The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has called for urgent adoption of innovative business models to secure the future of the country’s broadcasting industry.
He said this was because many broadcasters were struggling with high operational costs, growing competition from digital platforms, and fragmented advertising revenues and as such, financial fragility threatened quality and professional standards.
“Financial sustainability in particular is a pressing concern for me, for sector players.
This reality necessitates innovative business models and partnerships that strike a balance between viability and quality,” he said.
Mr George said this yesterday when he delivered the keynote address at a forum organised by the Africa Media Bureau (AMB) in Accra.
It was on the theme: “Aligning Policy, Technology, and Global Best Practices for a Resilient Media Landscape.”
It brought together stakeholders and sector players to assess Ghana’s electronic media, review policies and NCA regulations, benchmark globally, foster stakeholder dialogue, and craft sustainable, tech-driven recommendations.
Reforms
The minister said the nation’s vibrant media, boasting more than 700 FM stations, over 100 television channels and a fast-growing digital ecosystem, faces mounting pressures from high operational costs, shrinking advertising revenues and disruptive technologies.
The audience during the event. Picture: CALEB VANDERPUYE
He announced that the ministry was reviewing the country’s broadcasting policy framework to reflect digital convergence, where radio, television and internet-based platforms overlap.
He pledged collaboration with the National Communications Authority (NCA) and other stakeholders to tighten compliance with licensing conditions, warning that non-operational or persistently non-compliant stations risked losing their authorisations.
The minister also flagged the unsustainable cost of operating the national Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform, revealing that more than 45 television stations had not paid fees for a decade, while the government bore all expenses.
To build a resilient broadcasting sector, he outlined a five-point plan which included enforcing compliance, revoking non-operational licences; updating regulations for digital convergence and hybrid broadcasting; investing in local content, professional standards, and media literacy; adopting emerging technologies for efficiency and competitiveness; and benchmarking regional and global best practices to strengthen institutions and ensuring a sustainable, credible, media ecosystem.
Africa’s story
A representative of the AMB, Hillary Andoh, said Africa must tell its own stories with integrity and authenticity, offering the world amplified voices that showcase the continent’s richness and diversity.
She outlined three key objectives: building capacity and thought leadership through forums, talent development and research; driving innovation and policy engagement as broadcasting evolves at the intersection of technology and regulation; and creating a formidable platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative action to strengthen broadcasters and policymakers alike.
“Our mission is simple, yet ambitious, to bridge policy and practice, tradition and technology, Africa and the world. We will be a catalyst for meaning, researching, mentoring, and inspiring change in the media space,” she added.
