There is a combination of communication increasing with the advent of the Internet in Nigeria through online radio and television. More and more young people are beginning to follow television and radio through the Internet due to its interactive nature.
The news and the essence of life are followed more on the Internet by adolescents than in the main media, despite the fact that the country has several FM radio and television stations. Social media has made it easy for people to watch videos through Facebook and YouTube. Several million people around the world have been reached through online radio and television platforms.
The fact is that young people are attracted to online television and radio because they are a computer-savvy generation. Even more so because social interactions have moved into space. The Internet gives them the opportunity to connect with like-minded minds with little to no restrictions.
Interestingly, agenda setting is adapting through Internet communication, from music to entertainment. Live, real-time updates have made the Internet a go-to place for many artists, musicians, and media analysts. An Internet radio and television presenter, Mr. Barry Nwibira of AKPO Online TV/Radio, said that his station enjoys a large following among young people, that the future is here with the Internet. He stated that the program he currently hosts ‘Campus Matters’ is trending among the young population. The answer was the same for Nijiezie online TV and Kemdrex TV.
Many of the traditional TV and FM radio stations are beginning to explore the internet to reach their followers, in order not to be left behind in an ever-changing world.
However, the high cost of Internet and data service interruption remains a challenge to the full use of the Internet as a means of radio and television communication in Nigeria.
With the attraction of more investment in the information and communication sector in Nigeria, online television and radio are expected to witness a massive change.
The advantages of Internet communication are so many, considering the multiplier effects it would have on agriculture, commerce, education, science and technology, sports and entertainment. More frontiers of development would be opened as many young businesses would be facilitated to start up through online radio and television communication. An important consequence of this change would be the integration of the economies of developing countries like Nigeria through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
All that is required now is for the government and other critical stakeholders to put the plan into action.