The Concept of ICTs in Modern Journalism

By

Emmanuel Kingsley Dadebo

( Co-ordinator, ICT in Education Programmers )

Ministry of Education science & Sports

The Concept of ICTs in Modern Journalism

The role of the journalist as a communicator Basic concepts of communication –

Encoder----Medium----Decoder Efficiency Index of the journalist is largely dependent on

the medium of communication The Medium influences speed, accuracy and efficiency

The Concept of ICTs in Modern Journalism

What is Information & Communications Technology ?

What are Information & Communication Technologies ?

What is your experience in the use of ICTs ?

The Concept of ICTs

ICTs are basically information handling tools – a varied set of goods, application and services that are used to produce, store, process, distribute and exchange information.

They include radio, scanners, photocopiers, cell phones, digital cameras, recorders (video, audio etc.), television and telephone, computers and the internet as well as satellite and wireless technology.

The Concept of ICTs - contd.

With appropriate content and applications the ICT tools combine to form a “network world”.

The network size may vary depending on the number and type of tools involved.

ICT was coined to reflect the seamless convergence of digital processing and telecommunications which include hardware, processes and systems that are used for storing, managing, communicating and sharing information. This could be seen as an integrated technology.

ICTs therefore represent the different technologies involved.

The significant role of the JournalistUses ICTs to foster the processing, and dissemination of information and knowledge by separating content from its physical location

Uses information to break boundaries-geographical, cultural thus making it possible for the resultant interconnected digital world to herald the fluid and seamless flow of information in McLuhan’s coinage of the global village.

Benefits of the use of ICTs in Modern Journalism

Discuss the challenges that have confronted the journalist in the use of obsolete tools or old technologies.

Discuss how the journalist stands to gain in the use of ICTs today

Benefits of the use of ICTs in Modern Journalism

ICTs offer the developing world the opportunity to leapfrog several stages of development

Timeliness (real-time) of communication. The global village concept becomes real. Confidence and reliability of communicated material.

Specific advantages

Access to information for private and professional decision making. Prices of Market/Farm goods.

Reduction of space and distance as a factor for social and economic participation.

Access to opportunities- ICTs empower SMEs, local and community groups , women, marginalised and disenfranchised groups.

Specific advantages Greater ability to learn Greater environmental awareness - crop failures,

preparation of emergency reliefs etc More awareness factors Greater ability to influence and participate in decision–

making.

Specific advantages Improved trade, commerce enabled ICTs have been used to help fishermen, farmers for schools

of fish. Used to pick satellite imagery of land-cover Speeding up transactions

ICTs and the Journalists role in Human development

People do not need the tools of the modern Journalism to survive .

People want efficient ways of sharing information about livelihoods and employment.

The desired information is best appreciated when modern ICTs are used. ie when issues are current and there are opportunities to get involved.

There is an interplay of people-centredness and ICTs in the journalist’s work.

GROUP WORK

Be in a group of four.

Discuss three core functions in your work as a Journalist/media professional. How can you make use of use ICTs in carrying out each of those functions?

List ICTs necessary for carrying out your work. Which of them are not easily accessible to you at your place of work?

How do people benefit from having access to ICTs? State the benefits you are likely to derive from easy access to ICTs and possible recommendations (only two) you can give to your employer.