The first-ever Ghanaian Radio and Television Magazine to improve professionalism and content on Radio and Television in Ghana and abroad has been launched in Accra.

Professor Kwaku Danso Boafo, former Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland used the occasion to call on journalists to conduct thorough research before publishing news items, which should be reflective of the culture and tradition of the country.

He said it is important for the media to let people understand that; “we are very peculiar and we have our own tradition and culture and must be given that recognition”.

He therefore commended the SIFAT Communications Limited, publishers of the Magazine for the innovation, which he said would bring sanity into Radio and Television presentation.

Nana Sifa Twum, Consulting Editor of the Magazine, said the magazine is the first of three magazines that the company would be publishing and that by next year the remaining two will also be launched.

He said the magazine is of global dimension, and would work with Ghanaian Television and Radio stations around the globe to enforce professionalism and best practices of radio and television presentation as well as ensuring on improving their contents.

He said currently there are more than 600 Ghanaian radio stations across the globe and it is the dream to work with all of them to bridge the gap in professionalism and content.

Nana Twum said the magazine would serve as a research material for journalism institutions within and across the country as living legends whose professionalism and experiences are still not tapped to share with the people within and across the globe.

He said in future there would be an award scheme to honour radio and television presenters and broadcasters who would distinguish themselves on the job.

He announced that the magazine would be launched in Durban, South Africa and the United Kingdom in the next two weeks and pledged for public support to achieve the dream.

Mr Roland Affrail Monnie, President of Ghana Journalists Association, commended the SIFAT Communications Limited for the venture and the encouragement.

He said the magazine would put journalists on their toes and serve as professional compass to improve professionalism, content and also achieve media quality in Ghana.

Mr Godwin Avenorgbor, a Media Consultant and a former Director of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Radio, urged media owners to monitor what goes on air on their various radio stations to promote “our language and culture”.

He said radio and television stations are drowning “our culture and tradition by imposing foreign music and culture over our …tradition”.

He said: “Music is our identity but what kind of music do we hear on our airwaves these days.”

He advised the publishers to give the award to only those who would adhere to professionalism and content of programming.