DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE RADIO AND TV STREAMING PLATFORMS (A CASE STUDY OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA STUDIES ONLINE RADIO AND TV)

CHAPTER TWO

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The accelerated advancement of digital technology has completely transformed the processes of creating, disseminating, and consuming media information on a worldwide scale. The emergence of internet streaming platforms has brought about a substantial transformation in the realm of traditional radio and television transmission, which used to be confined to specific geographic areas and time limitations. These platforms have facilitated equal access to information, entertainment, and education, allowing users to interact with content at any time and from any location, as long as they have internet connectivity (Kumar & Smith, 2018). The transition of media material to online platforms has also stimulated a competitive and inventive business, where conventional broadcasters now contend with internet-native enterprises such as Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube (Johnson, 2019).

Online radio and TV streaming services have become essential components of the contemporary media environment, providing a diverse range of material, including news, entertainment, and instructional programming. These platforms made use of cloud computing, sophisticated data analytics, and user-friendly interfaces to improve the user experience, resulting in more interactivity and personalisation (Li & Zhang, 2020). The surge in mobile device usage and the widespread availability of fast internet connections have significantly propelled the acceptance of streaming services. This has resulted in a large number of people globally accessing material whenever they want (Doyle, 2021).

In Nigeria, the media business has enthusiastically adopted this digital revolution, as numerous conventional broadcasters have established online streaming services to expand their reach to wider viewers. The increasing use of internet radio and TV streaming platforms by academic institutions as instruments for sharing information and delivering instructional content is a clear indication of a shift in the way they operate (Ogunleye, 2017). Bayero University Kano's Information and Media Studies department has just introduced its own online radio and TV streaming platform. The portal's primary objective is to offer students and the general public with pertinent academic information, news, and entertainment (Adeoye & Agboola, 2022).

This study is centred around creating and executing an internet-based platform for streaming radio and TV content. The case study for this project is the Information and Media Studies Online Radio and TV. The objective is to investigate the technical, operational, and user-experience aspects of these platforms, which have gained significant significance in the realm of higher education. Considering the significant role of media in influencing public perception and offering instructional materials, this study is both contemporary and pertinent. It will help to expand our knowledge of how academic institutions might use digital platforms to improve learning and engagement.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although internet radio and TV streaming services are increasingly being used in academic settings, there are still substantial obstacles that impede their usefulness and long-term viability. An important problem is the absence of a standardised framework for the design and execution of these platforms, resulting in discrepancies in user experience, content quality, and operational efficiency (Zhang & Wu, 2019). In addition, the platform's performance is typically compromised by technological problems such as streaming latency, server stability, and scalability, which in turn impair the overall user experience (Nguyen & Wang, 2020).

Another significant issue is the insufficient incorporation of these platforms into the wider educational ecosystem. Although the potential of online streaming platforms as educational tools is widely acknowledged, many institutions face challenges in aligning the content with their curricula and pedagogical objectives (Adeoye & Agboola, 2022). This imbalance leads to a lack of optimal utilisation of the platform's potential and a failure to properly engage both students and professors.

Moreover, challenges pertaining to content management, copyright, and intellectual property rights provide substantial barriers. Ensuring that content is appropriately licensed and that creators receive fair compensation continues to be an issue, especially in academic contexts where resources are frequently constrained (Ogunleye, 2017). To effectively tackle these issues, a thorough strategy is needed that takes into account technological, operational, and educational aspects in order to guarantee the platform's triumph and long-term viability.

 

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement an efficient and user-friendly online radio and TV streaming platform for the Information and Media Studies department at Bayero University Kano.

2. To evaluate the technical challenges associated with the implementation and operation of the platform, including server reliability, streaming latency, and scalability.

3. To assess the impact of the platform on students' engagement and learning outcomes, and its integration into the broader educational ecosystem.

 

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the key technical requirements for designing and implementing an effective online radio and TV streaming platform?

2. What challenges are associated with the operation and maintenance of the platform, and how can they be addressed?

3. How does the platform impact student engagement and learning outcomes in the Information and Media Studies department?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds significance for various stakeholders in the academic and media industries. For educational institutions, it provides a practical framework for implementing online streaming platforms, which can enhance content delivery, improve student engagement, and support blended learning initiatives (Li & Zhang, 2020). For students, the platform offers a flexible and accessible means to engage with educational content, fostering a more dynamic and interactive learning environment (Johnson, 2019).

For the media industry, particularly in Nigeria, the study highlights the potential of academic institutions as partners in the creation and dissemination of quality content. It offers insights into the technical and operational challenges of online streaming, which can inform the development of more robust and scalable solutions (Nguyen & Wang, 2020). Additionally, policymakers and administrators can use the findings to guide investments in digital infrastructure and content creation, ensuring that online platforms are effectively integrated into the educational framework (Ogunleye, 2017).

 

1.6 Scope and Limitations

The scope of this study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of an online radio and TV streaming platform for the Information and Media Studies department at Bayero University Kano. While the platform's technical and operational aspects will be thoroughly examined, the study does not extend to the commercial or monetization strategies that may apply to broader media streaming platforms. Additionally, the research focuses on the user experience of students and faculty within the department, which may not fully represent the diverse needs of other academic disciplines or institutions.

Limitations of the study include the reliance on specific case study data from Bayero University Kano, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, the rapidly evolving nature of digital technologies means that some technical solutions proposed in this study may become outdated, necessitating continuous updates and adaptations.

 

1.7 Definition of Terms

Streaming: The real-time delivery of media content over the internet without requiring the user to download the file (Kumar & Smith, 2018).

Latency: The delay between the user's request for content and the delivery of the content, often measured in milliseconds (Nguyen & Wang, 2020).

Scalability: The ability of a system to handle a growing amount of work or its potential to be enlarged to accommodate that growth (Li & Zhang, 2020).

User Experience (UX): The overall experience of a person using a product, particularly in terms of how easy or pleasing it is to use (Johnson, 2019).

Blended Learning: An educational approach that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods (Adeoye & Agboola, 2022).

References

Adeoye, T., & Agboola, O. (2022). The impact of digital media on education in Nigeria: A case study of Bayero University Kano. International Journal of Media and Communication Studies, 14(2), 189-202.

Doyle, P. (2021). Mobile internet and media consumption: A growing trend. Media and Society Journal, 22(3), 245-259.

Johnson, R. (2019). The role of streaming platforms in the modern media landscape. Journal of Digital Media, 18(4), 301-315.

Kumar, S., & Smith, A. (2018). Streaming media: Technologies, trends, and future. Journal of Information Technology, 15(1), 53-65.

Li, H., & Zhang, W. (2020). Enhancing user experience in online streaming platforms: A technical perspective. Journal of User Interface Design, 25(1), 89-101.

Nguyen, T., & Wang, X. (2020). Addressing latency and scalability in streaming services. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 50(2), 123-134.

Ogunleye, O. (2017). The digital transformation of Nigerian media: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of African Media Studies, 9(1), 67-81.

Zhang, Y., & Wu, Q. (2019). Designing scalable and reliable online media platforms. Computer Systems Journal, 28(3), 145-160.