GBC writes to NMC for help over request to reduce channels from 6 to 3

The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has written to the National Media Commission (NMC) for urgent help following a request by the Ministry of Communication for it to reduce its six channels to three in 60 days.

According to the GBC, the directive “will virtually mean that GBC will have to reduce its operations by half,” it said in a letter dated July 7, 2020, written and signed by the Director-General, Professor Amin Alhassan and addressed tot he Natinoal Media Commission (NMC).

The Ministry of Communications in a letter addressed to the Director-General of the GBC dated June 26, 2020, has directed the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to reduce its six operating digital television channels to three.

The directive which is to be implemented within 60 days is to ensure that there is space on the National Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform which is currently at full capacity with 40 operating channels.

Currently, the state broadcaster operates six of those 40 digital channels, namely; GTV Sports+ (a channel for sports), GBC 24 (a 24-hour news TV channel), GTV Life (a religion and culture channel), GTV Govern (a governance channel), Obonu TV (a channel for the people of Greater Accra) and Ghana Learning Television (a channel established for tutoring JHS and SHS students during the COVID-19 pandemic).

However, the Minister's letter seen by Graphic Online suggests that GTV is expected to merge these channels in line with the directive.

Return of channels

The letter also indicates that GTV's channels will be returned when work on the planned expansion of Ghana's DTT network is completed.

"Kindly note that upon the planned future expansion of capacity on the network, which has been delayed due to the current pandemic and the uncertainties generated in global supply chains, you will be allocated additional channels," the letter says.

"Please take steps to implement this directive within sixty (60) days of receipt of this letter. We are counting on your cooperation in this regard".

• Related articles
• GBC directed to reduce its 6 digital TV channels to 3 in 60 days
• Minister unaware of Asaase Radio application for Digital TV operation

But running tothe NMC for help, the Director-General of GBC in his letter argued that a reduction in channels could lead to “serious budgetary and human resource challenges… and indeed can collapse the Public Service Broadcaster.”

“It is with these implications in mind that the Board of Directors has instructed me to communicate this to the National Media Commission and request your urgent intervention on behalf of GBC.”

The Corporation further argued that, given the diverse nature of its various stations, it is “unable to respond to the request of the Hon. Minister of Communication.”

Below is a copy of the letter

more to follow