ICT and Mass Commnication: The Trends and Challenges of Reporting Public Affairs in an ICT- Driven World

Abstract

This paper reviews the environment of public affairs reporting in Nigeria and examines it against the global trend as shaped by ICTs and the challenges this poses to the business of reporting. The paper observes that not only have the traditional reportorial tools been replaced with slim, fast and versatile digital tools, the challenges of computer assisted live news reporting, appropriate terminologies, precision and transparency in reporting and publishing of news items electronically are daunting tasks the public affairs reporters must tackle everyday while on the beat. The paper recommends ICTs capacity building for media houses and reporters, as well as practical training on ICT use, curriculum review or enrichment with ICT specific modules and the need to embrace change.