EVALUATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS UTILIZATION IN PROGRAMME PRODUCTION (CASE STUDY OF FRCN AND DITV KADUNA)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Broadcasting is the process of sending out and receiving messages through the air by a scientific method called electromagnetic waves. According to Owuamalam (2007), messages are transformed into electronic signals in the studio. It mixes the signal with the carrier waves, generated in the transmitter and the studio.
Broadcast programmes are generally classified into three forms, namely:
1. Entertainment programmes
2. Informative programmes
3. Educative programmes
Programmes can even be a blend of all the types, such as, variety shows which cover various segments that deal with specific issues. The fundamental nature of the broadcast programme production is to motivate societal growth, renewal and regeneration of essential issues to the improvement of man for a wholesome life and a better community, Owuamalam (2007).
The programmes are intended to satisfy three major purposes, namely:
1. Accomplishing stations objectives
2. Accomplish the vision of specific programmes
3. Satisfying audiences’ interest
Producers have to pursue the stations instruction on programme production which would be satisfactory to the audience. Broadcast stations are praised due to programmes that are produced according to the station’s prescription and when such programmes satisfy audience aspirations. The studio lighting should be adequate to separate objects from their shadows cast in the background. The space for performance should be adequate to allow performers free movement without obstruction. The nature of the programme should determine the location of production, whether production should take place in the studio or outside the studio. Wherever production takes place, the programme should be made to be believable. Things should appear as natural as possible. Programmes produced by a station should be targeted towards an audience and must meet the yearnings and aspirations of such audience.
Radio is an audio medium, therefore the writer has to do his work in a way and manner that the pictures are imprinted on the minds of the audience and they could visualize as if they were physically present at the scene of the event. Television, on the other hand, is a combination of audio and visual. It is also an electronic device that transmits signals from the studio into the air and then to the television sets in our houses. The television sets at home serve as receivers and download the signals into their appropriate components as initially produced audio visual content (Owuamalam, 2007). Radio can be defined as a medium used for sending and receiving messages through the air using electronic waves. It is also about the activity of broadcasting programmes for people to listen to the programmes being broadcast (Idebi, 2008). It may also be seen as the broadcasting of programmes to the public to listen to. It is the system of sending sound over a distance by transmitting electrical signals (BBC English Dictionary, 1992, p.946).
Television is defined as an audio-visual medium. It mixes pictures with sound to produce a communication experience displayed on the screen. It uses sound to explain the visuals presented on the screen. It addresses the emotion and intellect in a remarkable way (Owauamalam, 2007). Television makes use of the movement of images in a unique manner or pattern to express thought and feelings in a thrilling and appealing manner. Television is defined by the BBC English Dictionary (1992, p.1206) as the system of pictures and distance so that people can receive them on a television set. Tools or equipment are those facilities installed in the stations for recording of programmes and live broadcast. The room that houses the tools or equipment necessary for production of programmes is commonly called the production studio. By definition, tools are all those materials installed in the studio for the production of programmes, starting from furniture to digital equipment. The equipment needed for programme production in the broadcast industry include, the camera, tapes, consoles, microphones, audio visual players or recorders, multi-track recording and signal processing equipment, monitor speakers, cable connectors and accessories, and furniture (Reese, Gross & Gross, 2006:viii). Digital media are simply audio, video, and images that exist in a computer-readable format, and can reside on a local device (CD, DVD, hard drive), or remote location (website).
.