CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Ever since the inception of the internet and the proliferation of its services, there has been an unremitting decline in the use of other media Deuze, M. (2003). This has initiated and sustained a global trend of unrelenting resort to the internet as a means of news and information dissemination. A trend of this nature has consequently had a baneful effect on the print media, and paradoxically, a positive one on online journalism and e-news. This evolution in media practice is also unequivocally evident in the developing countries of Africa such as Nigeria where the onset of online journalism is gradually putting the demand of newspapers on the ware Felix U.T. (2011). The migration of newspapers and television outfits to the web has been consequently accompanied with that of its readership and viewership respectively. However, much as this poses a dilemma, it has jolted journalists and media organizations into the realization that being technologically sorry is the only sure means of remaining relevant in an increasingly changing and competitive journalism, and a good number of them are stepping up to the plate Felix U.T. (2011).

The migration of major newspaper outfits in the country to the internet reaffirms this. For instance, The Punch now runs an online press which avails its readers (both local and Diaspora) the opportunity to access news stories, and connect with the press on a social network to access and respond to news feeds through their mobile service Aishat, A.S. (2013). It also features opinion polls that aids in the reception of feedback from its readers. Some other news outfit go further to accord to its readers the liberty to upload reports of current news-worthy events within their vicinity. Vanguard offers to its readers such as service, Daily Sun in addition offers a search engine which enables its readers to rapidly retrieve information on trending events Aishat, A.S. (2013). Funny enough, it also does offers, for its fun-loving readers, a peculiar dating service. All these commendable developments in the online media vividly portray the commitment of the online press and media practitioners towards a sustainable growth and efficacy of online journalism in Nigeria.

This, considered from a futuristic viewpoint indubitably, guarantees a high prospect of survival, longevity, and success of online journalism in Nigeria. Nigeria has 294 radio and Television stations most of which also transmit on the internet for example Wazobia Fm and Cool Fm, which are both independent radio stations, have their audio programmes streamed live Ifeoma, T.A. (2010). Their audiences can dick, download and listen to these programmes (http://wazobiafm.com/). In addition, Cool Fm produces original videos, has a photo Gallery titled "Cool photos", online games titled "Cool Games", and maintains presence on Facebook and Twitter. Other features on its website include an opinion poll site titled "Football Polls" and a "Weather Forecast Site (http://www.coolfm.us/.).

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