Financial viability of Ghanaian media

Abstract

This chapter examines the dynamics of financing in the Ghanaian media, focusing on revenue inflows, revenue strategies, and the factors impacting the f inancial health of the media. Ultimately, it makes a pronouncement on the financial health of the Ghanaian media. It is premised on the idea that the capacity of the media to deliver on their democratic and developmental mandates is directly linked to their finances and how that positions them to work independently. It used a mixed methods design combining content analysis and key informant interviews to gather evidence. The chapter reports that the overall financial health of the media is unstable and, at best, operating at break-even levels. The financial viability of the media is threatened by the poor Ghanaian economy, technology-driven pressures, industry saturation and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter also reports on the strategies by the media to expand their revenue sources and inflows. It concludes by recommending regulatory interest in sustainability planning by media organisations.