Impact of Social Media on Broadcast Journalism Ikere Ekiti

This research work examined the influence of social media on the practice of broadcast journalism in Ekiti State. The objectives of the study are; to investigate the extent to which social media platforms are utilized by broadcast journalists in Ekiti for news gathering and dissemination, to explore the implications of social media on audience engagement and interaction with broadcast media in Ekiti., to assess the perceptions of broadcast journalists and media organizations regarding the credibility and trustworthiness of news disseminated through social media and to identify strategies to effectively integrate social media into the practice of broadcast journalism in Ekiti while addressing associated challenges. Primary and secondary source of data was used. Questionnaire(s) was used to gather information from the respondents. 5 Likerts Scale was used check for the best options/responses of the respondents (strongly agree, agree, undecided, disagree and strongly disagree). Two Hundred (200) questionnaires were administered, and the same number of questionnaires administered were properly completed and returned to the researcher. The result revealed that significant shifts in news production and consumption. Social media platforms have accelerated the speed at which news is disseminated, often pushing broadcast outlets to adapt by reporting breaking news more quickly. The study therefore concluded that the influence of social media on the practice of broadcast journalism has been profound, reshaping how news is produced, distributed, and consumed. Social media platforms have given rise to new forms of news delivery, such as real-time updates, citizen journalism, and user-generated content, which have altered traditional broadcasting paradigms. It recommended that broadcast journalism outlets should embrace social media as an essential tool for gathering, verifying, and disseminating news. This collaboration could help combat misinformation and promote reliable journalism. Journalists should create content that works seamlessly across both traditional broadcast channels and social media platforms, considering the different formats and audience engagement tactics that each platform requires. Establish and enforce strict guidelines for journalists using social media to ensure that ethical standards, like accuracy, fairness, and objectivity, are maintained in both personal and professional posts.