INFLUENCE OF INTERNET ON THE PRODUCTION OF RURAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Internet is increasingly gaining momentum in the world of information and communication. It has without doubt altered the conventional method of interaction and information sharing- a new paradigm in the media sector. This paper examines the influence of internet in the production of rural community newspaper. The paper argues that Internet is a veritable source of information that hasmade reporting and the newspaper production process very simple. Internet is also useful in verifying facts and data for the production of Rural Community Newspapers and pictures can be sourced from internet respectively.The paper also identified the challenges of using Internet in the production of rural community newspapers such as: Internet is hampered by poor economy and dearth of facilities in rural areas, inconsistency in electricity power supply, Cost of computers and other ICT gadgets as well as non- availability of qualified technicians for proper maintenance among others. The paper concludes that Internet is useful in the production of rural community newspaper in Nigeria given that it has repositioned the newspaper industry and journalist worldwide depend largely on it as a source of information and other materials that goes into the production despite the challenges. The paper thus, recommends the adoption of Internet in the production of rural community newspapers as a viable source of information and other materials needed in production.