Internet Usage among Broadcast Media Practitioners in Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates internet usage among broadcast media practitioners in Nigeria. All the media practitioners in NTA, Peace PM and Ray Power stations in Maiduguri, totaling 91, were administered with questionnaire. The study finds out that majority 31(34.07%) of the respondents said they used the internet daily, while minority 6(6.59%) of the respondents said they never used the internet. Majority 32(35.16%) of the respondents said they used internet for news reporting, while minority 9(9.89%) of the respondents said they used the internet for advertising. Also 38(41.76%) of the respondents said websites enhanced their work as broadcast media practitioners, while minority 7(7.69%) of the respondents said You Tube enhanced their work as a broadcast media practitioner. The study also find out that challenges encountered by broadcast media practitioners while using the internet include; erratic power supply, lack of access to internet, low internet connectivity and hash weather conditions. The study recommended among other things that media owners should provide computers for their organizations and also provide same to their staff as loan to enable them access internet not only in office but also at home. The study then concluded that broadcast media practitioners in Nigeria can not afford to be left behind in the use of internet, if they must perform their duties of informing, educating and entertaining their listeners and viewers. Keyword : Broadcasting, Broadcast media, Electronic Communication, Internet, New media Technology