In the heat of the moment that all media professionals in Ghana are looking forward to the mother of all awards, that is the Radio and Television Personality Awards to be held on 25th June 2011 at the Banquet Hall, one of the councillors of the event has released what can be described as a salvo.
In an interview with Total Entertainment 205 host Agyemang Prempeh on Channel R 92.7, legend broadcaster Mr Tommy Annang Forson noted that he feels very dejected anytime he listens to radio or watches television these days. He was answering questions on a new television programme on TV dubbed Hot Gossip where the presenter was accused of fabricating stories about Okyeame Kwame and his wife.
He was called into the programme to share his opinion about the current state of radio and television broadcasting in Ghana where it is believed professionalism has been thrown to dogs in the profession.
“I feel very dejected when I listen to radio and watch television these days because I can see that there are no professionals on the job now. The moment people get the opportunity to be on radio, they do what they like without thinking about the audience. I also blame radio and television bosses whose duty is it to make sure that their presenters are trained to meet the market.
I am really looking for a time when some broadcasters will be sued and sent to court for defamation so when they come from jail, they and the people around them will learn how to talk whiles on air. There is no way you can send a story out in the airwaves without cross checking your facts. Every presenter who does not check his facts before going on air should not be taken serious at all in his duties. The audience deserve betters services from broadcasters because of the authority they have on the airwaves” he added.
Based on this submission by the broadcast coach, many are asking if there are people we can still honour as best personalities in the Ghanaian broadcast media. The organizers of the radio and television have named Mr. Tommy Annang Forson who doubles as the founder of Rabodef (a training center for broadcasters) as one of the leading planning committee members for the event.