This research assesses the difficulties that Congolese broadcast stations experience in the adoption and integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in news processing and dissemination in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Data was collected from 300 respondents working as journalists, editors, technical staff, and management to assess the use of ICT, its adoption barriers, and its perceived importance using a cross-sectional survey design. There is some adoption of ICT tools in the stations, especially computers, the internet, and mobile applications, but 74.3% of the stations reported having less than 50% operational dependence on ICT. Therefore, there is limited integration of the systems. The main barriers were high costs, poor infrastructure, lack of training, and political or regulatory obstacles, with the respondents revealing that 51% of them faced such challenges. The political economy of the DRC is, thus, unfriendly to the media. There were polarized perceptions of the importance of ICT, as 56% assessed its importance as high (4 or 5 on a 1 - 5 scale), while 37% rated it low because of barriers they face to adopting ICT. Statistical analyses verified the existence of significant variance in the use of ICT tools, operational dependence, and barriers to the integration of ICT, while the demographic distributions were found to deviate from the expectation of no change. The research highlights ICT’s transformative role in audience engagement and reporting vis-a-vis mobile penetration, but calls for necessary ad hoc measures to remedy economic, infrastructural, and regulatory challenges. Suggestions comprise provision of allowances, education, construction, and policy modification for the use of ICT technology in Congolese broadcasting.
References
[1]
Adu, K. O., Badaru, K. A., Duku, N., & Adu, E. O. (2022). Innovation and Technology: A Panacea to Teaching and Learning Challenges during the Covid-19 Lockdown in South Africa. ResearchinSocialSciencesandTechnology,7, 69-89. https://doi.org/10.46303/ressat.2022.5
[2]
Asule, P. A., Musafiri, C., Nyabuga, G., Kiai, W., Ngetich, F. K., & Spurk, C. (2023). Determinants of Simultaneous Use of Soil Fertility Information Sources among Smallholder Farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya. Agriculture,13, Article No. 1729. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13091729
[3]
Balasha, A. M., Nyumbaiza, A., Tshomba Kalumbu, J., & Nkulu, J. (n.d.). WomenFarmers’ AccesstoAgriculturalInformationinSoutheasternDemocraticRepublicofCongo:ChallengesandOpportunities.
[4]
Berger, G. (2006). Fromthe Margins to Mainstream:AfricanICT Reporting Comesof Age. Highway Africa.
[5]
Binzaka, R. M., Okebukola, P. A., Shabani, J., & Byamungu, D. W. (2024). Outlines of the Preparation and Integration of ICT Tools in the Educational Institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo Context. OpenJournalofSocialSciences,12, 251-264. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2024.121016
[6]
Bowman, W. M. (2019). Technological Distribution in Uganda: Information and Communications Technology and the State in an Eastern African Nation. ReviewofPolicyResearch,36, 835-865. https://doi.org/10.1111/ropr.12358
[7]
Choruma, D. J., Dirwai, T. L., Mutenje, M. J., Mustafa, M., Chimonyo, V. G. P., Jacobs-Mata, I. et al. (2024). Digitalisation in Agriculture: A Scoping Review of Technologies in Practice, Challenges, and Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. JournalofAgricultureandFoodResearch,18, Article ID: 101286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101286
[8]
Cibangu, S. K. (2020). Marginalization of Indigenous Voices in the Information Age: A Case Study of Cell Phones in the Rural Congo. InformationTechnologyforDevelopment,26, 234-267. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2019.1647403
[9]
Constance, A., & Isabirye, J. (n.d.). TheImpactofModernInformationandCommunicationTechnologyonUgandanRadioBroadcasting:ACaseStudyofCapitalRadio.
[10]
Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, L., Kar, A. K., Baabdullah, A. M., Grover, P., Abbas, R. et al. (2022). Climate Change and COP26: Are Digital Technologies and Information Management Part of the Problem or the Solution? An Editorial Reflection and Call to Action. InternationalJournalofInformationManagement,63, Article ID: 102456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102456
[11]
França, L. P. (2014). New Opportunities for Development Journalism:Enlargingthe Public Sphere withICTs. Ongepubliseerdemeestersgraadtesis. Universiteit van Lissabon.
[12]
Frère, M. S. (2009). News Media Use of ICTs amidst War, Violence, and Political Turmoil in the Central African Great Lakes. In AfricanMediaandtheDigitalPublicSphere (pp. 223-238). Palgrave Macmillan US. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230621756_13
[13]
Frère, M. S. (2011). Covering Post-Conflict Elections: Challenges for the Media in Central Africa. AfricaSpectrum,46, 3-32. https://doi.org/10.1177/000203971104600101
[14]
Frère, M. S. (2012). NewsandNewMediainCentralAfrica. ChallengesandOpportunities.
[15]
Frère, M. S. (2016). Audience Perceptions of Radio Stations and Journalists in the Great Lakes Region. In EverydayMediaCultureinAfrica (pp. 127-153). Routledge.
[16]
Frère, M. S. (n.d.). TheDemocraticRepublicoftheCongo.
[17]
Gaible, E., & Burns, M. (2005). UsingTechnologytoTrainTeachers:AppropriateUsesofICTforTeacherProfessionalDevelopmentinDevelopingCountries.
[18]
Gaskell, J. R., Larrauri, H. P., Rieken, J., Ali, A., & Rigterink, A. (2016). Usesof Information and Communication Technologies(ICTs)forEU Conflict PreventionandPeace-Building. London School Of economics and Political Science and Build up.
[19]
Gebremeskel, S. (2017). PracticesandChallengesofUsingICTinAgro-Processing Firms:TheCaseofEthioAgri-CEFTPlc. Doctoral Dissertation, St. Mary’s University.
[20]
Geniets, A. (2013). TheGlobalNewsChallenge: Market Strategies of International Broad-Casting Organizations in Developing Countries. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203082607
[21]
Itulelo, I. M. (2021). The Role ofICTin Enhancing Transparencyin Public Funds Management in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Doctoral Dissertation, University of KwaZulu-Natal. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8102291
[22]
Kurmanbekova, A. (2023). DigitalTechnologiesinPromotingPeace:Integration,ImpactandChallenges.
[23]
Laskar, K. A., & Bhattacharyya, B. (2021). Community Radio Stations’ Production Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic in India. MediaAsia,48, 243-257. https://doi.org/10.1080/01296612.2021.1970421
[24]
Legatis, R. (2015). Media-Related Peacebuilding in Processes of Conflict Transformation. Berghof Foundation Operations GmbH.
[25]
Livingston, S. (2011). Africa’s Evolving Infosystems:A Pathway to Security and Stability. National Defense University Press.
[26]
Maiga, A. A. (2015). An Assessment ofthe Media’s Role in Disseminating Newsand Information to Farmers afterthe Cessation of Armed Conflictsinthe Republics ofCoted’IvoireandMali. Doctoral Dissertation, Oklahoma State University.
[27]
Mambwe, E. (2013). The Use of New Media in Journalism and News DisseminationinZambia—The Caseofthe Internet. Doctoral Dissertation, The University of Zambia.
[28]
Manda, L. Z., & Chapota, R. (2015). Integrating Radio and e-Media in National Agricultural Policy: The Case of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Malawi. JournalofDevelopmentandCommunicationStudies,4, 49-61. https://doi.org/10.4314/jdcs.v4i1.4
[29]
Manyozo, L., Nassanga, G., & Lopes, C. (2011). TheImplicationofICTsinthePoliticalEconomyofCommunityRadioBroadcastinginAfrica:AComparativeInvestigationintotheListenershipto,ContentProductionforandManagementofCommunityRadioBroadcastersinMali,MozambiqueandUganda. ContentProductionforandManagementofCommunityRadioBroadcastersinMali,Mozambique(andUganda)F.
[30]
Mwangi, S. W. (2021). AppropriationofInformationandCommunicationTechnologiesinEnhancingCommunityAccessandParticipationinSelectCommunityRadioStationsinKenya. Doctoral Dissertation, Daystar University, School of Communication.
[31]
Mwaniki, F. N., Gichuki, C., Mwangi, M., Mburia, P., & Wandago, B. (2017). Addressing Challenges in Communicating Adaptation Practices to Smallholder Farmers in Kenya through a Radio Intervention. JournalofAgricultureandEnvironmentforInternation-alDevelopment(JAEID),111, 279-322.
[32]
Myers, M. (2008). Radioand Development inAfrica. A Concept Paper Prepared for the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada.
[33]
Namasinga, F. (2018). Sourcingin Converged Media Spheres. Doctoral Dissertation, PhD Thesis, University of Oslo.
[34]
Nghitongo, K. I. N. (2019). The Adoption of New Media TechnologiesbytheNamibia Print Media:A Case StudyoftheNewEraandtheNamibian Newspaper. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Namibia.
[35]
Ntshangase, J. S. (2021). Mapping Community Radio in Sub-SaharanAfrica. Journalism.co za.
[36]
Nwagwu, W. E. (2006). Integrating ICTs into the Globalization of the Poor Developing Countries. InformationDevelopment,22, 167-179. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666906069070
[37]
Pantserev, K. A., Sidorova, G. M., & Zherlitsina, N. A. (2019). African Countries in the Epoch of Information Globalization: New Challenges in the New Age. VestnikofSaintPetersburgUniversity. AsianandAfricanStudies,11, 590-605. https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu13.2019.411
[38]
Perera, D., Seidou, O., Agnihotri, J., Rasmy, M., Smakhtin, V., Coulibaly, P., & Mehmood, H. (2019). Flood Early Warning Systems:A Review of Benefits, Challenges and Prospects. UNU-INWEH, Hamilton.
[39]
Ragasa, C., Mzungu, D., Kalagho, K., & Kazembe, C. (2021). Impact of Interactive Radio Programming on Agricultural Technology Adoption and Crop Diversification in Malawi. JournalofDevelopmentEffectiveness,13, 204-223. https://doi.org/10.1080/19439342.2020.1853793
[40]
Roche, S., Propeck-Zimmermann, E., & Mericskay, B. (2013). GeoWeb and Crisis Management: Issues and Perspectives of Volunteered Geographic Information. GeoJournal,78, 21-40. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-011-9423-9
[41]
Veglis, A. (2013). Education of Journalists on ICTs: Issues and Opportunities. JournalofAppliedJournalism&MediaStudies,2, 265-279. https://doi.org/10.1386/ajms.2.2.265_1
[42]
Voss, R. C., Jansen, T., Mané, B., & Shennan, C. (2021). Encouraging Technology Adoption Using ICTs and Farm Trials in Senegal: Lessons for Gender Equity and Scaled Impact. WorldDevelopment,146, Article ID: 105620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2021.105620
[43]
Williams, A., & Tkach, B. K. (2022). Access and Dissemination of Information and Emerging Media Convergence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Information,Communication&Society,25, 1383-1399. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2020.1864004
[44]
Yonazi, E., Kelly, T., Halewood, N., & Blackman, C. (2012). The Transformational Use of Information and Communication TechnologiesinAfrica. World Bank.
[45]
알피에 (2023). Emerging Technologies andtheReformoftheDR. Congo Ministry of Public Service.
