The Influence of Digital Migration on The Production of Alaroye Newspaper

Abstract

The shift to digital media has profoundly reshaped the Nigerian print media landscape, particularly for indigenous publications like Alaroye newspaper. This study examined how the transition to digital platforms has influenced Alaroye's content-gathering and editorial processes. The study further examined Alaroye's sustainability amidst the challenges of digital migration. Guided by the Mediamorphosis Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the research explores how Alaroye adapts and navigates challenges to its sustainability in this digital age. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with six newspaper staff practicing journalists with managerial positions. The findings reveal that Alaroye has adapted to digital trends, transforming its content-gathering operations and editorial processes by publishing online and integrating content on its website and social media platforms. However, these changes have resulted in declining patronage and readership of its print edition. It was found that Alaroye's sustainability would be guaranteed if the media organisation could leverage its activities with the trends in digital technology. The study concludes that while Alaroye has embraced digital migration, the reduced production of its tabloid format highlights the challenges confronting the indigenous print media in a rapidly digitizing world. It recommends innovative audience engagement strategies and a hybrid model combining print and digital formats to sustain relevance and readership.