Abstract
This study examines the status of smartphone adoption among media professionals in India’s National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi, through the lens of the ‘Technology Acceptance Model’ (TAM). A structured survey (N = 161) was conducted among reporters, editors, content creators, photographers, videographers, and social media managers associated with digital, television, print, radio, and freelance media organizations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multi-group tests, and hierarchical multiple regression, while qualitative open-ended responses underwent inductive thematic analysis (intercoder κ = .84). Perceived usefulness (PU: β = 0.52, p < .001) and [Perceived Ease of Use] (PEoU: β = 0.31, p < .01) collectively explained 61% of the variance (R² = 0.61) in actual daily usage. 79.5% of respondents reported daily smartphone usage; 90.5% noted an acceleration in news-gathering workflows; and 86.8% considered smartphones effective for verification purposes. Recurring challenges identified include poor network connectivity (41.5%), limited battery life (29.6%), and device overheating (10.7%). Thematic analysis identifies AI integration, 5G expansion, and AR tools as anticipated future developments. This study extends the application of TAM to mobile journalism within the 'Global South' and offers actionable recommendations for media organizations, policymakers, and journalism educators.
Keywords: Digital Transformation, Mobile Journalism, News Gathering, Perceived Usefulness, Smartphones, Technology Acceptance Model.