EFFECTS OF DIGITAL MEDIA ON JOURNALISTS IN PRINT MEDIA HOUSES IN KENYA

ABSTRACT
This study examined the effects of digital media on journalistic practice in print media houses in Nairobi, Kenya. These were; Standard Media Group, Nation Media Group and Radio Africa Group. The study sought to assess how digital media has impacted on the quality of content produced by journalists, how the relationship between digital media and the demand of multimedia skills has impacted on the journalists, and how the role of digital media has impacted on overall performance of a journalist.
This study utilized descriptive research design to discover new knowledge where there is little known about the topic under study. The study employed mixed research approach to gain insights into the study with data collection carried out through questionnaires and interview guides. The study focused on media practitioners including correspondents, permanently employed staff and staff employed on contract basis. The findings of the study revealed that the quality of content from journalists had been impacted with a majority (58.75%) of the journalists saying they had encountered fake news making the newsroom to publish an apology or un-publish stories on the online platforms. Further, most journalists (55%) said the platform had an impact on the way they wrote their sentences in newsroom. The findings also disclosed that journalists knew that the use of info graphics on stories enhanced digital story telling making them embrace the use of videos and audios in their stories. The study further unraveled that social media has had an effect on them in regards to reporting news stories with (78.75%) saying they were now forced to write as many stories as possible. This means therefore that social media has had considerable impact on journalists and their practice. This study recommends that media needs to invest more in policies and measures to enhance editorial checks for stories before they are published. Also, media needs to hold regular trainings for journalists to be conversant with social media policies.