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Mass Communication · 200 Level
This is the complete lecture note for MCM 202 Editing and Graphics of Communication, prepared for Mass Communication students at 200 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: MCM 202 Course title: Editing and Graphics of Communication Course credit load: Suggested Outline for Series 1 Main Parts and Sub-Parts 1.1 Origins of Editing and Graphics 1.1.1 Early forms of communication and visual representation 1.1.2 Traditional editing practices before modern media 1.2 Development of Editing in Nigeria 1.2.1 Colonial-era newspapers and editorial practices 1.2.2 Post-independence growth of editing standards 1.3 Evolution of Graphics in Nigeria 1.3.1 Introduction of graphic design in print media 1.3.2 Role of illustrations and photographs in Nigerian newspapers 1.4 Global Perspectives on Editing and Graphics 1.4.1 Historical milestones in editing across other countries 1.4.2 Comparative analysis of Nigerian and international practices 1.5 Contemporary Trends and Challenges 1.5.1 Digital transformation in editing and graphics 1.5.2 Emerging issues and opportunities in the field Introduction Editing and graphics have always played a central role in shaping how information is communicated to the public. From the earliest forms of visual representation to the modern digital newsroom, these practices have influenced the way societies record, share, and interpret events. In Nigeria, the history of editing and graphics reflects broader social, political, and technological changes, making it an essential area of study for anyone preparing to work in the media. By exploring this history, you will gain a deeper appreciation of how editing and graphics evolved locally and globally, and why they remain vital in today’s communication landscape. The aim of this Series is to provide you with a clear understanding of the historical development of editing and graphics in Nigeria and other countries, and to equip you with the ability to analyse how these practices have shaped media communication over time.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by examining the origins of editing and graphics, focusing on early forms of communication and traditional practices. Next, we will explore the development of editing in Nigeria, beginning with colonial-era newspapers and continuing into the post-independence period. Subsequently, we will turn to the evolution of graphics in Nigeria, considering the introduction of design and photography in print media. Following that, we will broaden our perspective by looking at global milestones in editing and graphics, comparing Nigerian practices with those of other countries. Finally, we will wrap up by discussing contemporary trends and challenges, particularly the impact of digital transformation on editing and graphics today. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define the origins of editing and graphics in relation to early communication practices, SLO 1.2 explain the historical development of editing in Nigeria from colonial to post-independence periods, SLO 1.3 describe the evolution of graphics in Nigerian print media, including the role of illustrations and photographs, SLO 1.4 analyse global milestones in editing and graphics and compare them with Nigerian practices, SLO 1.5 evaluate contemporary trends and challenges in editing and graphics, particularly those arising from digital transformation. 1.1 Origins of Editing and Graphics 1.1.1 Early forms of communication and visual representation Human societies have always relied on symbols, which are marks or signs used to represent ideas, and graphics, which are visual elements that communicate meaning, to share information. Cave paintings, carvings, and pictographs served as early examples of graphic communication. These visual forms were often accompanied by oral storytelling, which required careful organisation and editing to ensure accuracy. For example, early scribes in Mesopotamia used clay tablets to record trade and governance. These records had to be edited for clarity, much like how modern editors refine newspaper articles. Fill in the blank: Early scribes in ______ used clay tablets to record trade and governance.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Short description: Illustration of cave paintings as early communication. Figure 1.1 Cave paintings as precursors to graphic communication. 1.1.2 Traditional editing practices before modern media Before the advent of printing, editing was largely oral and manual. In African societies, griots, who were traditional storytellers and historians, acted as editors by ensuring that oral histories were consistent and accurate across generations. In Nigeria, town criers performed a similar role, selecting and refining messages before delivering them to communities.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS These practices highlight that editing is not only about correcting errors but also about shaping messages for clarity and impact. Fill in the blank: In Nigeria, ______ were responsible for refining and delivering messages to communities. Short description: Image of a town crier holding a gong. Plate 1.1 Town crier as an early editor in Nigerian society.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Pilot questions 1.1 Which ancient civilisation used clay tablets for recording trade and governance? What is the term for traditional African storytellers who preserved oral histories? What role did town criers play in Nigerian communities? Give one example of how cave paintings functioned as early communication. True or False: Editing only began with the invention of printing. 1.2 Development of Editing in Nigeria 1.2.1 Colonial-era newspapers and editorial practices During the colonial period, newspapers such as Iwe Irohin, the first Nigerian newspaper, emerged as platforms for information and advocacy. Editors were responsible for selecting stories, correcting language, and ensuring that publications aligned with colonial regulations. These practices laid the foundation for professional editing in Nigeria, even though editorial freedom was limited by colonial authorities. Fill in the blank: The first Nigerian newspaper, ______, was established in the colonial period.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Short description: Illustration of an early Nigerian newspaper front page. Figure 1.2 Colonial-era newspapers as the foundation of editing in Nigeria. 1.2.2 Post-independence growth of editing standards After independence in 1960, Nigerian newspapers expanded rapidly. Editors began to adopt more structured approaches, using internationally recognised proofreading symbols, which are marks used to indicate corrections in text, and style guides to maintain consistency. The role of editing shifted from mere correction to shaping the voice of the publication, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: After independence, Nigerian editors increasingly relied on ______ symbols and style guides. Short description: Image of a newsroom with editors reviewing copy. Plate 1.2 Nigerian editors refining articles in the post-independence era. Pilot questions 1.2 Name the first Nigerian newspaper established during the colonial period. What was the primary role of editors in colonial-era newspapers?
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