Albert Dumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA has applauded the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation(GBC), for keeping pace with the changing trends in the global media environment, particularly for staying on top of its challenges.
”I commend GBC for its level of dynamism and responsiveness to change i.e., moving from the old or traditional model of service to the public and exercising their constitutional mandate to more diverse modules by creating six (7) new/different channels. A very good move that needs to be commended”.
Mr. Dumfour was speaking at a Stakeholder Engagement in Accra, organized by the GBC on the theme; “Sustainability of the State Broadcaster in a new media ecosystem”.
He said GBC must consider the responsibilities therein in building loyal audiences, in the wake of new media dynamics.
”The state broadcaster has done very well by designing tailor-made programs for its target audience to sustain eyeballs. And creating or carving a niche for the brand. However, my challenge lies in ………the responsibilities and challenges that these new channels bring to the station, particularly in terms of financial sustainability and viability, quality content, sustaining eyeballs, and building loyal audiences”, Mr. Dumfour said.
The GJA President said ”as a major stakeholder industry, GJA will also continue to do its part to sustain the media sector by collaborating with relevant partners to pursue programs and projects that will enhance the sector. The GJA and the GBC have collaborated in several areas and sectors to enhance the development of the media industry and our democracy.
See Full Speech below:
Full Text:
Brief Remarks By Gja President Albert Dwumfour At The Stakeholders Forum Organized By Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
Mr. Chairman
The Director General Of The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Prof. Amin Alhassan
Heads Of Media Institutions
Representatives Of Various
Fellow Media Colleagues
Ladies And Gentlemen
On behalf of the national executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), I extend warm greetings to every one of us here.
Indeed, we deeply appreciate the invitation from the State Broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), to participate in this significant stakeholder conference.
We also welcome and commend GBC for its level of dynamism and responsiveness to change i.e., moving from the old or traditional model of service to the public and exercising their constitutional mandate to more diverse modules by creating six (6) new/different channels. A very good move that needs to be commended.
However, my challenge lies in whether we have thoroughly considered the responsibilities and challenges that these new channels bring to the station, particularly in terms of financial sustainability and viability, quality content, sustaining eyeballs, and building loyal audiences.
Nonetheless, the state broadcaster has done very well by designing tailor-made programs for its target audience to sustain eyeballs. And creating or carving a niche for the brand.
Ladies and gentlemen, the theme of the Forum “Sustainability of the State Broadcaster in a new media ecosystem” could not have been more appropriate given the fact that new media has become the new normal.
Ladies and gentlemen, the broadcasting industry faces a pivotal moment. The rise of new media has transformed the way we consume information and entertainment.
To thrive in this evolving landscape, there was the need for us all to adapt and innovate.
Sustainability in broadcasting requires:
- Embracing digital transformation
- Investing in quality content
- Diversifying revenue streams
- Fostering collaboration and partnerships
- Prioritizing environmental and social responsibility
We must harness the power of new media to enhance our storytelling, expand our reach, and engage our audiences.
By embracing change and innovation, we can ensure a vibrant future for broadcasting.
Let us work together to build a sustainable broadcasting industry that informs, inspires, and entertains for generations to come.
Once again, I want to commend the GBC for initiating this important exercise, as it will go a long way toward shaping our discourse on various national topics such as this one and the upcoming elections.
The GJA, as a major stakeholder industry, will also continue to do its part to sustain the media sector by collaborating with relevant partners to pursue programs and projects that will enhance the sector. The GJA and the GBC have collaborated in several areas and sectors to enhance the development of the media industry and our democracy.
I spoke earlier about our upcoming crucial election in December. We, as stakeholders, have to ensure free and transparent elections to maintain the peace we are currently enjoying.
We are all bound by the Constitution, which mandates the state broadcaster to offer equal opportunities to various political parties ahead of the elections. We know the GBC has been doing that already, but this is also a reminder that we must adhere to the tenets of Ghana’s constitution.
The GJA is confident that the GBC will, as usual, step up to the plate and guarantee fair and balanced coverage of this year’s election.
Various stakeholders have gathered here; let’s all do our part to let our sector flourish
The GJA is once again delighted to be a part of this wonderful engagement, and we assure you that we will do everything in our power to ensure the achievement of the objectives and outcomes for the benefit of the nation.
Thank you very much.
