How The Internet Is Affecting The Practice Of Journalism In Nigeria

In this article, author Uche Nworah explores the impact of the internet on journalism practice, including news practitioners in the print media (journals, newspapers, magazines), as well as the electronic media (Radio, TV, Film, Web etc) in Nigeria.

He states that some Nigerian media organisations have already established a strong presence in cyberspace. These media houses have continued to be veritable sources of news and information to both Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, though they lack the resources of their foreign counterparts in terms of access to technology.

According to the author, it can be argued that in a way, the internet has led to a decrease in the revenue of some of the media organisations in Nigeria, while at the same time increasing their costs, as money would have to be invested into setting up such web sites, and also paying the staff that would constantly maintain them. Nigerian advertisers have not yet started taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the internet.

The article also shares how journalists have benfited from the internet. It has made newsgathering easier, and journalists can now file in their reports easily from any part of Nigeria where there is internet access. The internet has also provided Nigerian journalists with international exposure, though lack of adequate training and upgrading of the skills of Nigerian and other African journalists may continue to hinder their progress and recognition in the world stage. Likewise, Nigerian journalists can read the writings of their counterparts around the world.

Another major trend that has emerged in journalism practice in Nigeria as regards the Internet is the rise of independent media, these Internet sites are now competing with the established newspapers’ websites in the provision of news and information to Nigerians at home and abroad.

The author concludes that since the internet is still evolving in Nigeria, and is yet to reach the adoption levels already achieved in the western countries, there will still be other unfolding consequences on the practice of journalism in Nigeria, but for sure there will be no going back. Thus, journalists and newspaper organisations should embrace its use fully while at the same time taking full advantages of the opportunities it presents, as can be seen and is already the case in the developed countries.