Media Convergence And The Change In Media Content Production And Distribution In Nigeria

Abstract

The production, distribution, access, and reuse of information, knowledge, and entertainment by users have change as a result of media convergence. This has led to increased involvement, autonomy, and diversity. The growth of user-generated content and people's transition from audience to participants is a significant change brought on by media convergence. Content that was formerly exclusive to particular communication media, such as print and broadcast, particularly newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and cinema, is now accessible to billions of people. This paradigm shift, brought about by technological advancement, has affected how individuals in society think, feel, act, and even how the society operates as a whole. This study thus identifies the key points of transition observed in the contemporary media. Anchored on technological determinism theory, the study argues that breaking news has now become instantaneous as a result of convergence. Although newspapers still go to sleep, their social media handles never do. Similarly, radio and television stations no longer wait for the news schedule to break the news. The challenge posed by media convergence has prompted conventional media to switch to a multimedia approach to content production and distribution. The major conventional media organizations now have social media handles where they break news as well as source news. The study, however, recommends that the same professionalism displayed on conventional media platforms should be extended to their social media posts in the age of media convergence.