Echo Chamber Politics: How the NPP’s media monopoly threatens democracy and press freedom

Media ownership in Ghana is becoming more concentrated in the hands of political elites, particularly those associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Famous people like Frederick Blay, the acting Chairman of the NPP, own sizeable shares in important media outlets like Western Publications Ltd., which publishes the Daily Guide and News One newspapers. A media environment in which a single political narrative predominates is the result of this pattern, which also applies to other significant legislators and business titans who are closely associated with the NPP. The concentration limits the range of viewpoints, which creates an echo chamber that reinforces NPP opinions and marginalizes dissent. ​

The alarming rate at which journalists transition to political roles, particularly within the NPP, is evident in statistics showing that for every five journalists, certainly three out of five become members of the NPP, highlighting a concerning trend. Such statistics suggest that many journalists might have been promoting the party’s agenda under the guise of impartial reporting. This trend raises fundamental questions about the integrity and independence of journalism in Ghana, shedding light on the ethical implications of journalists moving into political roles. For instance, Nana Yaw Kesseh of the Despite Media Group has emphasized the danger of media outlets run by politicians influencing editorial decisions, making it increasingly challenging for journalists to maintain impartiality and objectivity in their reporting.

The NPP’s influence over the media has effectively captured the fourth estate, impairing its ability to serve as a watchdog for the government. As a result of this dominance, journalists refrain from criticizing the party for fear of reprisals from media owners who support the NPP. To address this issue, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) must contribute to the development of a robust media ecosystem by promoting media diversity as a viable alternative to the NPP-dominated media landscape, offering career development opportunities for journalists, and establishing independent media outlets. The media landscape can be restored to balance by establishing independent media outlets and improving career opportunities, which can provide a platform for unbiased journalism.

Academia has a civic responsibility to scrutinize the consolidation of the media industry among the NPP elite. Scholars and researchers must critically analyze how this concentration impacts press freedom and public discourse. Furthermore, journalists need to hold their former colleagues accountable by actively monitoring and exposing any actions that jeopardizes media independence, utilizing ethical guidelines and professional standards as mechanisms for ensuring accountability. This accountability will prevent the erosion of press freedom and ensure that journalists are not merely extensions of political agendas.

To maintain the integrity of public discourse, parliament or regulatory bodies must enforce a clear separation between political opinion sections and newsroom operations, particularly on television and radio. This separation will help prevent political bias from seeping into news reporting and ensure that audiences receive factual and impartial information. Stricter laws and regulations, along with effective monitoring and sanctions, can save the media space from excessive politicization and commercialization.

In contrast, strong media regulation in first-world countries has demonstrated how it can strengthen democracy. For example, the United States’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented regulations to prevent excessive media concentration and ensure diversity. The 1941 National TV Ownership Rule, the 1970 Radio/TV Cross-Ownership Restriction, and the 1975 Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership Prohibition are designed to prevent any single entity from monopolizing media channels. Similarly, in Europe, countries like France and Germany have robust media governance frameworks that promote media pluralism and protect democratic discourse. These frameworks include mechanisms like licensing, public broadcasting support, and antitrust actions to maintain a competitive and diverse media environment​.

As the saying goes, “biassed media undermines public debate and good journalism.” The current media ecosystem, heavily influenced by the NPP, compromises the quality of public debate and the integrity of journalism. It is imperative for all stakeholders, including political parties, academia, and regulatory

Source: metrotvonline.com