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 Dr. C.S. Akpan Date

(Research Project supervisor) ( Head of Department)

………………………………….. .…………..

External examiner 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 e-

paper. 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 light-

sensitive 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 Report (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 pre-

computer 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 hot-

metal 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, non-

traditional 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 trade-

off 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 sub-

editors 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-to-

date 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 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."

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 Percentage

Male 122 40.9%

Female 176 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 Percentage

16-25 34 11.4%

26-30 99 33.2%

26-30 72 24.2%

31-35 93 31.2%

36& Above 298 100%

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 Percentage

Married 189 63.4%

Single 101 34%

Divorced 8 2.6%

Total 298 100

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 Percentage

GCE/SSCE 66 22.1%

OND/HND 101 33.9%

65

First Degree 120 40.3%

Others 11 3.7%

Total 298 100

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 Percentage

Editorial 178 59.7%

Mechanical 86 28.9%

Circulation 34 11.4%

Total 298 100

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 Percentage

Yes 298 100

No - -

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

15 years ago 28 9.4%

66

10 years ago 121 40.6%

5 years ago 136 45.65

2 years ago 13 4.4%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Competition 87 29.1%

Easy to use 24 8.1%

Make work easier 143 48%

ICT trend 44 14.8%

Total 298 100%

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 263 88.3%

No - -

Cant say 35 117%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Circulation 24 8.1

Newsgathering 184 61.7%

Editing 78 26.2%

Mechanical 12 4.0%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency

Yes 287 96.3

No - -

Can’t say 11 3.7%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Agreed 239 80.2%

Disagreed 42 14.1%

Not aware 17 5.7%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Yes 251 84.2%

69

No 15 5.0%

Can’t say 32 10.7%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Finance 183 61.4%

Lack of skills 54 18.1%

Culture 20 6.7%

Lack of Interest 41 13.8%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Finance 238 79.8%

Organizational Culture 33 11.1%

Workers deficiencies 27 9.1%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Yes 262 87.9%

No 13 4.4%

Can’t say 23 7.7%

Total 298 100

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 Frequency Percentage

Yes 298 100%

No - -

Can’t say - -

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 ( )