AN ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BY JOURNALISTS IN DELTA BROADCASTING SERVICE (D.B.S), WARRI.

ABSTRACT

This study is an assessment of journalists in Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, focusing on their use of social media. The objectives are to ascertain the extent of social media usage, identify preferred social media tools, recognize challenges faced, and determine the impact on productivity. The Social Constructivism media theory which emphasized the role of social interactions and cultural context in shaping knowledge, which is vital for understanding how journalists integrate social media into their practices. The survey research method was adopted. A sample size of 20 respondents was used.  Purposive sampling was employed to ensure that the sample accurately reflects the specific population of interest—journalists at Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri. This method was chosen for its ability to provide targeted insights. The findings indicated that a remarkable 95% of the respondents engaged with social media platforms for news-related activities. This high level of engagement underscores the crucial role social media plays in contemporary news consumption and dissemination. Among these platforms, Twitter (now rebranded as X) is particularly favoured, with 75% of users selecting it as their primary source for news. This preference is likely due to Twitter's real-time updates and the ability to quickly share and receive information. Despite the widespread use of social media for news, journalists face several significant challenges in this digital landscape. One of the most prominent issues is difficulty in verifying information gotten from these social media platforms.  Technical issues also complicate the situation, with platform algorithms, bugs, and occasional system outages disrupting the smooth dissemination and reception of news. Despite these challenges, the study revealed that social media utilization has enhanced the productivity of journalists in Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri (85%).The study recommends broader integration of social media across media organizations, development of internal policies to guide social media use, and ongoing training programs to equip journalists with necessary skills. Addressing these areas will help leverage social media's benefits while mitigating associated challenges, leading to more efficient and effective journalism.