EVALUATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS UTILIZATION IN PROGRAMME PRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1  Background of the Study

Broadcasting is the process of sending out and receiving messages through the air by a scientific method called electromagnetic waves. According to Owuamalam (2007), messages are transformed into electronic signals in the studio. It mixes the signal with the carrier waves, generated in the transmitter and the studio.

Broadcast programmes are generally classified into three forms, namely:

1. Entertainment programmes

2. Informative programmes

3. Educative programmes

Programmes can even be a blend of all the types, such as, variety shows which cover various segments that deal with specific issues. The fundamental nature of the broadcast programme production is to motivate societal growth, renewal and regeneration of essential issues to the improvement of man for a wholesome life and a better community, Owuamalam (2007).

The programmes are intended to satisfy three major purposes, namely:

1. Accomplishing stations objectives

2. Accomplish the vision of specific programmes

3. Satisfying audiences’ interest

Producers have to pursue the stations instruction on programme production which would be satisfactory to the audience. Broadcast stations are praised due to programmes that are produced according to the station’s prescription and when such programmes satisfy audience aspirations. The studio lighting should be adequate to separate objects from their shadows cast in the background. The space for performance should be adequate to allow performers free movement without obstruction. The nature of the programme should determine the location of production, whether production should take place in the studio or outside the studio. Wherever production takes place, the programme should be made to be believable. Things should appear as natural as possible. Programmes produced by a station should be targeted towards an audience and must meet the yearnings and aspirations of such audience.

Radio is an audio medium, therefore the writer has to do his work in a way and manner that the pictures are imprinted on the minds of the audience and they could visualize as if they were physically present at the scene of the event. Television, on the other hand, is a combination of audio and visual. It is also an electronic device that transmits signals from the studio into the air and then to the television sets in our houses. The television sets at home serve as receivers and download the signals into their appropriate components as initially produced audio visual content (Owuamalam, 2007).

Radio can be defined as a medium used for sending and receiving messages through the air using electronic waves. It is also about the activity of broadcasting programmes for people to listen to the programmes being broadcast (Idebi, 2008). It may also be seen as the broadcasting of programmes to the public to listen to. It is the system of sending sound over a distance by transmitting electrical signals (BBC English Dictionary, 1992, p.946).

 Television is defined as an audio-visual medium. It mixes pictures with sound to produce a communication experience displayed on the screen. It uses sound to explain the visuals presented on the screen. It addresses the emotion and intellect in a remarkable way (Owauamalam, 2007). Television makes use of the movement of images in a unique manner or pattern to express thought and feelings in a thrilling and appealing manner. Television is defined by the BBC English Dictionary (1992, p.1206) as the system of pictures and distance so that people can receive them on a television set.

Tools or equipment are those facilities installed in the stations for recording of programmes and live broadcast. The room that houses the tools or equipment necessary for production of programmes is commonly called the production studio. By definition, tools are all those materials installed in the studio for the production of programmes, starting from furniture to digital equipment. The equipment needed for programme production in the broadcast industry include, the camera, tapes, consoles, microphones, audio visual players or recorders, multi-track recording and signal processing equipment, monitor speakers, cable connectors and accessories, and furniture (Reese, Gross & Gross, 2006:viii). Digital media are simply audio, video, and images that exist in a computer-readable format, and can reside on a local device (CD, DVD, hard drive), or remote location (website).

In many ways, digital media are no different from analog recorded media, which have been around for decades. What is unique is the ability to easily create, copy, and transmit digital media. They can be streamed, downloaded, or stored on media such as CD or DVD.

Digital programmes production is an evolution from analog which is most heavily influenced by computers and their popularity and accessibility. As computers became more advanced, cheaper and more accessible, applications for the computer spread to almost every industry. Currently, programmes production is towards the end of a transition in technology from an analog based system to a digital based system. According to Baldwin (2012), digital technology is transforming both production and (as a result of convergence) the larger world of communications, he added that the impending analogue switch-off will have a major impact not only on the media industry but also on household consumption of media products. For the broadcast industry, world over, this is the most important transformation since its beginnings almost a century ago. Past technological transformations as well as changes in many other areas have only spurred evolutionary changes and not revolutionary change.

Digital tools have been around in the Nigerian broadcast industry for some years now, and have no doubt changed the way programmes are being produced. But studies have not been carried out to find out the impact of these digital tools and how effective they are in programmes production at FRCN and DITV Kaduna.

1.2  Statement of the Problem

Every new technology brings with it advancement in the field it is introduced, however, studies still need to be conducted to ascertain the impact and effectiveness of that new technology.

Obam (2007) in a study of the migration from analog to digital tools of production established that it is difficult, not to say dangerous, to make predictions about technological development solely on the basis of knowledge of technical specification. However, digital media of communication have advanced enough for us to make some sound claims about current and possible changes to communication which have been afforded by digital systems.

In another study on how digital technologies will change operations in media production, Baldwin (2012) found that it is too easy to take for granted some of these features of modem communication, forgetting that even 15 years ago communication was very different. The changes that the transition from analog to digital tools is bringing in the communications industry are already having serious implications for media operations because of changing modes of production and consumption of media products.

Digital tools have advantages and disadvantages like any tool, but the general consensus is that digital is better, and for good reason. This study will look into the comparative advantage of using digital tools over analog tools in programmes production and how effective digital tools are in programmes production. In other words, this study will investigate the question: To what extent can it be argued that digital tools have advantage over analog tools in programmes production?

1.3  Aim and Objectives of the Study

This study aimed at determining the nature of digital media tools and how effective they are in programmes production at FRCN Kaduna and DITV Kaduna. The objectives are to:

1.      Find out whether journalists at FRCN and DITV Kaduna use digital tools in programmes production

2.      Determine what type of digital tools are used at FRCN and DITV Kaduna

3.      Determine how effective digital tools are in programmes production at FRCN and DITV Kaduna

4.      Gain further insight on the quality of programmes produced with digital tools.

1.4  Research Questions

This research was guided by the following questions;

1.      Do journalists at FRCN and DITV Kaduna use digital tools in programmes production?

2.      What types of digital tools are used by FRCN and DITV Kaduna?

3.      Are digital tools more effective in programmes production?

4.      How do digital tools impact on the quality of programmes compared to analog tools?

1.5  Justification for the Study

The purpose of this study is to find out how digital tools have been utilized in programmes production at FRCN and DITV Kaduna.

The findings of this study will serve as a guide to media houses in understanding more on the trend of digital tools and how to utilize them to in order to boost the quality of programmes being produced. And also to make media houses understand the importance of using digital tools for programmes production over the analog tools.

1.6  Delimitations of the Study

This study was specifically carried out to know the impact digital tools have on programmes production.The scope of the study was limited to only the journalists at FRCN and DITV Kaduna.

1.7  Operational Definition of Terms

Digital tools: A digital tool is an electronic device that manipulates digital data.

Evaluation: Act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of. Or an appraisal of the value of something.

Production: The act or process of producing something.

Programmes: Programme is a scheduled configuration of messages presented in a discernible shape, arrangement and style. It occupies a distinct broadcast hour, wears a distinct cap (title) with the opening and closing having distinct character.

Tools: Tools or equipment are those facilities installed in the stations for recording of programmes and live broadcast.

Utilization: The act of using.