APPRAISING THE IMPACT OF ICTs ON MASS MEDIA PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on mass media performance. And to do this, specific attention was focused on the impact of ICTs on the performance of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Osogbo. In the course of this research work, the questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection to obtain information from staff of the broadcast organization about the impact of ICTs on the performance of the organization. one of the findings showed that news gathering and dissemination, photo and video editing, adverts and commercials, and cartoons and animations are some of the areas in which the impact of ICTs have been felt in journalism. The findings also showed that epileptic power supply, inadequate knowledge of ICT devices; poor training of members of staff and cost of ICT devices are all possible challenges facing OSBC in using ICTs. Also, the findings showed that modern communication technologies make journalism practice more lively and interactive, make news gathering and dissemination faster, help reduce human efforts and time, and also make the media more productive. Furthermore, the findings showed that ICTs have enhanced the performance of OSBC in the areas of information speed and accuracy, writing and editing of scripts, and photo video editing. Based on the findings of this study, it is clear that ICTs have much impact on the performance of OSBC thereby making it (OSBC) more productive than ever before. Therefore, for media organizations particularly OSBC to fully appreciate the impact of ICTs in performing its duties, there is need to ensure adequate training of members of staff, find a solution to epileptic power supply, and also avoid the publication of false and unverified stories on the on-line media.