INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION IN NEWS PRODUCTION AND JOB SECURITY IN THE PIONEER NEWSPAPER

ABSTRACT The main thrust of this study was to examine Information and Communication Technology Application in News Production and Job Security in the Pioneer Newspaper. The specific objectives were: assess the extent of ICTs adoption in news production in Pioneer Newspaper; assess the impact of ICT adoption on job security in Pioneer Newspaper; ascertain the problems associated with the adoption of ICTs in Pioneer Newspaper; and identify how Pioneer Newspaper have harnessed the potential of ICTs in enhancing the development of the newspaper in Akwa Ibom State. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Technology Adoption Model guided the study. The study adopted the survey method of research. The population of this study was 146 employees of Pioneer Newspaper. Census sampling technique is used. Finding revealed that ICTs adoption in news production in Pioneer Newspaper in a very large extent. Finding also revealed that the impact of ICT adoption on job security in Pioneer Newspaper is outsourcing and freelancing. It was further revealed that one of the constraints that could be identified with the adoption of ICTs in Pioneer Newspaper were inadequate news sources. Finally the study revealed that Pioneer Newspaper have harnessed the potential of ICTs in enhancing the development of the newspaper in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings, the study concludes that ICT has improved new production in Akwa Ibom State Newspaper Corporation. It was therefore recommended among others that Pioneer Newspaper should invest in digital platforms for news production and dissemination.