EVALUATION
OF DIGITAL TOOLS UTILIZATION IN PROGRAMME PRODUCTION
CASE
STUDY OF FRCN AND DITV KADUNA
CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
of the Study
Broadcasting
is the process of sending out and receiving messages through the air by a
scientific method called electromagnetic waves. According to Owuamalam (2007), messages
are transformed into electronic signals in the studio. It mixes the signal with
the carrier waves, generated in the transmitter and the studio.
Broadcast
programmes are generally classified into three forms, namely:
1.
Entertainment programmes
2.
Informative programmes
3.
Educative programmes
Programmes can
even be a blend of all the types, such as, variety shows which cover various
segments that deal with specific issues. The fundamental nature of the
broadcast programme production is to motivate societal growth, renewal and
regeneration of essential issues to the improvement of man for a wholesome life
and a better community, Owuamalam (2007).
The
programmes are intended to satisfy three major purposes, namely:
1.
Accomplishing stations objectives
2.
Accomplish the vision of specific programmes
3.
Satisfying audiences’ interest
Producers
have to pursue the stations instruction on programme production which would be
satisfactory to the audience. Broadcast stations are praised due to programmes
that are produced according to the station’s prescription and when such
programmes satisfy audience aspirations. The studio lighting should be adequate
to separate objects from their shadows cast in the background. The space for
performance should be adequate to allow performers free movement without
obstruction. The nature of the programme should determine the location of
production, whether production should take place in the studio or outside the
studio. Wherever production takes place, the programme should be made to be
believable. Things should appear as natural as possible. Programmes produced by
a station should be targeted towards an audience and must meet the yearnings
and aspirations of such audience.
Radio
is an audio medium, therefore the writer has to do his work in a way and manner
that the pictures are imprinted on the minds of the audience and they could
visualize as if they were physically present at the scene of the event.
Television, on the other hand, is a combination of audio and visual. It is also
an electronic device that transmits signals from the studio into the air and
then to the television sets in our houses. The television sets at home serve as
receivers and download the signals into their appropriate components as
initially produced audio visual content (Owuamalam, 2007).
Radio
can be defined as a medium used for sending and receiving messages through the
air using electronic waves. It is also about the activity of broadcasting
programmes for people to listen to the programmes being broadcast (Idebi, 2008).
It may also be seen as the broadcasting of programmes to the public to listen
to. It is the system of sending sound over a distance by transmitting
electrical signals (BBC English Dictionary, 1992, p.946).
Television is defined as an audio-visual
medium. It mixes pictures with sound to produce a communication experience
displayed on the screen. It uses sound to explain the visuals presented on the
screen. It addresses the emotion and intellect in a remarkable way (Owauamalam,
2007). Television makes use of the movement of images in a unique manner or
pattern to express thought and feelings in a thrilling and appealing manner.
Television is defined by the BBC English Dictionary (1992, p.1206) as the
system of pictures and distance so that people can receive them on a television
set.
Tools
or equipment are those facilities installed in the stations for recording of
programmes and live broadcast. The room that houses the tools or equipment
necessary for production of programmes is commonly called the production
studio. By definition, tools are all those materials installed in the studio
for the production of programmes, starting from furniture to digital equipment.
The equipment needed for programme production in the broadcast industry
include, the camera, tapes, consoles, microphones, audio visual players or
recorders, multi-track recording and signal processing equipment, monitor
speakers, cable connectors and accessories, and furniture (Reese, Gross &
Gross, 2006:viii). Digital media are simply audio, video, and images that exist
in a computer-readable format, and can reside on a local device (CD, DVD, hard
drive), or remote location (website).
In
many ways, digital media are no different from analog recorded media, which
have been around for decades. What is unique is the ability to easily create,
copy, and transmit digital media. They can be streamed, downloaded, or stored
on media such as CD or DVD.
Digital
programmes production is an evolution from analog which is most heavily
influenced by computers and their popularity and accessibility. As computers
became more advanced, cheaper and more accessible, applications for the
computer spread to almost every industry. Currently, programmes production is
towards the end of a transition in technology from an analog based system to a
digital based system. According to Baldwin (2012), digital technology is transforming both
production and (as a result of convergence) the larger world of communications,
he added that the impending analogue switch-off will have a major impact not only
on the media industry but also on household consumption of media products. For
the broadcast industry, world over, this is the most
important transformation since its beginnings almost a century ago. Past
technological transformations as well as changes in many other areas have only
spurred evolutionary changes and not revolutionary change.
Digital tools have been around in the Nigerian
broadcast industry for some years now, and have no doubt changed the way
programmes are being produced. But studies have not been carried out to find
out the impact of these digital tools and how effective they are in programmes
production at FRCN and DITV Kaduna.
1.2 Statement
of the Problem
Every
new technology brings with it advancement in the field it is introduced, however,
studies still need to be conducted to ascertain the impact and effectiveness of
that new technology.
Obam
(2007) in a study of the migration from analog to digital tools of production
established that
it is difficult, not to
say dangerous, to make predictions about technological development solely on
the basis of knowledge of technical specification. However, digital media of
communication have advanced enough for us to make some sound claims about
current and possible changes to communication which have been afforded by
digital systems.
In another study on how digital technologies will change operations in
media production, Baldwin (2012) found that it is too easy to take for granted some of
these features of modem communication, forgetting that even 15 years ago
communication was very different. The changes that the transition from analog
to digital tools is bringing in the communications industry are already having
serious implications for media operations because of changing modes of
production and consumption of media products.
Digital
tools have advantages and disadvantages like any tool, but the general
consensus is that digital is better, and for good reason. This study will look
into the comparative advantage of using digital tools over analog tools in
programmes production and how effective digital tools are in programmes
production. In other words, this study will investigate the question: To what
extent can it be argued that digital tools have advantage over analog tools in
programmes production?
1.3 Aim
and Objectives of the Study
This
study aimed at determining the nature of digital media tools and how effective
they are in programmes production at FRCN Kaduna and DITV Kaduna. The
objectives are to:
1. Find
out whether journalists at FRCN and DITV Kaduna use digital tools in programmes
production
2. Determine
what type of digital tools are used at FRCN and DITV Kaduna
3. Determine
how effective digital tools are in programmes production at FRCN and DITV
Kaduna
4. Gain
further insight on the quality of programmes produced with digital tools.
1.4 Research
Questions
This
research was guided by the following questions;
1. Do
journalists at FRCN and DITV Kaduna use digital tools in programmes production?
2. What
types of digital tools are used by FRCN and DITV Kaduna?
3. Are
digital tools more effective in programmes production?
4. How
do digital tools impact on the quality of programmes compared to analog tools?
1.5 Justification
for the Study
The purpose of this study is to find out how digital
tools have been utilized in programmes production at FRCN and DITV Kaduna.
The findings of this study will serve as a guide to
media houses in understanding more on the trend of digital tools and how to
utilize them to in order to boost the quality of programmes being produced. And
also to make media houses understand the importance of using digital tools for
programmes production over the analog tools.
1.6 Delimitations
of the Study
This study was specifically carried out to know the impact
digital tools have on programmes production.The scope of the study was limited
to only the journalists at FRCN and DITV Kaduna.
1.7 Operational
Definition of Terms
Digital
tools: A digital tool is an electronic device that manipulates digital
data.
Evaluation:
Act of ascertaining or fixing the value or worth of. Or an appraisal of the
value of something.
Production:
The act or process of producing something.
Programmes:
Programme is a scheduled configuration of messages
presented in a discernible shape, arrangement and style. It occupies a distinct
broadcast hour, wears a distinct cap (title) with the opening and closing
having distinct character.
Tools:
Tools or equipment are those facilities installed in the stations for recording
of programmes and live broadcast.
Utilization:
The act of using.