Media Development Fund and proposed bill alone won’t fix sustainability problems – Ken Ashigbey

Former Graphic Communications Group boss Dr Ken Ashigbey has warned that a media fund and proposed legislation alone won't secure the industry’s future.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he called for broader changes to help media businesses survive, pay workers properly and uphold professional standards.

“This is not a silver bullet that solves all the problems.”

He responded to a question about a proposed bill aimed at protecting job security, fair remuneration, decent working conditions, and the welfare of media practitioners.

His comments follow President John Mahama’s announcement of GH¢10 million in seed funding for the reactivated Media Development Fund in the 2027 budget.

Announced at the 30th GJA Media Awards, the support targets journalists’ welfare, training, investigative journalism, digital literacy and safety.

Dr Ashigbey said the fund would address only part of the industry’s financing needs. Media organisations should have other income sources.

He argued that efforts to support journalism must also leave room for viable private businesses and public-interest media.

“But definitely, this bill alone is not going to solve the problem of a responsible, sustainable media entity,” he said.

For him, financial support must come with greater professional responsibility.

Backing NMC Executive Secretary George Sarpong’s proposal for an index to track journalism, he called for a distinction between professional practitioners and people merely posing as journalists.

He also advocated stronger self-regulation to address unprofessional conduct. Alongside that, the industry needs conditions that allow media businesses to thrive.

He said people who understand media management should lead those efforts.

Ashigbey also questioned the proliferation of television licences.

“The issues where we are issuing out TV licences like Confetti are things that we need to deal with.”

He said decisions that reduce media houses’ reach could further weaken them. Organisations need sufficient strength to carry out their work.

On managing the fund, he backed a small team supported by technology and overseen by a broadly constituted board.

That structure should do more than administer grants. It should attract additional funding, operate transparently and direct support to deserving recipients.

Beneficiaries, he said, should demonstrate responsible journalism and attention to matters of national importance.

“They have demonstrated that they are dealing with issues that are of concern to our national development.”

Ashigbey also urged stakeholders to preserve space for media entrepreneurs. He argued that commercial media businesses could create jobs, pay decent wages, and contribute taxes.