The Dynamics of Digital Journalism in Institutional Communication: A Focus on Polytechnics

This study explores the dynamics of digital journalism in institutional communication with a focus on Kenpoly, Bori. It sought to examine how Kenpoly’s digital journalism initiatives have influenced citizen participation, awareness and engagement with local issues, the strategies employed to foster civic engagement, and the challenges encountered in promoting digital journalism within local communities. Guided by Convergence Theory, the research underscores how merging communication channels and technologies shapes participatory communication and strengthens civic involvement. A survey design was employed, targeting 400 randomly selected students of Kenpoly. Data were collected through structured questionnaires to capture perceptions, attitudes and experiences with the institution’s digital journalism initiatives. Quantitative analysis of the responses revealed that Kenpoly’s efforts have positively influenced citizen awareness and engagement with local issues in Bori. However, limitations persist in fostering active participation in decision-making processes. Findings further indicate that strategies such as the use of social media platforms and online news articles have been effective in promoting civic engagement. Nonetheless, there remains an underutilization of public forums, events and citizen journalism initiatives that could further deepen participatory communication. The study identified challenges including limited access to technology, inadequate funding, and insufficient support structures as major impediments to the effectiveness of digital journalism in local communities. The paper concludes that while digital journalism holds significant promise for institutions like Kenpoly, its benefits are yet to be fully harnessed in Bori. It recommends improving access to technology, diversifying funding sources, and creating inclusive platforms for citizen participation.