Assessing use of Video Conferencing Applications by Select Nigerian TV Stations in Disseminating Information on Coronavirus Pandemic

Video conferencing applications (VCAs) also referred to as web-conferencing systems (WCS) have long been incorporated into television broadcasting to interactively engage with persons from different locations, resulting in collective intelligence and a participatory culture. The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic culminated in social restrictions and lockdowns thereby limiting TV professionals from face-to-face interactions. This study investigated the use of VCAs by Channels TV and TVC News Nigeria to disseminate information on coronavirus. Using convergence media culture theory as a lens through which the study is viewed, the study employed Key Informant Interviews (KII) as research design. All data collated were analysed using scissor-and-sort descriptive statistics suitable for analysing qualitative data. Results have shown that VCAs aided immensely in providing up-to-date information on the pandemic, enhancing adherence to safety protocols, giving expert opinion, and engendering interactive and participatory communication aimed at preventing further spread of the pandemic. It however revealed that poor visuals and sound occasioned by epileptic network services distorted effective communication. The study thus recommends among other things that government should collaborate with service providers to ensure that the best telecommunications technologies are acquired and used to ensure seamless communication in the event of future national, sub-regional, regional, or global crises.