Abstract
The study role of communication technology was carried out to ascertain the role it plays
to improving work efficiency of AIT staff. Newsroom yesterday and today are far flung
difference when it is yesterday, was of traditional analogue method and today it spins
around communication technology. Through the findings made in this study, AIT
newsroom has evolved from a simple text based wire browsing, script and random editing
system. It has become a multimedia workflow engine that spans well beyond newsroom
floor, to digital newsroom which have reinforced their broadcast quality and drive value.
To supports the study, related literatures were reviewed on the role newsroom
communication technology play to improving work efficiency. Also for validity, the
Diffusion theoretical framework was used. The study explicitly provides the objectives of
the study, statement of Research problem and hypothesis. The significant of the study is
buttressed by the findings through the data obt
1.1 Background of the Study
Newsroom yesterday and today are far flung different. What it is yesterday
was of Traditional method and today it spins around communication technology. It
is on this premise, this study is out to find, if communication technology has
actually brought about any significant change towards improving work efficiency of
African Independent Television (AIT) Staff compared to what it is like before the
use of communication technology in Newsroom.
Therefore, News room is seen as a floor where day to day activities of
journalist takes place. It is always buzzing with shouts of we are behind programme
schedule time, Reporters and Camera men trying to tie loose ends of news materials
to beat deadlines.
Furthermore, Newsroom before the age of communication technologies
operates mainly on analogue form, a model where journalists make use of the shots
from Camera to script news items and bulletin schedules were done manually, etc.
Also, in today’s communication technological driven age, computers are
seen in newsroom, teleprompters are used, journalist have access to cable television
Channels, internet facilities and social media engines to monitor happenings in and
around their environment. Beats reporters can communicate live via mobile
telephones to newsroom staff for immediate update of news materials.
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Moreso, newsroom today spins around multifaceted communication
technological gadgets. But the role these gadgets play will help us to understand if it
improves work efficiency of staff especially in African Independence Television,
(AIT).
African Independence Television as a media outfit, in brief came to existence
due to the clamour for private broadcast media in Nigeria. African Independent
Television was born in 1992 when the Nigerian Government promulgated Decree
No. 38, which deregulated the ownership of the electronic media in the country
allowing the participation of private people to own and operate license for media
outfit.
Sequel to this, Chief Raymond Dopkesi, owner of Daar Communication after
obtaining license to operate private broadcast media started full blown operation in
1994.
However, according to Dopkesi vision statement for Africa Independent
Television (AIT) 1993 speech paper, he said, AIT has a unique mission which is,
that of sharing the Africa experience with the wider global communities.He went
further, to say that this vision statement cannot be achieved except through vigorous
upgrade and deployment of communication technological gadgets.
Therefore, it is pertinent to note that this study is out to find out, what role
communication technology has played in newsroom to improving efficiency of
African Independent Television (AIT) Staff in recent times. From the
aforementioned since the mission statement of AIT, is anchored on the objective of
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sharing the unique African experience with the World which is to enhance global
understanding through an untainted appreciation of African and its people.
AIT, therefore, is motivated by unique altruistic aim to promote a
methodically reduction of tension and friction and foster a greater appreciation of
humanity, it is committed to the bridging the gap in global communication
perspectives which places Africa at the ruthless mercy of Western perception
untainted, undiluted and absolutely original.Therefore, African Independent
Television intends to offer the world a new insight into the African experience.
1.2 Statement of Research Problem
Here, effort is made to understand so far, the role of communication
technology in newsroom had played or playing to improving work efficiency of
AIT staff towards achieving or attaining the mission statement “Share the African
experience in general.According to Terngu and Tennenge (2007,P. 27) revealed
magic of communication technology tools, stating that they cover a bewildering
array of inter connected forms of electromagnetic technologies, such as
microelectronic optic fiber, satellite video discs, telex, and data storage mechanism
all for journalist usage in newsroom.
The question therefore, is whether these communication technological
gadgets have aided in improving staff efficiency in newsroom. To establish the role
communication technology in AIT newsroom is playing and to what extent has it
improved work efficiency of the staff.
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1.3 Objectives of the Study
However, the objectives of the study were as follows:
1. To find out if the staff of AIT ABUJA have access to computer gadgets.
2. To find out if the staff of AIT are computer literate.
3. To determine the challenges associated with the application of computer
technology.
4. To determine if communication technology in AIT Newsroom have
improved work efficiency of staff.
1.4 Research Question
1. Do the staff of AIT ABUJA have access to computer gadgets?
2. Do the staff of AIT ABUJA have the required knowledge and skills in using
computer gadgets?
3. What are the factors militating against the application of computer
technology in AIT ABUJA Newsroom.
4. How have Newsroom Communication Technology improve work efficiency
of AIT ABUJA.
1.5 Hypothesis
Ho: The Staff of AIT ABUJA does not have access to computer gadgets.
Ho: The Staff of AIT ABUJA does not have the required knowledge and skills in
using computer gadgets.
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Ho: Newsroom communication technologies have ineffectively affected work
efficient of AIT Staff ABUJA.
1.6 Scope of the Study
For clarity and concise, this study is basically a study on AIT Abuja
newsroom communication technology and the role of it to improving work
efficiency of Staff
1.7 Significance of the Study
Effort is made in this study to find out whether newsroom communication
technology have improved work efficiency of AIT staff in actualizing or attaining
the goal of its mission statement of sharing the African experience.
Also, show to a large extent the impact of communication technology and its
utilization by staff of the AIT.
1.8 Operational definitions of significant terms:
It is of importance to define most terms used in the study for clearer
understanding.
1. Newsroom: A newspaper office or radio or television station, where news
stories are scripted and edited. AIT ABUJA special room for News editors,
and news reporters, used for housing those involved in news coverage and
packaging.
2. Communication: The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as
by speech, signals writing or behaviour.
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3. Technology: The methods and tools of AIT ABUJA News Room Staff
developed by AIT Newsroom Abuja to facilitate the solution of its practical
problems in their Newsroom.