Assessment of Digital Communication Technologies (DCTS) in Newspaper Publishing in Nigeria

This study evaluates the impact of DCTs on newspaper publishing within selected Nigerian newspapers. It focuses on four newspapers, two publicly owned and two privately owned. The research utilizes a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. In response to the investigation on the forms of DCTs used in Nigerian newspaper publishing, findings reveal a spectrum of technologies employed, notably e-mail, phone calls, instant messaging, video conferencing, video, blog, podcast, streaming, e-newspaper, and web newspaper. The prevalence of e-newspapers stands out prominently among the identified forms. Interview responses align with the questionnaire findings, emphasizing the diverse use of DCTs. Examples include the shift to online-based platforms, preference for e-copies, and the facilitation of news gathering and dissemination through digital channels. Regarding the areas of DCT usage within newspaper organizations, the study identifies newsgathering, news processing, and news dissemination as primary domains. Notably, news dissemination emerges as the predominant area benefiting from DCTs. Interview insights reinforce the significance of DCTs across these areas, enabling easy access to online news sources, facilitating information sourcing, and transforming the production process through enhanced aesthetics and design. The study concludes that the relevance of DCTs in Nigerian newspaper publishing cannot be over-underscored. While certain forms of DCTs like e-newspapers are extensively utilized, others remain underutilized. News dissemination sees the most pronounced impact, while opportunities for improvement exist in newsgathering and processing. The study recommends among other things that Newspaper Proprietors’ Association (NPAN) should encourage broader utilization of various DCTs in newspaper publishing.