APPRAISAL OF DIGITAL BROADCASTING IN NIGERIAN:A STUDY OF HIT FM.CALABAR

This research work titled "Appraisal of Digital Broadcasting in Nigerian: a study of Hit FM Calabar", aimed at presenting an insight into the problems faced by Nigerian broadcast stations in the quest of transition to digital broadcasting and the benefits accrued from such transition. To realize the objective of this study, three (3) research objectives and three (3) corresponding research questions were formulated to guide the study. The mediamorphosis theory by Roger Fidler (1997) and the diffusion of innovation theory by Everett Rogers (1962) served as the theoretical framework adopted for the study. Relevant literatures were reviewed to support the researcher 's views. The population of the study consisted of all staff of Hit Fm, Calabar. Using the Purposive sampling technique, a sample of 52 respondents were selected as study participants. Interview guide was used as instrument for data collection. Data collected from the interview were analyzed in theme. Results obtained from study findings indicated that the extent to which broadcast stations have adopted digital broadcasting in programme broadcast remains significantly high; that the basic challenges associated with the adoption of digital broadcasting are hinged on financial and manpower related factors, and that there exist basic strategies needed for addressing the challenges associated with the adoption of digital broadcasting by broadcast stations. It was therefore recommended amongst others that stakeholders in the broadcast industry should endeavor to encourage and support major broadcasting stations in their bid of transition from analog to full scale digital broadcast services.