Chief Executive Officer of Focus 1 Media, Mr. Kwame Adu-Mante has called for more collaborative effort among radio owners instead of just competing amongst themselves.
Speaking on ‘Adzekyee Mu Nsem’, the morning show of Spice 91.9FM as part of activities marking the 10th Anniversary of of the station, he said, radio has gone through changing phases, and it’s about time radio stations take time to discuss pertinent issues relating to media.
According to him, the media should focus on discussing issues regarding the growth of the media workforce and the industry as a whole.
” Usually, we fail as radio people to discuss issues that are facing the workforce.
We mostly talk about other sectors such as health and education. We as radio people should move away from competition and focus on collaborating.
We need to discuss the conditions of the average radio person, and such discussions should bring about a change in the working standard of industry players.
There are about 40 radio stations in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, and if you look into their finances, you will realize that they are struggling to make it. It’s about time we have a discussion to foster the growth of the industry.” Mr. Mante said.
Mr. Kwame Adu -Mante made mention of the high cost of producing local content which is a major challenge for radio stations.
He bemoaned the low revenue generated from the radio business due to the rapid spring-up of several radio stations.
” The market space in the radio business was better some years back as compared to today.
There were about 12 to 14 radio stations and everyone had a fair share & Business was good.
We tackled social issues which enhanced the growth of the station.
The challenges had to do with producing local content. It requires capital but the revenue generated is inadequate to fund that, which is why most programs especially news items are transmitted from the capital, ” He added.
