Media Convergence and Gender, Class and Disability Inequalities in Nigeria

Abstract

Communication across the world has evolved with the help of technology and has created several avenues to voice out our needs, opinions, transfer knowledge and information globally. Recently, digitalization has brought about media convergence which is the merging of different forms of mass media. This research paper seeks to examine the relationship between media convergence and gender, class and disability inequalities in Nigeria. Specifically, the study analyses the impact of media convergence on the representation of gender, class and disabilities in Nigeria; the effect of media convergence on public discourse about inequality, the study equally explores the ways the marginalized groups use the benefit of media convergence to reduce inequalities in Nigeria. The study looks at Technological Determinism and Agenda Setting theory of the media. The study adopts the in-depth-Interview research method and nine participants were interviewed. After data collation and analysis, the researchers finds out that; the respondents to some extent understand the meaning of media convergence, they equally use the potential of digital media tools to promote their public image and they face challenges such as; limited technological access, exclusion of low-income populations due to class-based constraints, and inadequate opportunities for persons with disabilities. The study concludes that media convergence can be used to increase public awareness, foster equitable society and create sustainable environment in which gender, class and disability inequalities can be tacked constructively. The study therefore recommends that all stakeholders should utilize various media platforms to represent their voice and public image and the government should help the marginalized group by providing the new technological gadgets for them and organizing training on how to utilize the benefits of media convergence.