The 'Broadcommer' Phenomenon: Technology-Driven Role Convergence and its Impact on Workflows and Wellbeing in Nigerian Television Newsrooms

The rapid integration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is fundamentally reshaping broadcast journalism, leading to the convergence of previously distinct roles. This study investigates the emergence of the “broadcommer”—a portmanteau of broadcaster and communicator—in Nigerian television newsrooms, where journalists are increasingly required to shoot, edit, and promote their own stories. Utilizing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, data was collected from 50 broadcast journalists across six major television stations in Lagos (Channels TV, TVC News, NTA Lagos, Arise News, Silverbird TV, and Lagos Television) via a quantitative survey, followed by semi-structured interviews to provide depth. Quantitative findings reveal widespread role convergence, with 68% of journalists often or always shooting their own video. The study concludes that the “broadcommer” model, while a pragmatic response to economic and technological pressures, poses significant risks to journalist well-being and content quality if the current support deficit remains unaddressed. Recommendations for newsroom management and journalism education are proposed.