Abstract

The thrust of this study was predicated on the need to ascertain the extent to which Nigerian journalists, especially those in Portharcourt metropolis, have integrated the use of information technology (IT) in their professional repertoire. The objectives among others included the need to streamline the challenges, if any, journalists face in the adoption of new information technologies (ITs). The study by its nature necessitated survey. To this end, one hundred and twenty (120) journalists were sampled with a view to dovetailing their responses within a scholarly spectrum. Findings revealed that 67% of the respondents use IT facilities in their day to day operations. Data further revealed that IT facilities in the various media houses studied were obsolete and inadequate. The challenges faced by journalists in the deployment of IT facilities were identified as lack of access to emerging information technologies as well as the absence of a framework for the training and retraining of journalists on information technology hardware and software configurations. It was therefore recommended that media proprietors should provide as part of the work environment, IT facilities to enable journalists discharge their duties in line with international best practices.

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