The media play a significant role in the socio-economic and political development of all economies. However, if their operations are not properly and efficiently regulated, it can lead to underdevelopment. Hence, this study focused on the prospects of regulating electronic media activities in Ghana by using the National Media Commission (NMC) as a case study.
The mixed research method was used as well as primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through questionnaires and interview guides. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques was used to select 100 respondents for the study. The findings of the study revealed that there are various existing regulations governing the electronic media in Ghana. It was also found that there are problems and challenges facing the NMC in the discharge of its duties. This has to do with the electronic media ownership, employees and team compositions and the internal weaknesses electronic media houses in ensuring adhering to the NMC regulations. The study recommends that Ghana Parliament should pass a law to empower the NMC to be more biting.
Table of Contents
- Chapter One: Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Statement of Problem
- Objectives of the Study, Research Questions
- Significance of the study
- Scope and Limitation of the Study
- Overview of Research Methodology
- Organization of the Study
- Chapter Two: Literature Review
- Introduction
- Background of Ghana's Media
- The Press
- Broadcasting
- The Media before Deregulation
- The Media after Deregulation
- Types of Media in Ghana
- Functions of the Media
- Institutional Framework for Media Regulations in Ghana
- National Media Commission (NMC)
- National Communications Authority of Ghana (NCA)
- The Ministry of Communications
- The Information Services Department (ISD)
- The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
- The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
- Relationship between NCA and NMC
- The Concept of Regulations
- Types and Nature of Regulations
- Challenges in the Implementation of Regulations
- Analysis of Media Regulations
- Compliance Mechanisms of the Media
- Nature of Compliance
- Theoretical Framework
- Agenda Settings Theory
- Media Systems Dependency
- Theories of Relational Dialectics
- Chapter Three: Methodology
- Introduction
- Research Design
- Research Population
- Sampling Technique and Sample Size
- Data Sources
- Data Collection Tools and Procedure
- Reliability and Validity
- Data Analysis
- Ethical Considerations
- Chapter Four: Presentation, Analysis and Discussion of Findings
- Introduction
- Demographic characteristics of respondents
- GENERAL PUBLIC RESPONDENT'S VIEW ON ELECTRONIC MEDIA REGULATION IN GHANA
- NMC RESPONDENT'S VIEW ON ELECTRONIC MEDIA REGULATION IN GHANA
- ELECTRONIC MEDIA RESPONDENT'S VIEW ON ELECTRONIC MEDIA REGULATION IN GHANA
- Discussion of findings
- Regulation Governing the Electronic Media in Ghana
- Problems and challenges faced by NMC
- Ways through which NMC can effectively enhance their collaboration
- General perception of the Ghanaian general public
Objectives and Key Themes
This study investigates the prospects of regulating electronic media activities in Ghana, using the National Media Commission (NMC) as a case study. The research aims to identify existing regulations, challenges faced by the NMC, and potential solutions for improved regulation. * Effectiveness of the NMC in regulating electronic media in Ghana. * Challenges faced by the NMC in discharging its duties. * Compliance of electronic media houses with NMC regulations. * Public perception of electronic media regulation in Ghana. * Potential improvements to the regulatory framework.Chapter Summaries
Chapter One: Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the study by providing background information on the role of media in socio-economic and political development. It clearly defines the problem of inadequate regulation of electronic media in Ghana, articulating the study's objectives and research questions. It also outlines the significance of the research, its scope and limitations, the methodology employed (mixed methods approach using primary and secondary data), and the organization of the study itself. The introduction effectively establishes the context and rationale for the research, highlighting the importance of effective media regulation in Ghana. Chapter Two: Literature Review: This chapter comprehensively examines existing literature on Ghana's media landscape, tracing its evolution from pre-deregulation to the post-deregulation era. It details the various types of media operating in Ghana and analyzes their functions within society. A significant portion is dedicated to the institutional framework for media regulation, examining the roles and responsibilities of key institutions, including the NMC, NCA, Ministry of Communications, ISD, GJA, and GIJ. The chapter explores the concept of media regulation itself, including different types, challenges in implementation, and relevant compliance mechanisms. Finally, it presents the theoretical framework underpinning the study, drawing on theories like agenda-setting, media systems dependency, and relational dialectics to inform the analysis. Chapter Three: Methodology: This chapter meticulously outlines the research design, population, and sampling techniques used in the study. It details the selection of 100 respondents using purposive and simple random sampling. The chapter describes the data collection methods (questionnaires and interviews) and the procedures followed to gather primary and secondary data. It addresses issues of reliability and validity of the data, the analytical methods employed, and ethical considerations that were taken into account during the research process. This thorough methodology section ensures the transparency and rigor of the research approach. Chapter Four: Presentation, Analysis and Discussion of Findings: This chapter presents the results of the data analysis, divided into sections according to respondent groups (general public, NMC representatives, and electronic media practitioners). It presents demographic information on respondents and then delves into their perspectives on various aspects of electronic media regulation in Ghana. Key findings are discussed in relation to the research questions, providing insights into the effectiveness of the NMC's regulatory role, challenges faced in implementation, compliance levels, and public perceptions. The discussion section synthesizes these findings, linking them to the theoretical framework and prior literature.Keywords
Electronic media regulation, Ghana, National Media Commission (NMC), media ownership, media compliance, regulatory challenges, media policy, public perception, new media platforms, institutional framework, media ethics, research methodology.
Ghanaian Electronic Media Regulation: A Comprehensive Study - FAQ
What is the main focus of this study?
This study investigates the effectiveness of electronic media regulation in Ghana, specifically focusing on the role and challenges faced by the National Media Commission (NMC).
What are the key objectives of the research?
The research aims to identify existing regulations, challenges faced by the NMC in regulating electronic media, and potential solutions for improvement. It also explores the compliance of electronic media houses with NMC regulations and the public's perception of the regulatory framework.
What methodology was used in this study?
The study employs a mixed methods approach, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Data collection involved questionnaires and interviews with 100 respondents (general public, NMC representatives, and electronic media practitioners) selected through purposive and simple random sampling. The data analysis methods are described within the study.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the effectiveness of the NMC, the challenges it faces, media house compliance, public perception of electronic media regulation, and potential improvements to the regulatory framework.
Which institutions are examined in relation to media regulation in Ghana?
The study examines the roles and responsibilities of several key institutions, including the National Media Commission (NMC), National Communications Authority (NCA), Ministry of Communications, Information Services Department (ISD), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ). The relationships between these institutions are also analyzed.
What theoretical frameworks are used to guide the analysis?
The study draws upon several theoretical frameworks, including agenda-setting theory, media systems dependency theory, and theories of relational dialectics.
What aspects of media regulation are covered in the study?
The study covers various aspects of media regulation, including the types and nature of regulations, challenges in implementation, compliance mechanisms, and the evolution of media regulation in Ghana (pre and post-deregulation).
What are the main findings of the study (in brief)?
The study presents findings from three respondent groups: the general public, NMC representatives, and electronic media practitioners. These findings address the effectiveness of the NMC, the challenges it faces, compliance levels, and public perception, offering insights into potential improvements for the regulatory framework.
How is the study organized?
The study is organized into four chapters: Chapter One (Introduction), Chapter Two (Literature Review), Chapter Three (Methodology), and Chapter Four (Presentation, Analysis, and Discussion of Findings).
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Electronic media regulation, Ghana, National Media Commission (NMC), media ownership, media compliance, regulatory challenges, media policy, public perception, new media platforms, institutional framework, media ethics, and research methodology.
- Quote paper
- Anthony Abaidoo (Author), Joseph Kojo Loggosu (Author), 2016, The Prospects of Regulating Electronic Media Activities in Ghana. A Case Study of the National Media Commission, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/373128
