Ken Ashigbey questions TV licensing, warns shrinking reach weakens media houses
Former Graphic Group Communications boss Dr Ken Ashigbey has questioned the issuance of television licences and warned that shrinking media houses’ reach weakens their ability to operate.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he called for changes that would allow media businesses to thrive alongside efforts to fund journalism.
“The issues where we are issuing out TV licenses like Confetti are things that we need to deal with.”
He also raised concerns about decisions that reduce media organisations' reach. He argued that such restrictions weaken businesses that need sufficient strength to carry out their work.
His warning placed the economics of running newsrooms at the centre of discussions about media sustainability.
He said funding support must come with an environment that allows both private media businesses and public interest journalism to flourish.
His comments follow President John Mahama’s announcement of GH¢10 million in the 2027 Budget as seed funding for the reactivated Media Development Fund.
It will support journalists’ welfare, training, investigative journalism, digital literacy and safety programmes.
Asked about proposed legislation addressing journalists’ employment conditions and welfare, Dr Ashigbey cautioned against expecting a single intervention to resolve the industry’s difficulties.
“But definitely, this bill alone is not going to solve the problem of a responsible, sustainable media entity”.
He said entrepreneurs must have space to operate media as a commercial business. Such businesses should be able to employ journalists, pay them well and contribute taxes.
He added that people who understand media management should help lead efforts to strengthen the industry.
But stronger businesses must also demonstrate professional responsibility.
Dr Ashigbey backed the idea of tracking journalistic performance, which NMC Executive Secretary George Sarpong raised during the discussion.
He called for self-regulation to weed out unprofessional practitioners and distinguish credible journalism from those merely presenting themselves as media professionals.
That responsibility should also help determine who receives financial support.
“They have demonstrated that they are dealing with issues that are of concern to our national development.”
On managing the fund, he supported a small, technology-enabled administrative team, overseen by a broadly constituted board.
The body should distribute support transparently and attract additional funding. It should also ensure that assistance reaches those who need it and have demonstrated responsibility.
For Dr Ashigbey, the fund’s sustainability must form part of a wider effort to build viable media organisations.
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