New Media and Mass Communication www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3267 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3275 (Online) Vol.63, 2017 72 The Internet and International Broadcasting: Towards a Global Public Sphere Margaret Solo-Anaeto 1* , Helen, O. Adekoya 2 and Iyabobola Ajibola 3 1 Department of Mass Communication, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria 2 Nigeria Department of Mass Communication, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria 3 Department of Mass Communication, Lead City University, Ibadan, * E-mail of Corresponding Author: soloanaeto.margaret@gmail.com Abstract This paper interrogates the nexus between the internet, international broadcasting and the quest for a sustainable global sphere, especially as it pertains to Nigeria. It examines the importance of shifting from a public to a global public sphere in international broadcasting. ‘Sphere’ in international broadcasting is being constantly re-defined and reviewed on account of the introduction of the internet and new media forms into broadcasting, and which have consequently globalised hitherto ‘localized’ public discussions of issues. The introduction of new communication technologies have considerably expanded the public space for discussions and debates. This paper therefore recommends that Nigeria broadcasting stations that offer international broadcasting services should make more and effective use of new media platforms for their broadcasts as well as properly utilize new communication technologies to package programme contents in order to be more relevant and involved in international broadcasting. Keywords: International broadcasting, Internet, Global sphere, Public sphere, New media, Nigeria 1. Introduction The idea of communicating beyond national borders is encapsulated in the concept of international communication. International broadcasting stems from international communication but deals with the use of electronic and broadcast tools for communicating with audiences in foreign countries. According to (Onabajo, 2000) international broadcasting is aimed at objectively creating inter-community (between countries) exchange of information through the means of broadcasting. Global inter-community exchange of information is achieved using international broadcast mediums which include radio, television, cable networks and the internet. By their broadcasts and programmes they introduce important socio-political discussions into the public sphere. This is especially true in democracies. Public discussion and participation in state and societal affairs are the hallmark of true democracy. Public sphere focuses on bringing important issues to the plane of public discussion. The concept and theory of public sphere advocates and describes the creation of a space where citizens of a country share opinions, ideas and criticisms of happenings within their state to influence political actions; while serving as a quasi-regulatory institution. Public sphere can be either national or global and international broadcasting has a role in determining if public sphere will be global or not. International broadcasting tends to enlarge the space for public discussion of issues and events beyond the country of origin, and the Internet facilitates this process. International broadcasting has made omni-directional flow of information all across the world easy and accessible. That is why it is now possible that within minutes of an occurrence or event, it is already a world news. By broadcasting to other countries, people in those countries become aware and thus discuss, share their own opinion and comments. These discussions and positions in some ways affect the nature of decisions and actions taken by the home government on those issues. This goes to highlight the shift from a national public sphere to a global public sphere. The focus of this paper is to shed light on the nature and shift of the public sphere from national or local sphere to a global sphere in this age of new communication technologies that seem to strengthen