Desktop Publishing Systems in Nigerian Media Production: A Study of Vanguard Newspapers

Abstract

Desktop publishing technology has not only enabled people with requisite computer application skills to produce documents ranging from layout design to typography, but has also, indeed, revolutionized the newspaper publishing business. Newspapers adopt the desktop publishing processes not only in pre-press page designs but also in satellite printing of their titles. The study is anchored on Technological Determinism Theory, and examines the application of desktop publishing processes in Nigerian newspapers, with focus on Vanguard Media titles.  Findings revealed that all titles in the newspaper group adapted to full desktop publishing since 2002 and have continued to apply the technology in all aspects of publishing. Based on these findings, suggestions were made including retraining of all journalists in various computer application skills to enable them to effectively apply the technology in their professional practice.