Challenges in using contemporary Digital Tools in media relations practice in Nigeria

Abstract

This research conceptually investigates the importance, prospects and challenges of using contemporary digital technology in media relations functions of public relations practitioners as outlined by earlier scholars.  Media relations is significant to the public relations practitioner because public relations as a function looks at maintaining a relationship that is mutually beneficial to both the organisation and the public, media relation, on the other hand, lays emphasis on a mutual relationship between an organisation and the media in order to serve the interests of both the organisation and the public. The world is moving digitally where there is a convergence of technologies used in communication. This paper attempts to review the tools and how relevance these new media technologies are, as well as the challenges public relations practitioners, encounter in their adoption of these technologies in their media relations functions. The research points out that some new media technologies like the internet (websites, email, social media, blogs), video news releases, webcasting, videoconferencing etc. are in some way interconnected with the diverse media of communication due to technological innovations and media convergence, and have today transformed media relations practice universally notwithstanding the myriads of issues such as high cost of new technologies, cyber security, corruption, low level of internet penetration, poor funding, lack of training opportunities, epileptic power supply and other challenges not captured in this study all  posing as challenges to the effective application media relations practice by PR practitioners in Nigeria.  It is believed that the government and all stakeholders will pull resources together so that media relations practice in Nigeria will improve significantly and hopefully in the not too distant future be at par with what is obtainable in developed countries.

Key words: Media Relations, Public Relations, Media, Nigeria, Digital, New Media