, followed
by final checking of story by editor himself/herself and even an army of trained
proof readers. Whereas now the reports are being filed online or on Local Area
Network, read, crosschecked and edited electronically, saving time and money.
Mass media evolved because people from all walks of life needed help to
understand the world around them. Throughout history, newspapers have excelled
at collecting, recording, and distributing information at many different levels and
geographic locales. As they evolve in light of technological change, newspapers
need to embrace that mission anew. In fact, defining what is news is now more
critical than ever. And it is their ability to do this within the context of new
technologies that is the key to newspapers' survival. Writing in a recent New York
Times Magazine column, veteran journalist Frankel (2005:38) prognosticates:
The newspapers that prosper in the next century will be the ones
that offer the best journalism, that master the subjects about which
they write and acquire the talent and expertise to appraise and
explain an infinite variety of events. . . . Newspapers can trust the
fermenting computer industry to perfect the technologies that will
gradually replace their presses and delivery trucks. It's talent that
they will need to survive in the digital age -- gifted editors,
reporters, and image artists who can find meaning in the
approaching information glut.
Today, the use of advanced commercial printing machinery has also
enabled newspaper industry to print copies with well-defined properties, capable
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of producing high precision graphic prints along with other direct mail printing
services, the modern digital printing machines are printing 30 thousand and above
copies per hour as against 3000 to 4000 copies per hour published by old printing
press.
According to Tony (2004:4), the incorporation of digital inkjet proofing
and colour management has enabled newspapers to use distributed printing sites to
produce product while minimizing the possibility of colour loss and poor print
quality. Decentralized printing distribution has been given a further boost by the
introduction of inserting and distribution technologies that help in newspaper
customize and produce targeted products.
In the past, traditional newspapers could only tell stories through text and
images only, but now the advent of new media technologies allows journalists to
tell stories in multiple channels. This increases the credibility of the story. It also
allows users (readers), to become active participants in information creation. In
other words, it turns users from been passive recipients of information to active
participants of information production.
Based on the medium strengths and weakness barometer above it is
apparent that online news services are multifunctional and flexible than other
traditional forms of news media (Craig, 2005:13). This is also so because online
services incorporate all functionalities which are found in traditional news media.
It is also so because online news services are able to offer a tripple play (i.e. video,
text and audio) which other news media channels can only offer in isolation.
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Newspaper Production Process
According to Miller (2002:20) and Ellis (2000:30) newspapers production
follows this process:
Typesetting
The composing room receives the story in an electronic format, with the
computer text file already translated with typeset codes. In a typeset file, the
characters are of the same "type" style, size, and width as they appear on the pages
of the newspaper. The setting of stories into the type that a reader sees went
unchanged for several decades until the latter years of the 20th century. Well into
the 1800s, type was set by hand, letter by letter.
A typesetter dropped small metal letters into a hand-held tray called a
"stick." The invention of the Linotype machine in 1884 made possible a quicker,
more efficient method of typesetting. Invented by German immigrant Ottmar
Mergenthaler of Baltimore, Maryland, this large, cumbersome machine worked by
casting hot lead into a line of type with the assistance of an operator who typed in
the copy on a keyboard. Individual lines of type were then placed by hand onto a
page form. When a page was completed, it was then sent to a stereotyping room
where a curved metal plate was made from the page form. The page form was then
placed on the printing press.
According to Kowet, (2000:48), modern technologies have replaced the
Linotype process through a method called phototypesetting. The first step in this
process is the transfer of the dummy to the page layout section of the newspaper.
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There, an operator transfers the instructions on the dummy into a rough page
prototype. A printed version may be looked over and adjusted several times by one
of the reporters whose story is featured as well as by the copy editor. If another
breaking story comes in, this page layout can be altered in a matter of minutes.
Image transference
The final version of the page is then approved by the editor on duty
sometimes a night editor in the case of a paper that is slated for a morning edition
and sent over to a process department. There, the page is taken in its computer
format and transferred via laser beams onto film in an image setter apparatus. The
operator then takes the film to a processor in another section of the paper, who
develops it and adjusts it for its final look. Photographs are scanned into another
computer terminal and inserted into the page layout. The pages that are set to be
printed together are then taped down onto a device called a "stripper," and an
editor checks them over once more for errors. The strippers are then put into
frames on light-sensitive film, and the image of each page is burned onto the film.
The film of each page is inserted into a laser reader, a large facsimile machine that
scans the page and digitally transfers the images to the printing center of the
newspaper.
At the printing center, typically a large plant separate from the newspaper's
editorial offices and centrally located to facilitate citywide distribution, the pages
arrive at the laser room and are put through a laser writer, another scanning device
that makes a negative image of them. In the negative image of the page, the text is
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white while the blank spaces are black. The final images of each page are further
adjusted. This last-minute adjustment may involve fine-tuning of the colored
sections and retouching photographs.
Plate-making
From these negatives, the forms from which the paper will be printed are
composed in a plate-making room. The film of the page, usually done two pages at
a time, is then placed on a lighted box. Next, an aluminum plate containing a lightsensitive coating is placed on top of the image of the pages. The light box is then
switched on, and ultraviolet light develops the image of the pages onto the
aluminum plate. The aluminum plate is then bent at the edges so that it will fit into
a press, and is fitted onto plate cylinders.
Printing
The aluminum plates of each page next move on to the actual printing
press, an enormous machine often two stories high. When the press is running, the
noise in the building is deafening and employees must wear earplugs. The most
common method of printing newspapers is called web offset. The "web" refers to
the large sheets of blank newsprint that are inserted in rolls, sometimes weighing
over a ton, into the actual printing press. The reels of newsprint are loaded in at the
bottom floor of the press.
The rolls are inserted onto a reel stand, which has three components: the
first reel brings a roll of paper up to the press, a second is loaded and ready to
replace the first roll when it runs out, and a third reel stays empty and ready to be
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fed with another when the first reel is almost finished. Each roll of blank
newsprint has double-sided tape at its edges, so that when one roll runs out in the
press, another smoothly takes up where the other left off without interrupting the
printing process.
The plate cylinders then press the image of the page onto a blanket
cylinder, leaving a version of the page's image on the cylinder's soft material.
When the paper runs through the press, the blanket cylinder presses the image onto
it. The chemical reaction of the ink, which contains oil, and the squirting of jets of
water into the process result in the actual newspaper page of black or colored
images on a white back-ground. Since oil and water do not mix, the areas where
ink should adhere to the page are black or colored, and water washes away the
parts where ink is not needed. This is why this printing process is referred to as
"offset."
The large sheets of printed newsprint move on to another large piece of
machinery called a folder. There, the pages are cut individually and folded in
order. This entire printing process can move as fast as 60,000 copies per hour.
Quality control technicians and supervisors take random copies and scan them for
printing malfunctions in color, order, and readability. Next, a conveyer belt moves
the papers into a mail room section of the plant, where they are stacked into
quires, or bundles of 24. The quires then move to another section where a machine
wraps them in plastic. The bundles are now ready to be loaded onto delivery
trucks for distribution.
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1.2 Statement of Problem
The processes of using manual in newspaper production over the years
have been of major concern to newspaper industry. Manual production processes
of Newspaper not only in Nigeria but the world over takes more time and more
workers than the modern process but yet produces less number of copies. This
cumbersome process affects the financial base of the industry as more workers and
time are required to produce less number of copies which in most cases also fail to
meet both the deadlines and the number demanded for. The dependency on
manual production also created tedious jobs for reporters, correspondents, editors,
copywriters, as well as distribution department. These problems and others are
what this research work seeks to solve.
The adoption of Information Communication Technologies, have altered
the manual production process. Technology development and absorption in
Newspaper industry has improved the printing process and reduced the operating
time of editorial desk. The journalist, correspondent or the editorial department
entrusted for the collection of information and news (Journalist) could gather
information while in the office without much inconvenience using the modern
technology.
Though new technology has introduced some extra costs, it has brought
benefits in return. Portable computers mean that reporters working away from the
main office can now deliver stories quickly, simply and reliably using a modem,
rather than dictating them to a typist or a rewrite desk as in the case of manual
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production. The ability to submit stories and communicate with editors electronically
saves time for most journalists, particularly freelancers, who often delivered their
finished work by hand in the past. Now they can easily work for publications far from
office, without worrying about the time and cost of delivering completed work.
1.3 Objectives of Study
1. To know the contribution of ICTs to newspaper production in Nigeria
2. To verify how effective the application of ICTs have being in newspapering in
Nigeria.
3. To ascertain the problems associated with the adoption of ICTs in newspaper
production in Nigeria.
4. To find out the extent to which ICTs have affected manual production in
newspaper industry in Nigeria.
5. To identify how newspaper organizations have harnessed the potential of ICTs in
enhancing newspaper development in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
1. What is the status of ICTs on Nigeria Newspaper industry?
2. What are the impacts of ICTs on newspaper production in Nigeria?
3. What opportunities exist for the application of ICTs in newspaper production in
Nigeria?
4. Have ICT’s affected the manual production processes in newspaper industry in
Nigeria?
5. What are the challenges of ICTs adoption in newspaper industry in Nigeria?
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1.6 Significance of Study
1. This study helps to show how ICTs have improved the delivery of news,
research and news gathering processes of newspapers industry
2. The study is significant because it helps to know how the daily reality of ICTs
contributes in newspaper production process. Journalist now has a chance to really
know and interact with his or her audience that goes way beyond traditional letters
to the editor.
3. Also is significant because it would serve as a point of reference for those
seeking additional information on this research topic and other related subject
matter.
4. This study will also add to existing literature on the role of ICTs newspaper in
newspaper production.
1.6 Definition of Terms
Information Communication Technology:
Chowdhury (2000,p.23) writes that ICTs encompass technologies that can
process different kinds of information (voice, video, audio, text and data) and
facilitate different forms of communications among human agents, among humans
and information systems, and among information systems. They are about
capturing, storing, processing, sharing, displaying, protecting, and managing
information. Duncombe and Heeks (1999,p.128) simplify the definition by
describing ICT as an “electronic means of capturing, processing, storing and
disseminating information”.
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Production:
To non-economist, production would only mean the making or creating of
something tangible. According to Anyanwuocha (2006,p.22), production involves
the creation of utility. It is the creation of wealth in the form of goods and the
provision of services which are capable of satisfying human wants. It could also be
described as any activity involving human effort, leading to the satisfaction of
human wants.
Newspaper:
A newspaper is a publication containing news, information, and advertising
that is usually published on daily basis. Newspapers often feature articles on
political events, crime, business, art/entertainment, society and sports. Most
traditional papers also feature an editorial page containing columns that express
the personal opinions of writers.
Newspaper Production:
Are the processes (from news gathering to news stand) through which
newspaper passes before it is in hardcopy or softcopy
References
Anyanwuoch, R.A. (2006). Fundamentals of economics. Africana first publishers
limited.
Chowdhury, N. (2000) Poverty alleviation and information communications
technologies. Dec. 2000. Towards a Motif for the United Nations ICT Task
Force http://www.eb2000.org/short_note_19.htm
Chris, L. (2001). The evolution of the newspaper of the future. CMC Magazine
Vol 2 p- 7
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Duncombe R. & Heeks, R. (1999). Information, ICTs and small enterprise:
Findings from Botswana’, IDPM Manchester Working Paper No. 7,
November 1999. http://idpm.man.ac.uk/idpm/diwpf7.htm
during the months of October– November, 2008
Ellis, B. (1992). Extra! Extra! Newspapers paperless. Computerworld.
Frankel, M. (1995, April ). The daily digital. The New York Times Magazine.
Indo-American
Print
Summit
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(2008)
http://www.npes.in/view_news.asp?newsid=153, accessed
Harlan, C. & Garry, J. (1999). Human choice: The genetic code for social
development, World Academy of Art & Science.
Kowet, D. (2000). Laying out a futuristic newspaper. Insight on the News.
McLuhan, M. (1994). Understanding media: The extensions of man. Cambridge:
MIT Press.
Miller, M. (1985). Hot off the press! A day at the daily news. Crown.
Rheingold, H. (1994, June). The electronic landscape: A writer's perspective.
Writers' Retreat on Interactive Technology & Equipment Conference.
University of Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Rheingold, H. (2002,May). The electronic landscape: A writer's perspective.
Writers' Retreat on Interactive Technology & Equipment Conference.
University of Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Rutkowski, A. (2000, May). Statistics on the growth of the Internet. Web Week.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Focus of Review
Several works have been done on the impact of ICTs on newspaper
production. This chapter basically reviews some of the related research work on
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this subject with a view to knowing the state of knowledge in the area and
sharpening the focus of this research.
In view of the foregoing, this chapter has been sub-divided into the
following headings:
. Adoption of technologies on newspaper
. ICTs and newspaper production
. ICTs and New Publishing Opportunities
. Theoretical Framework
2.2 The Review Itself
Adoption of technologies on newspaper
Research studies of American newspapers have shown that "electronic
information technologies have been adopted in a large majority of the nation’s
biggest dailies". (Ward & Hansen, 2001:24). This particular study, carried out in
2000, examined the uses of technology in 105 of the 108 largest dailies in the
U.S., with an average circulation of 193,445 and an average of 193 editorial staff.
The results of this study show that the most widely adopted technologies
were that of the portable computer (97%) and the fax machine (93%). The study
noted that "these technologies are relatively inexpensive and produce few changes
in routine that would demand important managerial decisions."
The same study showed that 90% of the newspapers had at least one
commercial database subscription. The number of these subscriptions varied
greatly, with 10 newspapers having none and one newspaper having subscribed to
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14 different databases. The growing importance attributed to the use of electronic
libraries is underlined by the fact that 67% of the 105 newspapers were operating
one, with a further 28% having had plans to install electronic libraries in the
future.
Despite such high rates of adoption of the available technologies by leading
newspapers, some commentators have insisted that the newspaper industry is still
slow to change its traditional methods of discovering and delivering the news. Jon
Katz has pulled no punches in his description of the recent state of the newspaper
industry: "Newspapers have been floundering for decades, their readers ageing,
their revenues declining, their circulation sinking, their sense of mission
fragmented in a world where the fate of presidents is slugged out on MTV,
Donahue and Larry King Live." (Katz, 2003:7).
Given such a scenario, Katz predicted that newspapers would resist the
changes promised by new technology: "At heart, newspapers are reluctant to
change because of their ingrained belief that they are the superior, serious,
worthwhile medium; while things electronic are trivial or faddish."
In a survey of two large Canadian daily newspapers in 2004, Catherine
McKercher examined the practices of 30 journalists in their use of computers as
part of their work and it’s effect on their traditional roles. The study found that the
main use of computers was "as electronic typewriters and as devices to check the
electronic clipping files." (McKercher, 2004:78).
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Whilst McKercher identified both these activities as variants of traditional
aspects of a reporter’s job, she did discover that "small, but growing groups of
reporters at both newspapers are using computers for communications, research
and organization in their reporting" and regarded these activities as representing
"new techniques and reporting tasks".
Such definitive changes are also suggested by Tom Koch when he writes of
the effects of the use of online data technologies, which he suggests will
"eventually redefine the form of the news in specific and of public information in
general". (Koch, 2005:23). Koch also predicts increased flexibility for news
writers and editors, whose boundaries of responsibility will tend to disappear.
This increased flexibility has been one of the motivating factors for
management’s introduction of new technology. Such introduction of the
technology was also to be found in Ireland, where such investment was made in a
difficult economic climate. "Improvements in newspaper technology have forced
the publishers to increase investment at a time when they had difficulty increasing
their advertising market revenues." (Fitzpatrick, 2006:9).
The introduction of new technology in an atmosphere of economic
stringency can draw attention to its economic benefits for management and so
overshadow the benefits to be gained by the journalists themselves. Such an
emphasis can create a suspicion for new technology which is not easily overcome.
Winner of two Pulitzer Prizes for his investigative reporting, Andrew
Schneider sounds a warning note about the adoption of new technology. In a piece
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entitled “The Downside of Wonderland", he quotes Baltimore Sun editor John
Carroll, "All the computers and high-tech hardware in the world won’t produce
top-quality journalism without the right people doing the right things." (Schneider,
2003:39).
Schneider points out that while the use of computers in newsrooms in
tripling each year, many editors complain that "too much emphasis is being placed
on the technology and not enough on nurturing the more traditional basic
journalistic skills". In a series of interviews with senior newspaper editors,
Schneider discovered that 20% reported ‘no measurable change’ from precomputer days, while 60% of them said that "the magic boxes slowed production
down significantly". Reasons for the negative effects included unfamiliarity with
the system, or that the larger pool of information was leading reporters down too
many blind alleys.
Nancy Woodhull, Vice-President of The Freedom Foundation, a private
foundation to promote the ideals of a free press and free speech, has maintained
that it is not the nature of the new technology which is of importance, but rather
how that technology is applied. "The role technology plays will be determined not
by inventors or marketers, but by innovators in the newsroom and boardrooms
who figure out just how technology best serves the needs of consumers. Until that
happens, the technological innovations of the 21st Century will be nothing more
than appliances waiting for someone to turn them on." (Woodhull, 2005:29-33).
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In an article about their 2000 study of 105 American Daily newspapers,
Ward & Hansen identify the area of story research as that which has gained most
from the application of the new technologies: "Electronic information technologies
have vastly improved both the speed and the comprehensiveness of information
access for newsrooms. News libraries play increasingly prominent roles in
reporting and editing in metro newspapers". (Ward & Hansen, 2000:19).
Hansen (2000:51), in another study published in the same year, compared
30 stories that won, or were nominated for, newspaper Pulitzer Prizes with 30
other newspaper stories from the 1985-1989 period. The conclusion of the study
refers to the prize-winning journalism as having ‘information richness’. The
Pulitzer stories used a far greater diversity of sources in their preparation and
relied more on third-party research than did the non-prize-winning stories. This
study underlined the importance of the diversity and quality of information
sources to generating high quality news stories.
The effects of the adoption of electronic library systems for newspaper
research was examined by Ward, Hansen and McLeod in 2003 when they
proposed that "the change in the way journalists acquire information for their
reports has substantial potential both to influence news production and to change
the character of news stories." (Ward, Hansen & McLeod,2003:11).
The results of this study demonstrated that although there were several
important changes in the way a story was written, the extent of these changes
depended on the degree to which news reporters had adopted the new technology.
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Whilst this may seem obvious, it had been accepted by staff that all journalists
would use the old ‘clippings’ facility, but that a significant number of journalists
failed to use it’s electronic equivalent.
The impact of this technology varied greatly depending on the level of
participation in any given publication. The degree to which the journalists
interviewed have adopted the technology and the degree to which proper training
has facilitated that move. The use of technology for researching news stories has
become known as ‘Computer Assisted Reporting’, or CAR.
The extent of its impact was underlined in a recent article by the Irish
Times media correspondent, Michael Foley: "The use of computers for
investigating news stories, providing background to profiles, allowing analysis of
complex financial data and generally sharpening up news, will probably have
greater impact on the news media than newspapers going online and being
available on email or on the World Wide Web." (Foley, 2006:101-104).
A similar concept of ‘Computer Assisted Journalism’ (CAJ) is defined by
Barbara Semonche as encompassing "online database research, the acquisition and
analysis of government databases and the creation and use of staff-developed
databases". (Semonche,2003:28). Semonche underlines the importance of CAJ as
providing a means to make stories definitive in a more realistic time frame than
would have been previously available. Clearly such use of computers requires the
availability of government databases and access to them by members of the press.
28
The freedom of information legislation in the United States has traditionally
allowed greater opportunities in this area, than in Europe or Ireland.
ICTs and Newspaper Production
Communication
With the provision of global cellular telephone systems and increasingly
easier methods of transferring elaborate messages from one country to another, it
is ironic that the most popular method is also the least elaborate - and not
coincidentally, the least intimidating. The most popular means by which
technology has effected communication is in the provision of email facilities.
According to an article in Business & Finance, the technology has been
available in Ireland since the 1950s. (Business & Finance, 2005:43). The same
article predicts that the number of users in the United States is expected to triple
from a 1993 level of 29 million to nearly 86 million by the end of the decade. With
such a high level of adoption by society in general, one could expect a similar use
of the medium by journalists.
The nature of the use of email varies from one instance to another. It can be
used to keep in touch with colleagues within or outside any news organization. In
addition, if offers the facility to conduct interviews with someone who is
unavailable at a time or venue which is convenient. Finally, email has provided
access to electronic discussion groups between people who share a common
interest, by means of an email mailing list, or ‘listserv’. This final use provides a
29
wealth of experts from many fields to those who subscribe to a particular listserv,
which is a resource that is increasingly being used by journalists.
Email, more than any other means of communication has provided a direct
and very personal method of audience response. In an article in Time Magazine,
David Jackson writes about the growth of online newspapers and their use of the
Internet as a new means to reach their readers. However, Jackson points out that
the provision of email addresses for their reporters has "an electronic dialogue
between journalists and their audiences that is having a subtle, but important effect
on both - and inevitably, on the whole profession of journalism". ( David,
2005:22).
In a piece in the Columbia Journalism Review, Jennifer Wolff examines the
effects of the opening of "a chink in the thick wall that has largely separated the
media from their audience". (Wolff, 2004:17). Wolff describes the resulting
relationship as "an unusual symbiosis: readers have unprecedented access to
reporters and editors and journalists enjoy the rare opportunity to learn with
lightning speed what their audiences is thinking on a variety of issues".
The Irish media also seem keen, if a little sceptical about the benefits of
email. A survey published in August 1996 by Covenberg Market Research and
Simpson Financial & Technology PR found that 45% of Irish media had access to
email facilities and that 71% of those currently without it indicated their intention
to have it in place within a year. (O’Sullivan, 2006:58). An interesting aspect of
30
this survey was that despite the widespread access, the preference of editors
remains to receive press releases and stories by traditional methods.
Editing
The early and rapid rate of adoption of Video Display Terminals (VDTs)
for sub-editing, or to use the American term copy editing, can be seen from these
figures from the American Newspaper Publishers Association, which indicate the
number of hot metal line-casters and VDTs operated by their member publications
:
Year
Hot Metal
VDT
2000
10,290
23
2004
3,892
1,666
2006
1,158
15,841
2008
194
46,217
(Lindley, 2008:485)
In a survey by Shipley & Gentry conducted in nine American states in
2004, the question was posed as to whether sub-editing on a computer terminal
was faster and/or more accurate than hard copy editing. (Shipley & Gentry,
2005:27). The study focused on the sub-editors of newspapers which had been
operating on-screen editing for a period of at least two years. Although many of
the differences uncovered by the survey were not statistically significant, there
31
was a contention that on-screen editing was slower, but more accurate than hard
copy editing.
Despite such a contention by this early study, William Lindley describes
the attitude of sub-editors towards the introduction of the VDTs as a threat. "Skills
learned over time are declared obsolete and the respect that comes from knowing a
hundred ways through or around a problem is reconsidered". (Lindley, 2008:485).
Lindley also noted that this first introduction of technology for sub-editors brought
with it greater responsibility: "Copy editors constantly are reminded that they’re
the editorial backstops, that no typesetter or proofreader is in the shop to catch
editorial mistakes."
Despite this negative reaction, Lindley discovered a more positive mindset
in a survey of sub-editors of American newspapers in 2007. In a questionnaire
mailed to the chief copy editors of every U.S. newspaper with a circulation of
more than 50,000 copies, Lindley sought to gauge the reactions of former hotmetal sub-editors to the new systems, having made the transition some time
previously. The sub-editors were enthusiastic, acknowledging the system to be
both cleaner and faster: "After about six years of VDTs, I don’t know anyone who
would go back to hard copy." (Lindley, 2008:485).
The same survey, while identifying additional control of copy as a welcome
advantage, also detected the shortfalls brought about by the speed of the VDTs: "I
like the total control; however, it is very hard for me to check the editing by my
subordinates. It is too easy to tell someone to ‘set’ the copy instead of wait for me
32
to check it over. I can read the leads on five stories on paper much faster than I can
on five VDT stories. It’s just too easy to overlook good editing for speed in getting
copy right."
It is not only the journalists who have access to the facility of direct input.
Since the early 1980s, some companies have chosen to issue news releases
electronically. This material initially enters the editing system of many
newspapers in the same way as the direct input copy of the reporters. If reporters
have been given more control and with it more responsibility in the input of copy,
then does the same additional control, (without the responsibility), fall to external
agencies submitting copy electronically?
A study conducted in 2004 and 2005 relating to the publication of material
based on news releases from the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that
"electronic news releases are edited less than hard copy news releases". (Neuwirth
and Liebler , 2005:31). The study examined the treatment of over 300 electronic
news releases and the subsequent publication of related stories in the Madison
newspapers.
The impact of the news releases was measured both in the timeliness of the
copy and story length. 37% of the news releases issued were published by the
newspapers in some form and 31% of those published were almost entirely
rewritten in their final publication. The study also found that the reduction in
substantive editing associated with electronic receipt was higher in stories of low
news value.
33
Production
Perhaps it is in the area of page makeup that the introduction of media
technology has been most visible. This process which is referred to as ‘pagination’
in North America, allows an editor to operate a computer terminal from which he
may select and edit copy, write headlines, select and size photographs and
graphics, lay out and set a page and output the result as ‘camera-ready copy’, to be
photographed and made into printing plates.
The adoption of pagination in the early 2000s in Canada and the United
States was far slower than had been anticipated, mainly due to the industrial
relations problems involved. However, from 2005 the larger newspapers began to
replace the computerised systems which had been adopted for the first wave of
new technology direct input, in 2007. As these systems were replaced, some
publishers chose to include full pagination facilities as part of the replacement
editorial systems.
The impact of the introduction of pagination systems in Canada was
examined in a study by Catherine McKercher in 2004. McKercher discovered that
the job of sub-editor was to undergo substantial changes with the adoption of the
systems. "The job of putting the type on the pages becomes the work of the editor.
This requires editors to perform new functions - functions of a technical, nontraditional and production-oriented nature." (McKercher, 2004:111).
Editors interviewed by McKercher welcomed the additional control it gave
them, but many acknowledge that the quality of the traditional editing skills suffer
34
as the editors concentrate on the design and layout elements of their work. Some
editors who moved across to pagination systems regretted the time constraints
which limited their opportunities for proper training. This lack of proper training
for some editors may explain McKercher’s observation that "some editors now see
part of their work as wrestling with an unfriendly machine; others see it as
working with a sophisticated new tool".
Similar concerns were expressed by the authors of a survey of 187
journalists at 13 American newspapers in 2003. "Pagination is leading to a tradeoff in newsrooms where, in the name of improved quality control and better
appearance of newspapers, traditional editing activities are being displaced by
production functions." (Underwood and Giffard, 2004:78). The survey confirmed
that the workload of sub-editors had increased substantially, but that this
additional workload would ease off as newsrooms became more adept at using the
new technology.
In a study in 2005, John Russial sought to gauge the increased workload of
sub-editors using the pagination system. In studying the work practices of subeditors in 12 newspapers varying in circulation from 18,600 to 508,500, Russial
discovered that 10 to 20 minutes was spent doing electronic makeup for each page.
Although the average time of 15 minutes seems small, for a paper producing 50
pages per day, it amounts to more than a full shift for an editor. Russial pointed to
this factor for the falloff in attention to traditional editing skills: "If it continues to
35
take up those extra minutes and additional editors are not hired, quality will almost
surely suffer". (Russial, 2005:7).
ICTs and New Publishing Opportunities
One of the great advantages of the growth of new technology has been the
provision of new opportunities in the form of electronic publishing. The growth of
the Internet in the past few years has provided a new and burgeoning market for an
industry experiencing a shrinking and ageing customer base. The Internet may also
provide ‘a second bite of the cherry’ in creating additional revenue for the same
material which appeared in print. The area of electronic publishing, both on the
Internet and by other means has created new problems for journalists.
Lee Corner in an NUJ publication entitled ‘Superhighway Robbery’
outlines the danger: "Publishers see the Internet and other new media as a chance
to ‘syndicate’ your work to individual readers, viewers and listeners. Most don’t
really understand the new media much beyond that. So, apparently with the
encouragement of the Periodical Publishers’ Association, they’re trying to grab
everything from you for a one-time fee." (Corner, 2006:3).
The ease with which copyright can be ignored is demonstrated by the
publication on the Internet of ‘The Great Secret’, a book about the late President
Mitterand which was banned in France. Although the intention in this particular
case was to get around the prohibition of the book, the local prosecutor
acknowledged that there was a "pure and simple plagiary of intellectual property".
(Cunningham & O’Marcaigh, 2005:13).
36
The impact of new media on the future of news is difficult to imagine.
Howard Rhinegold underlines its impact on access to the media: "A personal
computer, plugged into a telephone, becomes a printing press, a broadcasting
station, a town hall meeting: connecting a computer to a telephone creates a new
medium, with unique properties and powers." (Rhinegold, 2005:48).
One of the greatest changes will be a merging of current media.
Newspapers online will include video clips and sound files of today’s headlines.
The use of hypertext links will offer further information for those who wish to take
that option. The reader can then return to the original story, or follow a series of
related links. This will require journalists to write stories in a non-linear fashion,
allowing the reader to determine the level of information they want at any
particular point.
Roger Fidler of Knight-Ridder Media takes this concept of non-linear news
and sees it being accessed by people on a personal ‘tablet’, the size of a pocket
diary. (Fulton,2003:22). This multimedia device will offer personalised editions of
the stories of the day and also send and receive your email using radio signals.
Touching an image on the screen on such a device would play a video or sound
file, which can be bookmarked to save or to forward to someone else in the same
way as we might now cut a clipping from the newspaper.
The following case studies of four Dublin-based publications seek to
present an indication of the ways in which the application (or not) of media
technology has effected the working lives of Irish journalists. The four
37
publications concerned were selected to generally reflect the varying extent to
which the Irish media has adopted new technology.
The choice of The Irish Independent was because of its position as the
largest selling newspaper in Ireland, one of the most profitable and as a
publication which has done so having survived from the days of hot metal
production.
ShelfLife magazine is a trade journal for the Irish retail trade and is almost
exclusively funded by advertising. It is regarded by its readers as a ‘newspaper’
for their particular business. It is included here because of its primary commercial
motivation to publish and because of its position within a publishing group which
is responsible for a number of technology publications and might therefore be
more open to the adoption of new technology.
Publications such as ShelfLife have been identified by commentators as the
greatest beneficiaries of electronic information resources. "The professional and
trade press and professional conferences, especially, have emphasized electronic
information technologies as resources which can open up new avenues for
investigative and project reporting." (Hansen and Ward, 2004:15)
The Sunday Business Post was established at a time (1989) when much of
today’s production technology was readily available. It is included here in an
effort to examine the extent to which the newspaper adopted such technology and
the extent to which the existing journalists have taken to that technology.
38
The fourth publication included here is The Title, Ireland’s first dedicated
Sports newspaper and is also published each Sunday. Its first publication, on July
28th 1996, was during the writing of this project and so should represent as up-todate a publication as is possible. As with The Sunday Business Post, The Title
would have been expected to make full use of all existing technologies and have
experienced the transfer by journalists who would have moved from other
publications with older systems.
The Irish Independent is Ireland’s largest selling newspaper with a
circulation of 160,000 out of the total Irish daily newspaper publication of 400,000
(Finlay,2006:20). As part of the Independent Group, the mid-market broadsheet is
a member of "an aggressive empire of 47 newspapers across two continents"
(Coleridge, 2003:454), and so might be expected to be at the forefront of the
application of international media technologies.
Independent Newspapers first introduced computerized technology in the
form of the Systems Integrators Incorporated (SII) editorial system in 1988, but it
was not until 1991 that agreement was reached on direct input by journalists. A
system of ‘double key stroking’ operated in the intervening years, where the text
was initially inputted into the editorial system by reporters, printed, edited and
then input for production purposes by members of the print union.
The editorial system provides access to editorial and advertising staff via
some 200 terminals. Editorial copy is passed on-screen via a series of electronic
baskets as they are written by reporters, reviewed by the editors and then sub-
39
edited. The sub-editors mark up the copy on-screen and it is then outputted by a
print union overseer. The sub-editors have a facility to ‘soft-set’ the copy, where
they can see a rough image of what the final copy will look like, including the
shown headlines in the actual point size.
The editorial system includes access to a number of wire services including
Reuters, PA, The London Times and The Daily Telegraph. The system also
provides an internal messaging facility for all staff, which prompts the user on the
arrival of new mail. It is not currently linked to any form of external email, but
there are a small number of stand-alone PCs connected to the Internet.
The Irish Independent is printed on-site and do not have in-house colour
printing facilities. Colour supplements are printed elsewhere and are then
overprinted at the Abbey Street works. The editorial and production systems at
Abbey Street are shared with two other Independent Group newspapers, the
Evening Herald and the Sunday Independent.
The research facilities at the Irish Independent have not benefited greatly
from new technology. Besides the online wire services mentioned above, the
newspaper’s own clippings and picture library remain on hard copy and are
searched using card index files.
Despite an ongoing industrial relations strain at the Independent, staff have
welcomed the degree of technology which is now available to them. Philip Molloy
has been surprised at the degree to which he has become comfortable with the
editorial system: "I wouldn’t be a technical person in any sense and I’ve really
40
been won over to this kind of thing." Philip compares the hassle of typewriters and
carbon paper to the ease and speed of the computer system and couldn’t
contemplate working without the facility. Claire Grady, who was also somewhat
reticent about the introduction of the technology and found the prospect quite
daunting, has been completely won over: "We were all very nervous of it, afraid
we wouldn’t be able to cope, but within a week we wondered how we’d managed
before then."
For sub-editors too, the system has meant real changes in the way they
work. Daivd Quin feels that direct input has substantially streamlined the system
and he finds it easier to sub copy on-screen than on paper: "It is terrific for quick
changes." John O’Sullivan, an confessed techo-junkie, surprisingly doesn’t share
David’s preference: "Believe it or not, subbing on paper is a joy compared to
subbing on screen. I would much prefer to sub a thousand word piece on paper any
day."
Regardless of their personal preference, everyone agrees that there are
inherent dangers with the sub-editor’s new role. Sullivan (2003:97) admits that
there may be a growing problem when he says: "I think that it may have led to a
certain increase in reliance on the editors". Molloy (2004:3) admits that this is
indeed the case and feels that some specialist writers may tend to pass the buck:
"They actually believe that all they have to do is to get the basics of the story
down on the screen and then it’s up to all those other people down there to clean it
up."
Grady (2004:12) feels that direct input has placed the burden of
41
responsibility firmly on the reporter: "If I write a story and there’s a typing error in
a name, or a figure, chances are that unless it’s a very obvious one, that’s going to
remain, because there is nobody whose job it is to key it back in again."
Dooley (2005:75) is far more specific in his concerns about the sub-editors’
new responsibilities: "They’re so involved in the technical end of it, that the actual
function of accuracy and creativity becomes of secondary importance." Quin
(2005:24) agrees: "There is a tendancy to focus on what can be done
technologically, rather than what should be done journalistically."
In addition to the extra technical tasks, the overall speed of the entire
system seems to have developed a pace of its own: "I think that the technology is
driving the process instead of the other way around. The stuff comes through and
there’s an urgency to get it out now, because the lead times are so much shorter.",
warns Sullivan.
Grady (2004:12) regrets that the time saving aspects of the current system
have been lost by the journalists: "When I started first, the deadlines in the
morning were a little bit later than they are now. Its hard to believe that the
technology which supposedly speeds things up, which has supposedly cut out an
awful lot of middle jobs, has actually facilitated that."
If the way copy is handled has altered so much, has the technology affected
the actual content to the same extent? Shouldice (2006:112) admits that there may
be a price to pay for the benefits of speed and revision:
42
I think because of that, it increases the speed and
productivity, but sometimes it probably reduces the amount of
thought you put into it." David Quin agrees that this can
sometimes be the case: "Now because they can just mount up
the words and the paragraphs, I think the copy can run to seed
a bit and might be a bit more slapdash.
One of the areas which might affect the content of the newspaper is
journalists’ access to research facilities. This is one of the areas which has
benefited from the advances in technology and many newspapers have now
provided electronic libraries "except in the Independent, we have paper cuttings,
which is a superb system for the 1950s, but we could be doing better" Quin
(2005:24)
He feels that research was not improved because of the reasoning behind
the application of the technology: "It has mainly been used in the Independent by
management as a means of speeding up the whole process: quick changes, quick
editions and cutting costs."
Dooley (2005:75) agrees completely: "One of the criticisms that I would
make of the Irish Independent is that the advent of new technology is seen as an
opportunity to shed jobs, not to develop the resources of the paper."
Not surprisingly, some journalists have used the Internet for research
purposes. Although it is not readily available to reporters at the Independent, some
have Internet accounts at home and use it for stories in the newspaper. Sullivan, as
editor of the computer page on Mondays, is currently trying to get Internet access
43
for the newsroom and finds that some of the material he uses from the World
Wide Web is passed on for use in other parts of the paper.
Shouldice (2006:112) has very limited experience of the Internet and has
mixed feelings about the World Wide Web: "I was astounded by the amount of
material that was in there. I was also quite surprised at how much of it was utterly
useless." Despite the trouble in avoiding the unwanted material, Molloy (2004:3)
would welcome newsroom access to the Internet, but feels that its use would have
to be tailored to fit in with the style of the Irish Independent. Molloy’s concern
with the future use of the Internet reflects his concern about the current use of
foreign news copy received electronically.
I think its a case of the tail wagging the dog here. I
firmly believe that this wire service coverage, which
should be seen as an adjunct to your main Irish
coverage, should be processed with that in mind. I
don’t think we do that enough here.
Molloy (2004:3) feels that whilst the wire services are essential, the Irish
perspective on a story is missing and that if the newspaper cannot send their own
reporter, a greater effort should be made to include that Irish perspective in some
other way.
The degree to which some of the wire services are reproduced verbatim is
underlined by an incident recounted by Sullivan where a protest march in
O’Connell Street (yards from the Independent’s offices) formed part of a report
which ended with "Ó The Daily Telegraph, London"
44
In a newspaper as large as the Independent, a means of communication
between staff is important. The SII does have a messaging system which alerts the
user when a new message has arrived at a terminal to which he/she is logged on.
Grady (2004:12) finds the system very useful. She uses it to leave messages for
people on other shifts and to alert other reporters of a story which may be picked
up by the Evening Herald. Quin (2005:24) finds the internal messaging useful for
sending something to a particular person, or groups of persons, but admits that it is
used mainly for light-hearted banter. John O’Sullivan agrees: "but an awful lot of
that is tittle tattle and nonsense. Actual real communications, you’re much more
likely to stand up and walk down the corridor and do it face-to-face."
The provision of a new voice mail system in August 1996 has underlined
another shortfall in the introduction of some aspects of the technology. Shouldice
(2006:112) tells of an incident where a message left on the voice mail system for a
staff reporter remained unanswered. On enquiry, Frank discovered that the person
concerned wasn’t aware of the voice mail facility on his own telephone. "It’s no
use bringing in these sort of advancements if people don’t know how to use them."
Sullivan (2003:97) admits that such a situation is not unusual: "and that is typical
of the introduction of new technology, not just in the Independent, but
everywhere".
New technology is often heralded as providing more control to the
journalist. So, does the fact that the text is already on-screen influence its chances
of appearing in the final publication? John O’Sullivan thinks that although it gives
45
an editor more control, that there is a greater likelihood of pieces surviving intact.
"If a sub or an editor is tasting a story and looks at in on screen, it’s more complete
and it has that credibility. It’s less likely to get rewritten, I think and I think the
stories are the poorer for it." Quin (2005:24) disagrees because "it is easier to
make changes, so it would be surprising if copy wasn’t changed more".
The future use of information technology is likely to bring further changes
to the Irish Independent. Perhaps further developments will give reality to Sullivan
(2003:97) wish:
I’d like to see us having the full process from story generation
to page makeup. Perhaps not pressing the final button, but
just to be in control of the product journalistically.
Molloy (2004:3) would like to see the use of colour on a regular basis and a
general improvement in technical quality: "I think the facility to use the
technology to improve the quality is there, but I don’t think we use it enough."
Whilst the next stage should be a move towards full page makeup by
journalists, Dooley (2005:75) thinks that there will be another interim stage where
the journalists and printers will work together on production. One of his concerns
for the future is the specific impact on employment in journalism: "With the
emphasis on new technology, there is a danger that more and more vacancies in
newspapers are going to be filled in the production area, with a consequent
negative effect in the newsroom."
All of the journalists hope that there will be investment in the research
facilities at the Independent and that future technology will be accompanied by
46
full training opportunities. Over time, it is hoped that a proper relationship will be
established with the wire services to enable the Independent’s own style to be
reflected more in foreign coverage. Grady(2004:12) sums up the feelings of
everyone’s appreciation and scepticism of the new systems: "The technology is
not the be-all and end-all of our job. The technology is a means to getting the
information you have into the product, the newspaper."
The greatest impact of technology for ShelfLife has been the move to inhouse production, or the extent to which that has been achieved, which is without
the final scanning or film processing. McDonald (2006:8) gave his motivation for
doing so in order to save the cost of time and to avoid the hassle of the additional
logistics of dealing with an outside agency. He admits however, that the
technology has brought other rewards: "We have more consistency and we have
more control by having it in-house. But it’s definitely been facilitated by
technology."
Golden (2005:51) is clear about his views on the move: "I would say that
the biggest advantage of having something in-house is accessibility." This
accessibility has been utilised for most editions of the magazine where last minute
changes are added with very little inconvenience. McDonald (2006:8) feels that
some of the editorial staff like the new system because "they can take advantage of
the fact that they know which page the guy is working on and which one he’s
going to do last".
47
Despite working with some very high technology companies, McDonald
(2006:8) maintains that the mindset of many people has still a long way to go in
order to make proper use of the available technology: "It’s like we’re pushing a
boulder uphill in the environment in this country. Even IBM’s advertising copy
doesn’t come in by ISDN, nor do any pictures we ask them to supply!"
Overall, the technology has been important to ShelfLife, not only in
relation to the editorial production, but to all aspects of publishing a trade journal.
McDonald (2006:9) is quite certain about that:
We certainly couldn’t have produced a magazine and
managed the database and distribution side of it without the
technology that’s been available for the last ten years. Twenty
years ago, we couldn’t have done the job we’re doing now. It
simply would not have been possible.
The Sunday Business Post was set up in 1989 as an independent publication
aimed at a business and current affairs readership. It currently enjoys a circulation
of 33,000 and has 15% of the quality Sunday newspaper market. (Finlay, 1996).
Until the recent publication of The Title in July 1996, The Sunday Business
Post was the only Irish national newspaper produced entirely on a network of
standard PCs or Macs. The rate of evolution of computing technology over the last
seven years is apparent by the use of some 8086 machines by the news reporters at
the newspaper. Although regarded as suitable in 1989, such machines are often no
longer viable for repair and are now being replaced on a piecemeal basis.
Reporting staff use a tailored word processing package, called Sprint,
which is accessed on the network. The package is DOS-based and has a spell
48
check and thesaurus facility. As journalists complete a story, it is passed on via a
series of electronic baskets to be checked, subbed and laid out in the same office.
As it is okayed through each stage, the story tag line changes colour to indicate
that it is cleared. Sub-editing and page make-up are both done on-screen using a
tailored version of 3B2, a British DTP system which is specifically designed for
newspaper production.
However, there is still a small element of manual paste-up and the size of
the operation makes this possible. Photographs are scanned in-house and
Photoshop is used to do any touching up necessary. Other photographs are
downloaded via modem from a London-based picture library when necessary.
Most graphics are also handled in-house using the PC-based package Corel Draw.
According to Fergus (2007:19), the size of the operation is one of its
greatest advantages of Information Communication Technology. It makes all
aspects of the newspaper small and accessible and allows most elements of the
system to be ‘off-the-shelf’ items. He admits that because the system has been
organic, rather than pre-planned, there has been less opportunity to shape the
system as he would have wished.
Although many of the journalists who joined the newspaper from other
publications in 1989 were apprehensive about new systems, he feels that
journalists are now comfortable with the technology and can handle most basic
editing functions. It is only when things go wrong that Fergus feels journalists can
become easily confused using off-the-shelf products. If the Sunday Business Post
49
was using a large-scale dedicated editorial system, there would be less
opportunities for the unexpected and fewer moments of panic when an unknown
function appears on-screen.
Maurice (2007:36) acknowledges that the ease of revising electronic text
may have had an impact on the planning of a story:
In the old days, when you sat down at a manual typewriter,
you certainly had to think a lot beforehand. I know good
journalists on their way back to the office would have the
story written in their head and they sit down and they bang it
out..
The remaining editorial staff at the newspaper feel that the writing has not
been affected by the use of the new technology. Connell (2004:48) admits that
being able to revise the text so easily meant that journalists "probably had a bit
more discipline in the old style", but Casey (2006:4) feels that the potential for
this is "not as significant as people make out it is".
Not all copy for the Sunday Business Post is written electronically.
Mulcahy (2008:23) admits that the newspaper hasn’t been forthright enough in
having everyone keep pace. "It’s only in the last two or three years that the printed
text has become no longer acceptable, although in our own paper, two of the three
columnists not only fax in copy, but fax in handwritten copy. The fact they’re
doing it is our fault, that we haven’t laid down the law."
On a more practical aspect, Connell (2004:48) doesn’t think that reporters
should make use of the electronic facilities just because they’re available: "I think
spell checks are really bad for your spelling because you don’t correct your
50
spelling yourself." Maurice (2007:36) holds the same reservations for sub-editing:
" I never allowed sub-editors in the Sunday Business Post to use spell check
because it makes them lazy and stops them looking at the copy. You cannot
substitute technology for quality control."
Many of the journalists also feel that sub-editing practices under the
electronic system are no different to those on hard copy, except that the copy is
cleaner. But Fergus (2007:19) points out that this in itself can be a difficulty: "The
problem with electronic copy is that the errors may not be as obvious, the factual
errors, because it looks clean." He also regrets the loss of the old sub-editing
language which helped sub-editors to have a real understanding for many
procedures which are now handled automatically.
Research resources include the online services of FT Profile and
Bloomberg and three terminals have Internet access within the office. News Editor
Nick Mulcahy isn’t impressed with the availability of electronic resources in this
area: "The information databases in Ireland are very poor. There’s virtually none,
apart from company information."
Maurice (2007:36) from another perspective shows the danger of the use of
online resources is the ease with which material can be cut and paste into a story.
"On the writing side, there’s a danger of cut and paste; of relying on the amount of
information that is available there, - and it is absolutely immense - but stopping
journalists lifting the phone and doing some original research."
51
Casey (2006:4) stated that the use of Internet is primarily for background
research and believes that it is currently under-valued: "I think that the Internet has
been one of the most significant developments. I would rate it as significant as the
launch of the PC and I think it’s hugely significant in terms of journalism." She
finds that the search facilities of the Internet are far more advanced than those
offered by the FT Profile online service.
As an opportunity for publishing, Casey sees great potential in the Internet:
"I think that in about five or ten years time, most journalists will be writing stuff
that will be appearing on the Internet. I think that this will have a huge impact on
how you write and the way you write." Casey is of the view that future journalism
will have to allow for the use of hypertext links and journalists will have to move
towards a form of non-linear writing to use this facility to it’s full potential.
In terms of communication, access to email is rated very highly by Maurice
(2007:37), "Email, I think, is a fantastic research and communications tool for a
working journalist." Casey (2006:4) is cautious about her use of email: "In terms
of contacts, people are very wary about the security of email. People will say
things to you over the phone that there is no way that they’re going to type into
their computer - particularly for people working at companies."
Mulcahy (2008:23) admits that the newspaper may not be using email to
it’s best advantage: "We log into our server to check our email only once or twice
a week." If a significant amount of material does arrive via email in the future,
52
Mulcahy is adamant that it will be subbed and rewritten in the same way as the
hard copy is today.
Connell (2004:49) sees the danger of text received electronically as having
a credibility for being already on-screen, but doesn’t think it is a real difficulty: "I
think you’re just as apprehensive about something on screen as you would be in
the printed form." Connell has recently set up a computer at home, from which he
sends copy to the newspaper via modem. Connell has found that he is more
productive working from home and is surprised that it is not encouraged more by
newspaper management. "I have to say that it has definitely changed the nature of
my work and it has improved the quality of my life."
Maurice (2007:38) describes the Sunday Business Post as "the first paper
to break away from the mould" and that other newspapers who had introduced
technology had retained the old structures and divisions. He observed that the
small size of the newspaper helped to keep the journalists closer to the final
product and gave them much more control. He does admit that because of the way
some newspaper management have introduced new technology, many journalists
have developed a strong suspicion for it and regrets that "I don’t think journalists
have availed of the new technology as much as they should have."
2.3 Theoretical Framework
This study adopted the Social Development Theory which was propounded
by Garry Jacobs and Harlan Cleveland (1999).
53
The theory
social development provide a conceptual framework for
discovering the underlying principles common to the development process in
different fields of activity, countries and periods. It also provides a framework for
understanding the relationships between the accumulated knowledge generated by
many different disciplines. If pursued to its logical conclusions, it leads to not just
a theory of social development, but a unifying theory of knowledge.
Social development theory consists of two interrelated aspects learning and
application. Society discovers better ways to fulfill its aspirations and it develops
organizational mechanisms to express that knowledge to achieve its social and
economic goals. The process of discovery expands human consciousness. The
process of application enhances social organization. Rapid advancement in ICTs
and application has primarily been the result of dramatic progress in newspaper
production today. Two parallel but interrelated fields- development of the
processing capacity of the silicon chip and development of more advanced
operating systems has enable newspaper organizations to utilize the potential of
ICTs power. Development of more powerful, intuitive and easier to use operating
systems increases the practical power of the technology on newspaper production.
Advances in ICTs have vastly increased the potential productivity and
developmental achievements of newspaper production process. But full utilization
of this potential requires the capacity to consciously direct and accelerate social
development processes. The discovery of methods to genetically engineer
54
improved newspaper production through ICTs would have little practical value
unless newspaper organizations possessed the know-how to adopt and operate
ICTs in their production process
The development of social organization takes place within a larger
evolutionary context in which the consciousness of humanity is evolving along a
continuum from physical to vital to mental. This evolution expresses as a
progressive shift in emphasis from manual production to technological production.
As society advances along this continuum, development becomes more conscious
and more rapid.
Despite these differences, development in newspaper industry has followed
a similar course. The initiative of ICTs led to widespread imitation and adoption
ICTs. Newspaper industries in Nigeria have accepted and adopted ICTs to support
the new production activity which has simplified newspaper production. The
knowledge and skills needed for newspaper production have been incorporated in
newspaper industry at higher and lower levels.
55
References
Business & Finance, (2005). Assessing ICT in development: a critical practice
perspective In .O Hemer and T. Tufte (ed) Media and global change
rethinking communication for development (PP.285 – 296). Buenos Aires
Nordicom
Casey, U. (2006). Newspaper organizational learning: The contributing process
and the literatures. Organizational Science 2(1), 88-115.
Connell, P. (2004). US Newspaper types, the newsroom, and the division of labor,
1750-2000. Journalism Studies 4(4), 435-449.
56
Coleridge, L. (2003). The Potential of ICTs for newspaper Development:
Opportunities and Obstacles, University of San Francisco.
Corner, R. (2006). Information technology: Social issues. London: The Open
University
Craig, R. (2005). Online Journalism reporting, writing and editing for new media
.Thompson Wordsworth.
Cunningham, E. & Marcaigh, O. (2005). Internet and society: New information
and communication technologies for social development.’ Position Paper
for the OAS Summit of the Americas, Preparatory discussion on
Connectivity. Draft, October 18.
David, U. (2005). Heralding ICT enabled knowledge societies: Way forward for
the developing countries. Innovator, KnowNet Initiative, London School of
Economics Inlaks Scholar
Dooley, H. (2005). What will be: How the new world of information will change our
lives, San Francisco: Harper Edge.
Fergus, C. (2007). Good journalism. On the evaluation criteria of some interested
and experienced actors. Journalism Studies 7(5), 671-690.
Foley, K. (2006). Leapfrogging the industrial revolution, in Michael Traber (Ed.)
The myth of the information revolution: Social and Ethical Implications of
Communication Technology, London: Sage.
Fulton, A. (2003). The diffusion of information technology in journalism, World
Bank Discussion Paper No. 281
Fitzpatrick,E. (2006). Newspaper reproductions, ANHG Newsletter, 3 (January):
3.
Grady, C. (2004). A journey through the history of information technology.
Retrieved April 4, 2007, from www.cs.princeton.edu/~kguinee/thesis.html
57
Golden, P. (2005). The new precision journalism, Bloomington Ind: Indiana
University Press.
Katz, W. (2003). The digitized newsroom, American Journalism Review, pp. 42-47,
January-February.
Koch, A. (2005).The culture of newspapers : The slow birth of the modern
newspaper in America, History of the Book in America.
Lindley, K. (2008). An investigation of the impact of information and
communication technologies on journalism .' Journal of Information
Science, 25, no. 4, pp. 307-318.
Maurice, H. (2007). New media and news: Implications for the future of
journalism. New Media and Society 1(1), 54-9.
McDonald (2006). Digital transformation , New York: Knopf.
McKercher, L. (2004).The Australian newspaper industry: inter-colonial
perspectives’, Australian Studies in Journalism, 1: 101-112.
Molloy, A. (2004). The impact of information technology on work and society.
Retrieved
April
4,
2007,
from
http://www.benmeadowcroft.com/reports/impact/
Mulcahy, N. (2008). The era of open innovation. Sloan Management Review
44(3), 35-41.
Neuwirth, H. & Liebler, Y. (2005). The role of Information and Communication
Technologies in communication development – A Partial Survey. ZEF –
Discussion Papers on Development Policy No. 7, Centre for Development
Research (ZEF), Bonn, May 21.
Quin, A. (2005). Changes in the news service processes within the Spanish
audiovisual media: Difficulties and expectations in face of New Technologies,
paper presented to the 25th ECPR Joint Sessions of Workshops, Berna,
28.02.1997.
Russial, M. (2005). Internet lessons by Quipunet.’ ICT Stories, March, 24.
http://www.iicd.org/stories/
58
Schneider, T. (2003). A newspaper’s role in modern society, Specimens and
Illustrations, facsimile reprint, Sydney: University of Queensland Press.
Semonche, O. (2003). Knowledge societies: Information Technology for
newspaper development, New York: Oxford University Press.
Shipley, P. & Gentry, D. ( 2005). Applying the lessons of information
Communication Technology in Journalism Practice.’ FAO, July 18.
Shouldice, G. (2006). Computer-reporting tool, in the computer connection: A
Report on using the computer to teach mass communication, Syracuse
University.
Sullivan, C. (2003). Journalism in the 21st Century. Online Information, electronic
database and the News, Twickenham, GB: Adamantine Press.
Underwood, K & Giffard, C. ( 2004) Evaluating the impact of the internet in
newspaper firms : A summary of a research framework.’ Fundacion
Acceso, January,3
Ward, L. & Hansen, D. (2001). The development of national newspapers in the
second half of the twentieth century: in The Australian Press: A
Bicentennial Retrospect, Australian Newspaper History Group.
Ward, H. & McLeod, A. (2003). Reporting for work: A guide to Daily practice,
Sydney: University of Queensland Press.
Woodhull, J. (2005). The Art of Printing in Its Various Branches: With
Journalism, Herald and Weekly Times.
Wolff, P. (2004). The elusive search: Development and progress in the Transition
to a New Century’, Ottawa, Canada: International Development Research
Centre and Lima, Peru: GRADE, mimeo.
59
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
The research design for this work is survey method.
Okoro (2001, p.37) states that “surveys are useful in the measurement of
public opinions, attitude and orientations, which are dominant among a large
populations, at a particular periods.” He further explained that “the relevance of
survey comes clear in its definition as a process of gathering data from a target
population through questionnaire or interview and subjecting such data to
60
statistical analysis for the purpose of reaching conclusion on the subject matter of
study and providing solution to identified research problems.”
3.2 Population of Study
Ifidon and Ifidon (2007, p.7) see population of study “as the entire entity
that is of interest to the researcher; it is the aggregate of all elements that conform
to designated set of specification”. The population for this research was drawn
from staff in various (Nation, The Sun & Champion) departments that are
involved in production process like engineers, sub-editors, proof readers, reporters
and managers in the above newspaper industries.
3.3 Sampling Size
Ogbuoshi (2006, p.83) sees sample size “as meant to represent population
especially when the entire population cannot be studied”.
The sample size for this study was 300. 100 respondents was selected from each of
the three newspaper workers (Nation, The Sun & Champion), making a total of
300 respondents.
3.4 Sampling Techniques
Okoro (2001, p.65) defines sampling techniques “as the process of taking
any portion of a universe or population of study as representative of the
population” In selecting the sample for this study, the simple random sampling
techniques was used. Simple random sampling means that workers in the three
newspapers chosen (Nation, Champion and the Sun) stand the chance of being part
of the sample.
61
3.5 Measuring Instrument
Questionnaire was used as the basic instrument for data collection in this
study. The questionnaire contains questions which were designed to elicit
objective responses from workers in print media houses used. To make it possible,
copies of the questionnaire were distributed personally by the researcher to the
selected sample for the study.
3.6 Validity/Reliability
The research instrument was subjected to face validation by the research
supervisor, Dr. C.S. Akpan. He ensured that the measuring instrument used for
data collection was structured in the appropriate format for investigating the
subject of enquiry. This also ensured that no necessary part of the instrument was
omitted which may affect the objectivity of the study. He read through the
questionnaire items and effected useful corrections and suggestions.
To ensure the reliability of the instrument, a combination of open-ended
and close-ended questions were used in preparing the instrument. A pilot test of
this study was administered on four respondents who did not make up part of the
sample. The data gathered from the pilot testing was analyzed and deemed reliable
for the study.
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
The data collected was analyzed using simple percentages and was
presented in tables and explanations were made. These formed the basis of the
analysis and interpretation of data as presented in chapter four.
62
3.8 Limitations of Methodology
The study dwelt on “The Impact of ICT’s on Newspaper Production in
Contemporary Nigeria: A study of Nation, Sun and Champion staff” The large
number of the population made the sample selection, instrument administration,
data collection and interpretation a bit cumbersome. Financial constraint was a
major impediment to this study.
Also the short time frame and demand for other academic work posed a
limitation in the course of this research. Nonetheless, these limitations did not
affect the validity of the work.
References
Ifedon, S. & Ifidon, E. (2007). Basic principles of research methods. Benin:
Goodnews Express Communication.
Ogbuoshi, L. (2006). Understanding research methods and thesis writing.Enugu:
Lincon Enterprises.
Okoro, N. (2001). Mass Communication research: Issues and methodology.
Nsukka: AP Express publishers.
63
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Description of Sample
In this study, 300 copies of questionnaire were distributed personally by the
researcher. Out of 300 copies of questionnaire, 2 were distorted while 298 was
analyzed as this number constituted the actual number of respondents under study
as presented in the tables below
4.2 Presentation of Data and Analysis
Demographic Data
Table 1: Distribution Respondents according to sex
Response
Frequency
Male
122
Female
176
Percentage
40.9%
59.1%
64
Total
298
100%
The above table shows that 122 of the respondents representing 40.9% are
male while 176 of the respondents representing 59.1 are female.
Table2: Age bracket of respondents
Response
Frequency
16-25
34
26-30
99
26-30
72
31-35
93
36& Above
298
Percentage
11.4%
33.2%
24.2%
31.2%
100%
The above table shows that 34 of the respondents representing 11.4% fall
within the age range of 16-25. 99 of the respondents representing 33.2% falls
within the age range of 26-30. 72 of the respondents representing 24.25 falls
within the age range of 31-35 while 93 of the respondents representing 31.2% falls
within the age range of 36 and above.
Table 3: Marital Statue of Respondents
Response
Frequency
Married
189
Single
101
Divorced
8
Total
298
Percentage
63.4%
34%
2.6%
100
The table shows that 189 of the respondents representing 63.4% are
married. 101 of the respondents representing 34% are single while 8 of the
respondents representing 2.6% are divorced.
Table 4: Educational Qualification of Respondents
Response
Frequency
GCE/SSCE
66
OND/HND
101
Percentage
22.1%
33.9%
65
First Degree
Others
Total
120
11
298
40.3%
3.7%
100
The table above shows that 66 of the respondents representing 22.25 are
GCE/SSCE holders. 101 of the respondents representing 33.9% are OND/HND
holders. 120 of the respondents representing 40.3% are first degree holders while
11 of the respondents representing 3.7% have other educational qualifications
Table 5; Departments of Respondents
Response
Frequency
Editorial
178
Mechanical
86
Circulation
34
Total
298
Percentage
59.7%
28.9%
11.4%
100
The above table shows that 178 of the respondents representing 59.7% are in the
editorial department. 86 of the respondents representing 28.9% are in the
mechanical department, while 34 of the respondents representing 11.4% are in the
circulation department.
Table 6: Do you use ICTs in newspaper production?
Response
Frequency
Yes
298
No
Total
298
Percentage
100
100
The above table show that 298 of the respondents representing 100%
agreed in the use of ICTs in newspaper production
Table 7: When did you start using ICTs in newspaper production?
Response
15 years ago
Frequency
28
Percentage
9.4%
66
10 years ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
Total
121
136
13
298
40.6%
45.65
4.4%
100
The above table shows that 28 of the respondents representing 9.4% started
using ICTs 15 years ago. 121 of the respondents representing 40.6% started using
ICTs 10 years ago. 136 of the respondents representing 45.6% started using ICTs
5 years ago while 13 of the respondents representing 4.4% started using ICTs 2
years ago.
Table 8: What led to the adoption of ICTs in newspaper production?
Response
Competition
Easy to use
Make work easier
ICT trend
Total
Frequency
87
24
143
44
298
Percentage
29.1%
8.1%
48%
14.8%
100%
The above table shows that 87 of the respondents representing 29.1%
adopted ICT as a result of competition in the industry. 24 of the respondents
representing 8.1% adopted ICT because it is easy to use. 143 of the respondents
representing 48% adopted ICT because it makes their work easier, while 44 of the
respondents representing 14.8% adopted ICT because of the trend.
Table 9: Do you think the adoption of ICT has changed newspaper production
process in Nigeria?
Response
Frequency
Percentage
67
Yes
No
Cant say
Total
263
35
298
88.3%
117%
100
The above table shows that 263 of the respondents representing 88.3%
agreed that the adoption of ICT has change newspaper production process in
Nigeria, while bv35 of the respondents representing 11.7% can’t say.
Table 10: What aspect of newspaper production has ICT revolutionalised most?
Response
Circulation
Newsgathering
Editing
Mechanical
Total
Frequency
24
184
78
12
298
Percentage
8.1
61.7%
26.2%
4.0%
100
The above table shows that 24 of the respondents representing 8.1% agreed
that ICTs have revolutionalised circulation of newspaper. 184 of the respondents
representing 61.7% said it has revolutionalised newsgathering.78 of the
respondents representing 26.2% said editing, while 12 of the respondents
representing 4.0 said mechanical.
Table 11: With the adoption of ICTs, do you think newspaper industry future is
bright in Nigeria?
68
Response
Yes
No
Can’t say
Total
Frequency
287
11
298
96.3
3.7%
100
The above table shows that 287 of the respondents representing 96.3%
agreed that with the adoption of ICTs in Nigeria, newspaper industry, the future is
bright for the industry, while 11 of the respondents representing 3.7% can’t
actually say.
Table 12: Do you agree that ICTs have caused unemployment in Nigeria
newspaper industry?
Response
Agreed
Disagreed
Not aware
Total
Frequency
239
42
17
298
Percentage
80.2%
14.1%
5.7%
100
The above table shows that 239 of the respondents representing 80.2%
agreed that ICTs have caused unemployment in Nigerian newspaper industry. 42
of the respondents representing 14.1% disagreed while 17 of the respondents
representing 5.7% said they are not aware.
Table 13: With the current trend in ICTs, do you think Nigeria newspaper industry
can meet up with its challenges?
Response
Yes
Frequency
251
Percentage
84.2%
69
No
Can’t say
Total
15
32
298
5.0%
10.7%
100
This table shows that 251 of the respondents representing 84.2% agreed
that Nigerian newspaper industry can meet up with the challenges of ICTs. 15 of
the respondents representing 5.0% do not agreed while 32 of the respondent
representing 10.7% can’t say.
Table 14: What is the major problem associated with the adoption of ICTs in
newspaper industry in Nigeria?
Response
Finance
Lack of skills
Culture
Lack of Interest
Total
Frequency
183
54
20
41
298
Percentage
61.4%
18.1%
6.7%
13.8%
100
The above table shows that 183 of the respondents representing 61.4% said
the major problem in the adoption of ICTs in newspaper industry in Nigeria is
finance. 54 of the respondents representing 18.1% said lack of skills. 20 of the
respondents representing 6.7% said culture while 41 of the respondents
representing 13.8% said lack of interest.
Table 15: what factor is likely to hinder the use of ICTs in newspaper industry in
the future?
70
Response
Finance
Organizational Culture
Workers deficiencies
Total
Frequency
238
33
27
298
Percentage
79.8%
11.1%
9.1%
100
The above table shows that 238 of the respondents representing 79.8% said
finance is likely to hinder the use of ICTs in newspaper industry in the future. 33
of the respondents representing 11.1% said organization culture, while 27 of the
respondents representing 9.1% said workers deficiencies.
Table 16: Do you agree that with ICTs anybody can produce a newspaper?
Response
Yes
No
Can’t say
Total
Frequency
262
13
23
298
Percentage
87.9%
4.4%
7.7%
100
The above table shows that 262 of the respondents representing 87.9%
agreed that with ICTs anybody can produce a newspaper. 13 of the respondents
representing 4.4% disagreed while 23 of the respondents representing 7.7% can’t
say.
Table 17: Do you agree that ICTs have really affected manual process in
newspaper industry in Nigeria
Response
Yes
No
Can’t say
Frequency
298
-
Percentage
100%
-
71
Total
298
100
The above table shows that 298 of the respondents representing 100%
agreed that ICT’s have really affected manual production process in newspaper
industry in Nigeria.
4.3 Discussion of Findings
This part of the study reviews the data collected in course of the research.
This discussion, therefore, derives its guide from the three research questions as
presented in chapter one via-a-vis the responses of the respondents.
Research Question 1: What is the status of ICTs on Nigeria Newspaper industry?
This research question tries to find out the status of ICTs on Nigeria
newspaper industry. There is high level of ICT adoption in Nigeria newspaper
industry. This answer is in line with table 6,7,and 9. Table 6 shows that 100% of
workers in newspaper industry do use ICTs in production. This finding is in line
with McDonald (2006:9) observation that technology has been important to
ShelfLife, not only in relation to the editorial production, but to all aspects of
publishing a trade journal. Following the above, he also asserted that:
We certainly couldn’t have produced a magazine and
managed the database and distribution side of it without the
technology that’s been available for the last ten years. Twenty
years ago, we couldn’t have done the job we’re doing now. It
simply would not have been possible.
72
Table 7 shows that ICTs have been adopted along time in Nigerian
newspaper industry. 9.4% of newspaper workers adopted ICTs 15 years age,
40.6% 10years ago, 45.6% 5 years ago and 4.4%, 2 years ago. This findings is in
line with Fergus (2007:19) findings that many of the journalists who joined the
newspaper from other publications in 1989 were apprehensive about new systems,
he feels that journalists are now comfortable with the technology and can handle
most basic editing functions.
Table 9 indicates that ICTs have changed newspaper production process in
Nigeria. 88.3% of the respondents acknowledged that ICTs have change
newspaper industry. This finding is in line with McDonald (2006:8) observation.
According to him, the greatest impact of technology for ShelfLife has been the
move to in-house production, or the extent to which that has been achieved, which
is without the final scanning or film processing. McDonald (2006:.8) gave his
motivation for doing so in order to save the cost of time and to avoid the hassle of
the additional logistics of dealing with an outside agency. He admits however, that
the technology has brought other rewards: "We have more consistency and we
have more control by having it in-house. But it’s definitely been facilitated by
technology.
Also Quin (2005:24) is in support of our findings. According to him, one
of the areas which might affect the content of the newspaper is journalists’ access
to research facilities. This is one of the areas which has benefited from the
advances in technology and many newspapers have now provided electronic
73
libraries "except in the Independent, we have paper cuttings, which is a superb
system for the 1950s, but we could be doing better"
He feels that research was not improved because of the reasoning behind
the application of the technology: "It has mainly been used in the Independent by
management as a means of speeding up the whole process: quick changes, quick
editions and cutting costs."
Research Question 2: what are the impacts of ICTs on newspaper production in
Nigeria?
This research question tends to know the impact of ICTs on newspaper
production in Nigeria. Table 8,9,10,11,12 and 16 answered the research question.
Table 8 shows that ICTs was adopted in newspaper industry because it makes
work easier. This was acknowledged by 48% of the respondents. Table 9 shows
that 88.3% agreed that ICTs have changed newspaper production process in
Nigeria.
This finding is also in support with Ward and Hansen (2000:19) study of
105 American Daily newspapers. Ward & Hansen identify the area of story
research as that which has gained most from the application of the new
technologies: "Electronic information technologies have vastly improved both the
speed and the comprehensiveness of information access for newsrooms. News
libraries play increasingly prominent roles in reporting and editing in metro
newspapers".
74
For sub-editors too, the system has meant real changes in the way they
work. Also supporting this findings, Quin (2005:24) stated that direct input has
substantially streamlined the system and he finds it easier to sub copy on-screen
than on paper: "It is terrific for quick changes."
Table 10, shows that ICTs have revolutionized newsgathering. 61.7% of the
respondents acknowledged this fact. This is in line with McKercher (2004:78)
observation. she did discover that "small, but growing groups of reporters at both
newspapers are using computers for communications, research and organization in
their reporting" and regarded these activities as representing "new techniques and
reporting tasks".
Supporting
this
finding,
Ward,
Hansen
and
McLeod
(2003:11)
demonstrated that although there were several important changes in the way a
story was written, the extent of these changes depended on the degree to which
news reporters had adopted the new technology.
Table 11, shows that with the adoption of ICTs, newspaper in Nigeria has a
bright future. 96.3% of the respondents acknowledged this fact. The impact of new
media on the future of news is difficult to imagine. Rhinegold (2002:48)
underlines its impact on access to the media: "A personal computer, plugged into a
telephone, becomes a printing press, a broadcasting station, a town hall meeting:
connecting a computer to a telephone creates a new medium, with unique
properties and powers." According to him, one of the greatest changes will be a
merging of current media. Newspapers online will include video clips and sound
75
files of today’s headlines. The use of hypertext links will offer further information
for those who wish to take that option. The reader can then return to the original
story, or follow a series of related links. This will require journalists to write
stories in a non-linear fashion, allowing the reader to determine the level of
information they want at any particular point.
Table 12, shows that the adoption of ICTs in newspaper industry has
caused unemployment in Nigeria. 80.2% of the respondents acknowledged this.
This is also in line with Schneider findings. According to Schneider, the use of
computers in newsrooms in tripling each year, many editors complain that "too
much emphasis is being placed on the technology and not enough on nurturing the
more traditional basic journalistic skills". Table 16 shows that with the adoption of
ICT, anybody can produce a newspaper. 87.9% of the respondents acknowledged
this fact.
Research Question 3: What opportunities exist for the application of ICTs in
newspaper production in Nigeria?
This research question tends to know the opportunities exit for the
application of ICTs in newspaper production in Nigeria. To answer this research
question, Table 11,13,14,15 and 16 were used. Table 11 shows that with the
adoption of ICT, the future of newspaper industry is bright. 96.3% of the
respondents agreed to this fact.
Table 13, shows that Nigeria newspaper industry can meet up with ICT
challenges. 84.2% of the respondents acknowledged this. Table 14 and 15 shows
76
that one of the major problems that affects newspaper industry in Nigeria as
regards to adoption of ICT is finance. 61.4% of the respondents acknowledged
this. Table 16, indicated that with the adoption of ICT in Nigeria, anybody can
produce a newspaper. 87.9% of the respondents are in support of this.
Research Question 4: Have ICTs affected manual production process in newspaper
industry in Nigeria?
This question intends to know if ICTs have really affected manual production
process in newspaper industry. In answering this research question, table 9, 10 and
17 was used. Table 9 shows that 263 of the respondents agreed that ICTs have
changed newspaper production process. Table 10 shows that 184 of the
respondents agreed that ICTs have affected mostly newsgathering in production
process. While table 17 shows that 298 of the respondents agreed that ICTs have
really affected manual production process in newspaper production in Nigeria.
Supporting the above findings, McDonald (2006:9) opined thus:
We certainly couldn’t have produced a magazine and managed the
data base and distribution side of it without the technology that’s
been available for the last ten years ago, we couldn’t have done the
job we are doing now. It simply would not have been possible
Research Question 5: What are the challenges of ICTs adoption in newspaper
industry in Nigeria?
The above research question, tries to know the challenges of ICTs in
newspaper industry. In answering the above research question, table 12, 14, 15 and
16 was used. Table 12 shows that 239 of the respondents agreed that ICTs have
77
caused unemployment in Nigeria newspaper industry. Table 14 shows that finance
is the major challenge in the adoption of ICTs in newspaper industry. This was
acknowledged by 183 of the respondents.
Table 15 also shows that finance is the major factor that is likely to hinder
the use of ICTs in newspaper industry. 238 of the respondents agreed that finance
is likely will affect the adoption of ICTs in newspaper industry in the future.
While table 16 indicated that with ICTs anybody can produce a newspaper. 262 of
the respondents agreed to this fact.
References
Fergus, C. (2007). Good journalism. On the evaluation criteria of some interested
and experienced actors. Journalism Studies 7(5), 671-690.
McDonald (2006). Digital transformation , New York: Knopf.
McKercher, L. (2004).The Australian newspaper industry: inter-colonial
perspectives’, Australian Studies in Journalism, 1: 101-112.
Quin, A. (2005). Changes in the news service processes within the Spanish
audiovisual media: Difficulties and expectations in face of New Technologies,
paper presented to the 25th ECPR Joint Sessions of Workshops, Berna,
28.02.1997.
Rheingold, H. (2002,May). The electronic landscape: A writer's perspective.
Writers' Retreat on Interactive Technology & Equipment Conference.
University of Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Ward, H. & McLeod, A. (2003). Reporting for work: A guide to Daily practice,
Sydney: University of Queensland Press.
78
Ward, L. & Hansen, D. (2001). The development of national newspapers in the
second half of the twentieth century: in The Australian Press: A
Bicentennial Retrospect, Australian Newspaper History Group.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
The main thrust of this study was to find out the impacts of ICTs in
newspaper production. In doing this, Nation, The Sun & Champion were used as
case study. Using three research questions that bordered on the impacts of
Information Communication Technologies. It was found out that Information
communication technologies have great impacts in newspaper production in
Nigeria. Following these findings, it can be said that ICTs have impacts on Nation,
The Sun & Champion newspapers. It should be on record based on the findings
from this study that ICTs are very important in newspaper production.
5.2 Conclusion
79
This study has made interesting findings that will be of immense benefit not
only in the academic circle also to publishing houses and the newspaper industry
as well as organizations and society in general. Based on the findings of this
research, the following conclusions have been reached.
1. Newspaper industry in Nigeria makes use of Information Communication
Technologies in their production process.
2. Newspaper industries in Nigeria have been using ICTs for a long time.
3. ICTs make newspaper production easier.
4. The adoption of ICTs have changed newspaper production process in Nigeria
5 ICTs have much impact on newsgathering.
6. The adoption of ICTs has made the future of newspaper industry in Nigeria
bright.
7. To a large extent, the adoption of ICTs in newspaper industry has caused
unemployment.
8. One of major constraints to the adoption of ICTs is finance.
9 with the adoption of ICTs in Nigeria anybody can be a journalist.
5.3 Recommendations
Following the findings of this study, the following recommendations are
suggested:
1. Newspaper firms should devote more time training their worker on the uses of
ICTs
2. Newspaper industry should continually follow ICTs trend.
80
3. Government should encourage the adoption of ICTs in every sector in the
country, by financially empowering those sectors that cannot afford it.
4. Total dependency on ICTs in production process should be discouraged.
Because it will make the workers lazy as well as leads to unemployment.
5. Broadcast media should not be left out in following ICTs trend in the world
today.
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Appendices
Questionnaire
Department of Mass Communication
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
September, 2010
Dear respondent,
My name is Mr. Ezugwu, Ndubisi Martins, a post graduate student of the
above department. I am carrying out a research work on “The impact of ICTs on
Newspaper Production: A study of the Nation, Sun and Champion Newspapers”
To assist me and enhance an objective realization of this research goal, I
would most hereby appreciate your honest and unbiased responses to the questions
in this questionnaire. All your responses, I assure you would be treated in utmost
confidence.
Thank you immensely for your understanding and co-operation.
Yours faithfully,
Ezugwu, Martins
Tick (-/) in the appropriate box of your choice.
86
1. Sex
A. Male ( ) B. Female ( )
2. Age
A. 16-25 ( ) B. 26-30 ( ) C. 31-35 ( ) D. 36 & above ( )
3. Marital statue
A. Married ( ) B. Single ( ) C. Divorced ( )
4. Which educational qualification do you have?
A. GCE/SSCE ( ) B. OND/HND ( ) C. First Degree ( ) D. Others ( )
5. Which department? ………………………………………
6. Do you use ICTs in newspaper production?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( )
7. When did you start using ICTs in newspaper production?
A. 15yrs ago ( ) B. 10yrs ago ( ) C. 5yrs ago ( ) D. 2yrs ago ( )
8. What led to the adoption of ICT in newspaper production?
A. Competition ( ) B. Easy to use ( ) C. Make work easier ( ) D. ICT trend ( )
9. Do you think the adoption of ICT has changed newspaper production process in
Nigeria?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( ) C. Can’t say ( )
10: What aspect of newspaper production has ICT revolutionalised most?
A. Circulation ( ) B. Newsgathering ( ) C. Editing ( ) D. Mechanical ( )
11.With the adoption of ICT, do you think newspaper industry future is bright in
Nigeria?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( ) C. Can’t say ( )
12. Do you agree that ICT has caused unemployment in Nigeria newspaper
industry?
A. Agreed ( ) B. Disagreed ( ) C. Not aware ( n )
87
13. With the current trend in ICT, do you think Nigeria newspaper industry can
meet up with its challenges?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( ) C. Can’t say ( )
14. What is the major problem associated with the adoption of ICT in newspaper
industry in Nigeria?
A. Finance ( ) B. Lack of skills ( ) C. Culture ( ) D. Lack of Interest ( )
15. What factor is likely to hinder the use of ICTs in newspaper industry in the
future?
A. Finance ( ) B. Organizational culture ( ) C. Worker deficiencies ( )
16. Do you agree that with ICT anybody can produce a newspaper?
A. Yes ( ) B. No ( ) C. Can’t say ( )