Abstract
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1.1 Background of the Study
Broadcasting has been at the forefront of many technological changes, mostly in
digitalization and enhancement of existing technology. For example, digital technology now
permits listeners to obtain traffic information and news per se, while listening to a cassette,
compact disc or radio station etc. (Church Akpan 2006).
We are all living in a changing world, and over the past many ears we have been
conditioned to accept changes in the way we think and relate. Thus, communication between the
peoples of the world which sounded utopist before is now becoming a reality in or very eyes
giving practical meaning to Marshall Mollohan’s view of the world ad a global village
interlinked by communication technologies, (Mc Lucan, 1964. P47)
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are electronic machines and
devices. Their application have both computing and communication capabilities. They range
from physical devices like digital cameras, tape recorders, computers, sensing devices, scanners,
mobile phone, etc to cyber space-the internet, software, teleconferencing, satellite etc. Their
application is broad and cuts across all interpersonal and mass communication media, giving
more power, robustness and veracity to their operations and performance. More thane ninety
years after the world’s first broadcasting station were pounded, radio is still the most persuasive,
accessible, affordable and flexible mass medium available in cities, urban towns and rural areas.
It is often the only mass medium available to majority of the people.
The application of information and communication technologies into broadcasting
especially radio broadcasting is therefore designed to boost and enhance qualities of broadcast
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programmes. Most importantly has been the digitization of radio signal, innovation programming
and live reporting from any corner of the world.
It is also believed that the business of radio broadcasting has been elevated with
information and communication technologies application. This informs why this project is
undertaken with a view of finding out what information and communication technologies have
on broadcasting, taking the Atlantic FM, Uyo, as a reference point.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Most researches on radio reporting have their focus on coverage of particular events of
general interest and critique of programmes. This is so because it permits a close scrutiny of the
output of radio stations. Today, with the addition of the profit making bias to the business of
radio broadcasting, news and other programmes are seen as products which have to be packaged
well.
Atlantic FM, Uyo, is a newly established radio station in Akwa-ibom State. However, it
is certain that it applies information and communication technologies in broadcasting functions.
Thus, this research seeks to find out the Impact of Information and Communication
Technology (ICTs) on Radio News Reporting.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The objectives of this study are:
1. To find out if Information and Communication Technologies are used by Atlantic FM,
Uyo in it broadcast reporting.
2. To find the extent ICT is been applied in broadcast reporting in Atlantic FM, Uyo.
3. To find out impact of Iformation and Communication Technologies on the output of
broadcast reporting in Atlantic FM Radio, Uyo.
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4. To make recommendations on the use of ICT on news report.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions were formulated;
1. What is the extent of the application of Information and Communication Technologies in
broadcast reporting of Atlantic FM, Uyo?
2. Does Atlantic FM, Uyo, make use of these modern Information and Communication
Technologies in broadcast reporting?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis will be relevant to this study
H1: Atlantic FM, Uyo, makes use of ICT in radio new broadcasting.
H0: Atlantic FM, Uyo, does not make use of modern ICT in radio new reporting.
H2: ICT application will improve the output of radio news reporting in Atlantic FM Uyo.
H0: ICT application will not improve the output of broadcast reporting in Atlantic FM, Uyo.
1.6 Scope of Study
This study is restricted to only the radio services-The Atlantic FM, Uyo. The findings and
its results can only be used to determine the impact created in other radio stations where
information and communication technologies are employed in broadcasting of programs.
1.7 Significance of the Study
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The findings as a result of this stud are expected to provide information that would help
radio broadcasting improve with the use of ICTs as well as provide insight to Atlantic FMs
management. it will also help the team make necessary amends in the positive direction where
they are found to be lacking behind and equally provide model for researchers and institutions of
higher learning which will serve as reference point.
1.8 Definition of Terms
The definitions of terms were operationally defined
Communication:
This is the process of transmitting information, ideas and attitudes from one person to
another.
Broadcast Reporting:
This is the journalistic act of sourcing, covering, working, editing and presenting news on
the radio.
FM (Frequency Modulation)
It is the type of radio broadcast service in which the frequency varies in a manner
corresponding to the sound of the voice/music transmitted which is one hundred and eight six
thousand miles per second. It was found in the 1930s by Edwin Armstrong and is allocated in the
very high frequency (VHF) – the part of the radio spectrum from thirty to three hundred
megahertz.
Radio:
It is a telecommunication system by modulation and radiation of electromagnetic waves.
ICTs:
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Information and Communication Technologies this is a set of technologies used in
accomplishing modern radio communication without face-to-face meeting.