The Influence of Online Journalism on Revenue Generation of Nigeria News Media A Study of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Abstract

It is known especially in recent times that the media serve the public directly as a source, both of information and guidance. It is also a well known fact that the new media has continued to reshape the face of journalism in the world both positively and negatively. There is no doubt that the mass media especially in third world countries like Nigeria, are feeling the impact. Information technology is increasingly affecting our lives in a manner which has become common place. Journalism is also one area which technology has affected. This journalism has been undergoing dramatic changes as it adapts to and takes advantage of digital technologies. New media developments are having a profound effect on all levels of the journalistic enterprise. The pace of these changes is quickening, altering the practice of the profession as never before. These changes, which encompasses a wide range of activities from news gathering to editing and dissemination, are bringing many benefits, but with attendant challenges. Media organizations as any other social institutions have always used technology in the production and distribution process. They have been sensitive to innovations in communication technologies, mainly due to economic reasons. In the last decades of the 20th century, print media outfits were profitable business, but now, all indicators are showing warning lights. Readership is declining steadily especially among young readers who are now more attracted dependent on the Internet for their news. Media houses especially hard copies of newspapers, magazines and the rest, are gradually going into extinction and the resource base of various media houses is gradually dwindling. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) which is the mother umbrella of all the media house is also being affected by this development. Many of its `would be’ subscribers now prefer the internet to read and get their news stories at the confines of their room, offices etc. Readers prefer to click and pay less to get news than patronize hard copies of newspapers, magazines. This research work is geared towards suggesting alternative money making ventures for various media houses and also making suggestions to the government on how best to boost the functionality of the agency.