INFLUENCE OF TELEPROMPTER ON BROADCAST MEDIA PRACTICE
Abstract
This research presents the results of an investigation into the influence of teleprompter on television broadcast media practice, Delta state broadcasting service DBS was used as a case study. The study makes use of a descriptive research and stratified random technique was used to select 100 staff in DBC randomly. Seven research questions was formulated and ten questions was formulated to gather information through questionnaire. Analysis from Data analyzed reveals that teleprompter is used in the chosen case study and also influence their presentation, also it is revealed that there are challenges in using teleprompter and those challenges affects the media presentations. It is recommended that media house should start training their workers on how to use a teleprompter to as to overcome the challenges faced while using a teleprompter.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Olayinka (2013) writes that eye contact and facial expressions provide important social and emotional information in communication especially in interpersonal setting. People, perhaps without consciously doing so, probe each other’s eyes and faces for positive or negative mood signs. In some contexts, the meeting of eyes arouses strong emotions. Eye contact is also an important element in flirting, where it may serve to establish and gauge the other’s interest in some situations. Therefore, newscasters adopted the use of teleprompter in achieving an effective eye contact to prevent too much of concentrations on script but to make them read the scripts as if they were reading off hand.
A teleprompter displays the prompts for a person filming or telecasting a visual report with an electronic device such as a video camera. Teleprompters are used instead of cue cards to electronically display the text of a script or speech. (Wikipedia.com, 2015) Teleprompter screen, in front of the camera lens of a professional video camera, allows the presenter, a reporter or speechmaker, to keep “eye contact” with the viewing audience with an open and comfortable presence.
Ajetnmobi, E. O. and Oyediran, O. O. (2005). Stressed that the words, image e.t.c on the teleprompter screen are reflected to the presenter on a beam splitter, a clear glass. The use of a teleprompter allows a presenter to appear at ease and engaged with the audience. They appear more professional and knowledgeable about their subject, not having to fumble with or refer to a paper copy. Oyekanmi (2008) Cue cards are still in limited use, but they are placed off center from the lens making the presenter to look away from the lens, making them look distracted.
Wikipedia (2015) the first teleprompter was created by Jess Oppenheimer, producer and head writer of “I Love Lucy” in 1953. The teleprompter was used to allow Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to keep in character while presenting commercials on-camera. Several variations and improvements have been made to Oppenheimer’s original design including auto script prompters which scroll at a comfortable pace based on a review of the speaker’s normal speech pattern. One of the best Teleprompters available is the TELMAX GS-15 Teleprompter. To this end, the research is geared towards examining the effects of teleprompter on broadcast practice in Delta State Broadcasting Service (DBS). With a view to know how it has influenced the performance of the newscasters and presenters of DBS.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Eye contact is the hallmark of television presentation, news casting in particular as it makes newscasters to have balance and constant eye contact. Before the introduction of the teleprompter journalist particularly the news and program presenters have to be training and retrained because many presenters did marry to their script which is against the skills of presentation.
If presenter is concentrating more and more on the script the audience will get tired and they may flow aware to other rival television station they making them losing audience and if they lose audience so they will be having less advertisement. Therefore, television media want news to be presented as if the newscasters were reading news from hand rather than reading from script that is why most television industries adopted the use of teleprompter to perform the miracle of brilliancy of staffs. Hence, the research examines the effects of teleprompter on broadcast practice in Delta State Broadcasting Service (DBS). With a view to know how whether DBS has fully adopted Teleprompter and if not why and if yes to what extent has it contributed to the performance of the newscasters and presenters.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the influence of teleprompter on broadcast media practice. Specific objectives include;
1. To examine whether teleprompter improve news presentation of DBS.
2. To examine if teleprompter news hold audience’s attention more than manual news reading.
3. To x-ray whether news through teleprompter influence people viewing habit.
4. To highlight the various challenge facing DBS newscasters in using teleprompter.
5. To know if teleprompter facilitate effective eye contact of newscaster.
6. To find out whether teleprompter enhance news reading.
7. To find out if teleprompter enhance non-verbal and facial gesticulation in news presentation.
1.4 Research Questions
1. To what extent has teleprompter improved news presentation of DBS?
2. Does news presenter using teleprompter hold audience’s attention?
3. To what extent does news through teleprompter influence people viewing habit?
4. Is there any challenge facing DBS newscasters in using teleprompter?
5. Does teleprompter facilitate effective eye contact of newscaster?
6. Does teleprompter enhance news reading?
7. Does teleprompter enhance non-verbal and facial gesticulation in news presentation?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Hypothesis I
H0: There is no significant influence of influence of teleprompter on broadcast media practice.
Hi: There is a significant influence of influence of teleprompter on broadcast media practice.
Hypothesis II
H0: Teleprompter does not improve news presentation of DBS.
Hi: Teleprompter improves news presentation of DBS.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study is on the influence of teleprompter on broadcast media practice. This study was conducted in Delta state Broadcasting Service (DBS).
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The demanding schedule of respondents at work made it very difficult getting the respondents to participate in the survey. As a result, retrieving copies of questionnaire in timely fashion was very challenging. Also, the researcher is a student and therefore has limited time as well as resources in covering extensive literature available in conducting this research. Information provided by the researcher may not hold true for all businesses or organizations but is restricted to the selected organization used as a study in this research especially in the locality where this study is being conducted. Finally, the researcher is restricted only to the evidence provided by the participants in the research and therefore cannot determine the reliability and accuracy of the information provided.
Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Teleprompter: A teleprompter, also known as an autocue, is a display device that prompts the person speaking with an electronic visual text of a speech or script.
Broadcast media: This involves electronically and simultaneously sending information containing signals, print messages and audio or video content to a vast group.