ABSTRACT

 

This final year project aims to explore the phenomenon of multimedia convergence in broadcasting within Nigeria’s digital economy, with a specific focus on a comparative study between Channels and Arise News. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the convergence of various media platforms has become increasingly prevalent, transforming the way information is disseminated and consumed. This study seeks to analyze the strategies and approaches employed by Channels and Arise News in adapting to this multimedia convergence. The research will employ a comparative methodology, examining the content production, distribution, and audience engagement strategies of both Channels and Arise News. By conducting interviews with key stakeholders, content creators, and industry experts, valuable insights will be gathered to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by these broadcasters in the digital era. Furthermore, this study will investigate the impact of multimedia convergence on the economic aspects of broadcasting in Nigeria. It will explore revenue models, advertising strategies, and monetization techniques employed by Channels and Arise News to sustain their operations in the digital economy. Additionally, the study will assess the audience preferences and consumption patterns of these broadcasters, shedding light on the effectiveness of their multimedia convergence strategies in capturing and retaining viewership.

The findings of this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on multimedia convergence in broadcasting, specifically within the context of Nigeria’s digital economy. The comparative analysis between Channels and Arise News will provide valuable insights for broadcasters, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding content creation, distribution, and revenue generation in the digital age. Ultimately, this study aims to contribute to the growth and development of the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, fostering innovation and sustainability in the era of multimedia convergence.

  

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Research Objectives

1.3 Significance of the Study

1.4 Scope and Limitations

1.5 Research Methodology

2. Literature Review

2.1 Multimedia Convergence in Broadcasting

2.2 Digital Economy in Nigeria

2.3 Channels: Overview and Strategies

2.4 Arise News: Overview and Strategies

3. Comparative Analysis of Channels and Arise News

3.1 Content Production Strategies

3.2 Distribution and Audience Engagement Strategies

3.3 Economic Aspects of Multimedia Convergence

3.4 Audience Preferences and Consumption Patterns

4. Findings and Discussion

4.1 Comparative Analysis of Content Production Strategies

4.2 Comparative Analysis of Distribution and Engagement Strategies

4.3 Comparative Analysis of Economic Strategies

4.4 Comparative Analysis of Audience Preferences

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Summary of Findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations for Broadcasters

5.4 Recommendations for Policymakers

5.5 Future Research Directions

References

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The broadcasting industry in Nigeria has undergone significant transformations with the advent of digital technologies and the rise of the digital economy. Traditional broadcasting methods have evolved, giving way to multimedia convergence, where various media platforms converge to deliver content to audiences. This convergence has revolutionized the way information is produced, distributed, and consumed, presenting both challenges and opportunities for broadcasters.

Nigeria, as a rapidly developing country, has witnessed a surge in digital adoption and internet penetration. This has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with audiences increasingly relying on digital platforms for news, entertainment, and information. As a result, broadcasters in Nigeria have had to adapt their strategies to meet the demands of the digital economy and engage with audiences across multiple media channels.

Two prominent broadcasters in Nigeria, Channels and Arise News, have emerged as key players in this evolving landscape. Channels, a long-established broadcaster, has successfully transitioned into the digital era, while Arise News, a relatively new entrant, has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to multimedia convergence. A comparative study of these two broadcasters will provide valuable insights into their strategies, approaches, and effectiveness in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by multimedia convergence in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Understanding the background of this study is crucial to comprehend the context in which Channels and Arise News operate. By examining their historical development, technological advancements, and the changing media landscape in Nigeria, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors that have shaped their current approaches to multimedia convergence.

This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by conducting a comparative analysis of Channels and Arise News in the context of multimedia convergence in Nigeria’s digital economy. By examining their content production strategies, distribution and audience engagement approaches, economic aspects, and audience preferences, this research will shed light on the effectiveness of their multimedia convergence strategies and provide valuable insights for broadcasters, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

Through this comparative study, we seek to identify best practices, challenges, and opportunities for broadcasters in Nigeria’s digital economy. By understanding the strategies employed by Channels and Arise News, we can provide recommendations for broadcasters to enhance their multimedia convergence efforts, improve audience engagement, and thrive in the dynamic digital landscape.

Overall, this study aims to contribute to the growth and development of the broadcasting industry in Nigeria, fostering innovation and sustainability in the era of multimedia convergence.

Homo sapiens do communicate to meet needs and maintain relationships (Baran, 2012; Biagi, 2012; Dominicks, 2015). They have, over time, devised various means to sustain this activity (Sambe, 2005; Gbam, 2017; Turow, 2017). Information dissemination has gone through seven phases since the discovery of the Egyptian papyrus at Mesopotamia in 3000 BC. These are the invention of language, typing/printing, the radio, television, computers, information/communication technologies (ICTs), and the internet (Emwinromwankhoe, 2018a; Turow, 2017).

Peter, 2018). For instance, it was a common sight to find scores gather in a house to watch the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Network News at 9:00 p.m. or listen to the 7:00 a.m. news on the network service of Radio Nigeria.

When major sports competitions such as the World Cup or Olympics were on, it was common to see persons converge on strategic locations to catch the sights and sounds of the games.

Suffice it to say that going by the ephemeral nature of these media, the audience found it an incredibly impossible task to record the disseminated messages for future use. It was such that if one missed the 9:00 p.m. NTA Network News, then one had missed a whole lot as there were very slim chances of watching it in future – except the station, for some reason, decided to air it again. The dictum – ‘the radio only speaks once’ – was famous at the time. The content of these traditional media was mostly linear and unidirectional as the audiences became dumping grounds for news and reports. In recent times, however, the status quo has changed. With the introduction of new media technologies such as the internet, laptops, smartphones, tablets, iPhones, iPods, Xbox, to name a few, as well as the proliferation of digital devices, there have been tremendous disruptions in the nature, structure, and landscape of broadcasting across the globe (Pavlik, 2005; Pavlik, 2015; Kalamar, 2016; Kipkirui, 2016).  The old (or traditional) broadcast media and the new media have fused, giving birth to what is technically known as media convergence. As a consequence, the audiences of broadcast messages are no more dormant and have become citizen journalists or broadcast news ‘produsers’ (Erdal, 2007; Chao-Chen, 2013; Kalamar, 2016).

Today, there are no clear distinctions between private (telecommunication) and public (broadcasting) communication, nor are there distinctions between the character of the message or the equipment used to produce, transmit or receive the message (OECD, 2013). This development exists because such devices as the smartphone, an iPhone, or tablet are capable and available to record, edit, package, and disseminate a broadcast content.

Broadcast audiences also do not have to stay close to the “box” (radio set) in order to receive radio messages anymore, neither do they need to stay glued to their television sets in order to watch television programs (Adeyeye et al., 2020) With just a click on a device such as a smartphone, they can live stream the broadcast program online – even when they are miles away from their houses. The dictum that “the radio only speaks once” has been demystified as the news consumer can simultaneously listen to and record a broadcast, or download it and reuse it. The consumer in question can also visit YouTube weeks, months, or even years later, to access the uploaded content.

This multimedia information superhighway, as Agba (2002) describes it, has completely revolutionized the entire process of producing and distributing broadcast content. The internet’s capability of distributing information usable for broadcast programs is awe-inspiring (Owuamalam, 2008; Mathew, Ogedebe & Abaya, 2013).   Taylor (2015), the Secretary-

General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization, sums it up this way:

The internet today has become a viable delivery mechanism for audio and video broadcast services, whether it is live programs, social media, or ondemand services … It provides consumers today with unprecedented opportunities – to choose how they watch the programs – either through traditional ‘linear’ broadcast of a news bulletin or by instant access to individual news items as may be determined by the user rather than the news editor. (p. 14)

The internet, therefore, has made convergence possible. It has blurred the differences that exist between the old broadcast media and the new broadcast media and created a meeting point or an alignment for them. Thus, we not only have traditional radio and traditional television stations, but we also have internet radio and internet television. With convergence, local, national and international broadcast stations not only engage in traditional linear broadcasting but also have links through which their audiences can access their broadcast messages online.      Convergence has also triggered significant changes in the way and manner in which broadcast audiences consume content with the availability of new platforms and portable devices. Nowadays, broadcast messages can be provided on multiple platforms such as analog or digital terrestrial broadcasts, satellite, cable or Internet Protocol (IP), and Overthe-Top (OTT) television (Olley, 2009; OECD, 2013; Kipkirui, 2016). With convergence, the definition of broadcasting is rapidly changing (Erdal, 2007; Obaje, 2018).

As a result of the enormous transformations that convergence has brought to broadcasting, the attention of media scholars across the globe has increasingly been drawn to the influence of convergence on broadcasting practice (Pavlik, 2005; Khan, Shalid& Ahmad, 2014). The debate is two-sided. Some scholars (Adoni Nossek, 2001; Menezes & Carvalho, 2009; Chao-Chen, 2013; Turow, 2014; Taylor, 2015; Uba,

2017) argue that convergence has a positive influence on broadcasting practice. The premise of their argument is that convergence has led to more fabulous markets and higher profits for broadcast operators.  Some other scholars (Deuze, 2003; Pavlik, 2005; Khan, Shalid & Ahmad, 2014; Kalamar, 2016; Kipkirui, 2016; McEwan, 2017), however, think that the influence convergence is negative. They contend that factors such as hypercompetition and increased consumer choices have led to a continuous decline in the profits of broadcast operators as a result of convergence. To this end, this study sought to investigate the influence of convergence on broadcasting practice in Edo State, one of  Nigeria’s 36 states.

 

ARISE NEWS

Arise News is a London-based world news channel. It has studios in New York City, London, Johannesburg, Abuja and Lagos. The channel features African, US and European content. It is operated by Arise Broadcasting Ltd., which is owned by Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena.

As of October 2017, Arise News is available on Channel 416 on DStv in Nigeria. As of June 2020, Arise News can be found streaming on Freeview via its own service on Channel 269 and as part of the Visiontv. line-up on Channel 264.

 

Arise also runs a second channel on visiontv. called Live 360. This channel is more focused on entertainment with fashion shows similar to the ones on FashionTV and Edgy TV and sport, with greyhound racing broadcast on the channel until 2021 (when Sporty Stuff HD on Freesat channel 250 took over the rights).

On 9 February 2022, the company rebranded Live 360 as Arise Play,the same name as the company’s Nigerian streaming platform. The Arise Play service was launched in 2021 and has a number of titles from BBC Studios in its catalogue, with productions such as Luther, Small Axe, Famalam, The First Team, Britain: A Forgotten History and Hey Duggee available to Nigerian subscribers

CHANNELS TV

Channels Television is a Nigerian independent 24-hour news and media television channel based in Lagos, Nigeria. The parent company, Channels Incorporated, was founded in 1992, a year before the Nigerian government deregulated the broadcast media. It began broadcasting in 1995. Its primary focus is producing news and current affairs programs on Nigerian domestic issues. The Channel’s mission is to act as a watchdog on governmental policies and activities.

 

 

History

Channels Television was founded in 1995 as a private television station[2] with only 15 employees by Nigerian veteran broadcaster and entrepreneur John Momoh and Sola Momoh, also a broadcaster.[3] The company commenced operations in Lagos, south western Nigeria and has since grown to include three other stations in Abuja, Edo and Kano states. It also has bureaus in almost every state in Nigeria, including stringers and affiliates in other parts in Africa, as well as strong relationships with international media organizations which allows access to information around the world.

The channel was licensed in June 1993 and allocated a frequency on UHF (Channel 39). It began transmission two years later under the name, “Channels Television”, and the first terrestrial broadcast was on the 1st of July 1995, with John Momoh reading the first news bulletin. Channels TV currently broadcasts to an audience of over 20 million people.

2008 closure

In September 2008, Channels Television was shut down by President Yar’Adua, who sent Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) to shut down the station and to arrest its senior staff due to channel’s report of Yar’Adua’s bad health. The report by Channels Television was attributed to information received from News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). However, after the investigation, NAN announced that the channel did not issue any statement regarding the President stepping down, but instead, its computer was hacked into. In protest, Channels TV discontinued its use of the NAN wire service up to this date. It was proven that the e-mail received by Channels TV was a hoax sent from a computer in the Ivory Coast. Nigeria’s Minister of Information, John Odey, gave the statement to the BBC emphasizing the government was angered by the report.

Production

Channels Television’s team has produced feature programs, which have received commendation throughout the country. Video footage of events and happenings in Nigeria, shot by the Channels Television news crews have been used widely by broadcast organizations such as BBC, CNN and ITN. Its flagship program, “News at Ten”, is considered as the most popular and most watched news in Nigeria.

Since 2009, Channels Television organizes and hosts “Channels National Kids Cup”, a sport event for school children from sixteen Nigerian states held in Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. General Manager of Channels Television, Steve Judo, stated that Channels Television is socially responsible media and as such chose to engage in the development of football from the roots.

2012 Nigerian bombing

In January 2012, journalist Enenche Akogwu, who worked as a correspondent in Kano for Channels Television, was shot and killed while reporting on coordinated attacks there claimed by the radical Islamist sect known as Boko Haram. According to his colleagues, Akogwu had shown up after a bombing and began filming a crowd gathered there without knowing they were armed sect members

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

In the era of Nigeria’s digital economy, the convergence of multimedia technologies has significantly transformed the landscape of broadcasting. This convergence has brought about new challenges and opportunities for traditional broadcasting channels like Channels and Arise News. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research and analysis comparing the strategies and effectiveness of these channels in adapting to multimedia convergence within Nigeria’s digital economy.

Therefore, the problem statement of this study aims to investigate and compare the approaches taken by Channels and Arise News in embracing multimedia convergence. It seeks to identify the specific challenges faced by these channels in integrating multimedia technologies into their broadcasting operations and explore the strategies they have employed to leverage these technologies effectively. Additionally, the study aims to assess the impact of multimedia convergence on audience engagement, content delivery, revenue generation, and overall competitiveness of Channels and Arise News within Nigeria’s digital economy.

 

By addressing these research gaps, this study will contribute to a better understanding of the implications of multimedia convergence in broadcasting and provide valuable insights for Channels, Arise News, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian media industry. Convergence has triggered tremendous changes in the business and practice of broadcasting across the world, and Nigeria is not an exception. Its influence can be seen and felt in every facet: newsgathering, news writing and reporting, news packaging and design, and news dissemination. For instance, in a study carried out on Brila 88.9 FM, a Sports Radio in Kaduna State, Ogwuche (2017) discovered that convergence has tremendously influenced how programs are packaged and disseminated in the station. The broadcasting practice in Edo State of Nigeria is an archetype of these developments.     For some scholars (Adoni & Nossek, 2001;      Menezes & Carvalho, 2009; Chao-Chen, 2013; Turow, 2014; Taylor, 2015; Uba, 2017; Ogwuche, 2017), the influence of convergence on broadcasting practice is positive as broadcast operators now have access to wider audiences and profits. Other scholars (Deuze, 2003; Pavlik, 2005; Khan, Shalid & Ahmad, 2014; Kalamar, 2016; Kipkirui, 2016; McEwan, 2017) hold tenaciously to the view that the profits of broadcast operators keep plummeting, pointing to convergence as the primary cause of the problem. An investigation on the trends in Edo State of Nigeria presented an opportunity to explore further the context of convergence on broadcasting practice.

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of the study “Multimedia Convergence in Broadcasting in Nigeria’s Digital Economy: A Comparative Study of Channels and Arise News” are as follows:

1. To examine the current state of multimedia convergence in the broadcasting industry within Nigeria’s digital economy.
2. To compare the strategies and approaches adopted by Channels and Arise News in embracing multimedia convergence.
3. To identify the challenges faced by Channels and Arise News in integrating multimedia technologies into their broadcasting operations.
4. To assess the effectiveness of multimedia convergence in enhancing audience engagement for Channels and Arise News.
5. To analyze the impact of multimedia convergence on content delivery and distribution for Channels and Arise News.
6. To evaluate the revenue generation models employed by Channels and Arise News in the context of multimedia convergence.
7. To investigate the competitive positioning of Channels and Arise News within Nigeria’s digital economy in light of multimedia convergence.
8. To provide recommendations and insights for Channels, Arise News, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian media industry on effectively leveraging multimedia convergence for sustainable growth and success.

By achieving these objectives, the study aims to contribute to the existing knowledge on multimedia convergence in broadcasting, specifically within the context of Nigeria’s digital economy. It seeks to provide valuable insights and recommendations for Channels, Arise News, and other industry players to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by multimedia convergence

 

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following are the research questions that guided the study:

The research questions for the topic “Multimedia Convergence in Broadcasting in Nigeria’s Digital Economy: A Comparative Study of Channels and Arise News” are as follows:

1. How has multimedia convergence impacted the broadcasting industry within Nigeria’s digital economy?
2. What are the strategies and approaches adopted by Channels and Arise News in embracing multimedia convergence?
3. What are the specific challenges faced by Channels and Arise News in integrating multimedia technologies into their broadcasting operations?
4. How effective is multimedia convergence in enhancing audience engagement for Channels and Arise News?
5. What is the impact of multimedia convergence on content delivery and distribution for Channels and Arise News?
6. What revenue generation models have Channels and Arise News employed in the context of multimedia convergence?
7. How do Channels and Arise News position themselves competitively within Nigeria’s digital economy in light of multimedia convergence?

These research questions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications of multimedia convergence in broadcasting, specifically focusing on the comparative study of Channels and Arise News. By addressing these questions, the study will shed light on the challenges, strategies, and effectiveness of multimedia convergence in the Nigerian media industry, offering valuable insights for Channels, Arise News, and other stakeholders.

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study is vital to broadcast practice in Edo State, the academia and the indigenes of Edo State. For broadcast practitioners, it will help them be in the know of the influence of convergence on broadcasting practice in Edo State. The knowledge gained on the subject could empower these broadcast practitioners to adequately adjust to the significant changes triggered by convergence and ultimately harness the potentials for seamless and improved broadcasting.

For academia, the study would update available literature, including the empirical studies carried out on the topic. It also would help keep Edo State indigenes abreast of the influence of convergence on broadcasting practice. If they are knowledgeable about the influence of convergence, they would be able to make informed decisions on how to access broadcast messages on different platforms.

 

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

The research hypotheses for “Multimedia Convergence in Broadcasting in Nigeria’s Digital Economy: A Comparative Study of Channels and Arise News” are as follows:

1. H1: Channels and Arise News have adopted different strategies and approaches in embracing multimedia convergence in their broadcasting operations.
2. H2: Channels and Arise News face specific challenges in integrating multimedia technologies into their broadcasting operations, such as infrastructure limitations, content adaptation, and skill gaps.
3. H3: Multimedia convergence positively impacts audience engagement for both Channels and Arise News, leading to increased viewership and interaction.
4. H4: Multimedia convergence has transformed content delivery and distribution for Channels and Arise News, enabling them to reach a wider audience through various platforms and devices.
5. H5: Channels and Arise News employ different revenue generation models in the context of multimedia convergence, such as advertising, subscriptions, and partnerships.
6. H6: Channels and Arise News position themselves competitively within Nigeria’s digital economy by leveraging multimedia convergence to differentiate their offerings and attract a loyal audience.

These research hypotheses will guide the study in testing and analyzing the various aspects of multimedia convergence in broadcasting, specifically in the context of Channels and Arise News. By examining these hypotheses, the study aims to provide empirical evidence and insights into the strategies, challenges, and impacts of multimedia convergence on these channels within Nigeria’s digital economy.