ASSESSING THE INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN NEWS PRODUCTION AT DBS WARRI: A STUDY OF ITS INFLUENCE ON CONTENT QUALITY, AND JOURNALISTIC PRACTICES."

ABSTRACT

The study focused on the Integration of Digital Technologies in News Production at DBS Warri: A Study of its Influence on Content Quality, and Journalistic Practice. The objectives of the study were to determine the exposure of DBS, Warri journalists to Digital Technologies in News Production, ascertain the major challenges journalists in DBS, Warri face while using Digital Technologies for News Production, investigate how digital Technologies influences the content quality of DBS, Warri in News Production and to find out the effect of integrating digital technologies on the journalistic practice of journalists in DBS, Warri. In terms of the research methodology, the survey research design was employed to gather data for the study. Findings of the study revealed that journalists in DBS, Warri are exposed to the use of digital tools particularly smartphones, social media, and computers. Findings also revealed that the respondents perceive the integration of digital technologies as beneficial, leading to positive impacts on traditional journalistic workflows and editorial decision-making processes. Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that the integration of digital technologies in news gathering and production influences collaboration and communication among journalists at DBS Warri. The researcher therefore recommended among other things digital training programs should be developed and implemented to improve the IT knowledge and proficiency of Journalists in using digital tools for news production. It was also recommended that a balanced approach to the use of digital technologies for news production should be encouraged