Pages: (61-82 )
Abstract
Digitalization has become a popular buzzword in the media sector but due to challenges such as lack of financing and awareness, the digitization process in Nigeria faces the possibility of being dragged backwards. The study therefore, examined broadcast journalists’ perception of the digital switchover mandate in the Nigerian broadcast industry. It is anchored on Everett Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory. Given the accessible population size of all 224 operational staff of eight (8) selected radio stations in Abeokuta South Local Government Area, the purposive sampling method was adopted for sample size selection to enhance the reliability of findings and ensure inclusivity of all perspectives. 217 copies, representing 96.9% of the total questionnaire, were returned and analysed. From the findings, 100% of the respondents were aware of the analogue to digital broadcast switchover mandate in Nigeria, 28.1% attested that they came across the information about the analogue to digital broadcast switchover mandate through television, and 52.1 % thought that analogue to digital broadcast switchover would enhance broadcasting functionality. The study concluded that the level of progress being recorded in Nigeria on digital broadcast switchover is still low. The study recommended that the broadcast industry put in place proper funding and digital equipment for implementing the digital broadcast switchover mandate in Nigeria.
Keywords: Broadcasting, Broadcast Journalists, Broadcast switchover, Digitization, Radio, Nigeria,