EXAMINING THE ROLE OF GRAPHIC DESIGNERS IN TELEVISION BROADCASTING STATIONS AS A SEGMENT OF MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENT

ABSTRACT

Effective communication in Multimedia Communication Environments involves the Graphic designer and other professionals working as a team to achieve required objectives. Multimedia Communication Environments are typically characterized by the processing, storage, generation, manipulation and rendition of multimedia information. The participation of professional Graphic designers is of paramount importance in all forms of Multimedia Communication Environments This study examines the role of Graphic Designers in Television Broadcasting Stations as a segment of Multimedia Communication Environments. The objectives of this study are to identify the roles, examine the relevance, assess the availability and identify the different classes of graphic designers in Television Broadcasting Stations as a segment Multimedia Communication Environments. The research was conducted using survey design method and purposive and random sampling technique through structured questionnaire administered to Graphic Designers and other professionals in some selected Television Broadcasting Stations within Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria. The analyses employed are expressed in simple percentile, mean and standard deviation using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Major findings revealed that graphic designers in Multimedia Communication Environments are mostly non-professionally trained and are from other fields of study. This study recommends that Multimedia Communication Environments should utilize professional Graphic Designers for effective communication.

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Background of the Study

Effective communication in a Multimedia Communication Environment involves the Graphic Designer and other professionals from different disciplines working as a team to achieve desired objectives. According to Ebiagbagha (2010) ‘the graphic encoder’s collaboration with other members of the multimedia team is of paramount importance for effective communication’. Multimedia Communication Environments are typically characterized by the processing, storage, generation, manipulation and rendition of multimedia information, they process media data and applications. Graphic Designers are professionals within the graphic design and graphic art industry, ‘Graphic Designers plan, analyse and create visual solutions to communication problems’ (U.S. Department of Labour “Description of the duties of a Graphic Designer” 2010), therefore the core responsibility of the Graphic Designer is to present information in a way that is accessible, easily assimilated and applicable, then the Graphic Designer’s involvement must be noteworthy in any form of Multimedia Communication Environment.

This research therefore seeks to examine the roles of the Graphic Designer in Multimedia Communication Environments particularly Television Broadcasting Stations. The advent of computer technology has made multimedia an increasingly common phenomenon engrained in virtually every sector of our society, be it communication, education, finance, banking and marketing. The advent of computer technology has made many Nigerians go into the practice of graphic design making it possible for both graphic design professionals and non-professionals to indulge in the practice. Media projects by Multimedia Communication Environments need to be designed to effectively communicate with the target audience, therefore the involvement of Professional Graphic Designers is imperative.

The awareness of the Graphic Designer’s relevance, the roles they perform and their availability in Television Broadcasting Stations as Multimedia Communication Environments becomes the crux of this research.

1.1         Statement of the Problem

The participation of the professional Graphic Designer is of paramount importance for effective communication in all forms of Multimedia Communication Environments. If the core responsibility of the Graphic Designer is to present information in a way that is accessible, easily assimilated and applicable, then the Graphic Designer’s involvement must be noteworthy in all forms of Multimedia Communication Environments. The need to identify the specific roles of Graphic Designers in Multimedia Communication Environments, their characteristics and compliance to the professional etiquettes is therefore essential.

An awareness of professional Graphic Designer’s relevance and the roles they play towards attaining effective graphic communication in Multimedia Communication Environments needs to be accentuated. Therefore, this research will enquire about the roles, relevance, availability and awareness of professional Graphic Designers in Television Broadcasting Stations.

1.2         Aim

The aim of this study is to examine the roles, relevance, awareness and availability of professional Graphic Designers in Television Broadcasting Stations within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

1.3         Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this research are to:

• identify the roles of Graphic Designers in Television Broadcasting Stations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
• identify the different categories of Graphic Designers in Television Broadcasting Stations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
• determine the level of adherence to professional techniques by Graphic Designers in Television Broadcasting Stations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
• develop a model for the selection of professional Graphic Designers applicable in TV broadcasting Stations.

1.4         Research Questions

The following research questions will be addressed in the process of researching the problem of this study.

1. What is the role of a professional Graphic Designer in a Television Broadcasting Station?
2. Are professional Graphic Designers relevant in a Television Broadcasting Station?

• Are professional Graphic Designers always available in a Television Broadcasting Station?

1. What are the different categories of Graphic Designers available in Television Broadcasting Stations?
2. Are other professionals in Television Broadcasting Stations aware of the relevance of professional Graphic Designers?
3. Will a model designed to enhance effective communication applicable in Television Broadcasting Stations be effective if developed?

1.5         Significance of the Study

The significance of this study includes:

1. Increase awareness on the relevance of the role Professional Graphic Designers play in Television Broadcasting Stations and Multimedia Communication Environments.
2. Creating an avenue for professional Graphic Designers to participate fully in Multimedia Communication Environments.

• Additional source of literature in the area of the Graphic Designer’s  role in

Multimedia Communication Environments.

1. Serve as a reference point for researchers, Graphic Designers and Media Communication Environments.

1.6         Scope of the Study

The scope of this research covers Television Broadcasting Stations as a segment of Multimedia Communication Environments within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. These stations include Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), African Independent Television (AIT), Dasamal Television Network (DTN) and Channels TV.

1.7         Limitations

Limitation experienced during the entire research were lack of full access to respondents due to the general security situation in the country, also most respondents were reluctant to fill out the questionnaire which took several visits to collect and re-administer the questionnaire in a bid to meet the required number, it also required knowing someone within the organisation to get access to respondents and their cooperation.

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