Afrimaas has called on media practitioners to take greater responsibility for defending and sustaining their industry, as it hosted a summit to mark World Radio Day.

Speaking at the event, the founder of Afrimaas, Raymond Smith, said the future of media in Ghana depends largely on how strongly professionals advocate for themselves and their institutions.

“Nobody speaks for media, media speaks for people,” he said, urging industry players to rally behind initiatives that strengthen media businesses and protect journalistic standards.

The summit, held in Accra on February 13 as part of activities to mark World Radio Day, brought together broadcasters, digital media experts, policymakers and regulators to reflect on the evolving media landscape and the impact of technology.

Mr Smith explained that Afrimaas was established to support struggling media organisations through training, business development and policy engagement, at a time when many stations are grappling with falling revenues and rising operational costs.

Veteran broadcaster Abeiku Santana also shared lessons from his years in radio, stressing the importance of credibility and consistency.

“Radio survives on trust. Once the community believes in you, they will stay with you,” he told participants, while encouraging presenters and producers to embrace digital tools without abandoning core professional values.

On the digital front, the Chief Executive Officer of Atunwa Digital, Mac Maison, noted that Africa’s online media space continues to grow, despite high data costs.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital content consumption in countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, making it necessary for telecom companies and regulators to support wider access.

“There is encouraging growth, but it must be supported with affordable internet and strong infrastructure,” he said.

Representing the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, Secretary-General Osman Tahidu Damba cautioned media houses against overreliance on artificial intelligence.

“AI is a tool, not a voice,” he said, stressing the need to balance innovation with ethics, accountability and journalistic integrity in line with UNESCO principles.

However, media personality Efo Mawubge urged broadcasters to see artificial intelligence as an opportunity rather than a threat.

He said when properly used, AI can improve content production, audience engagement and newsroom efficiency, without replacing human creativity.

Discussions at the summit also focused on disinformation, declining public trust, and the need for stronger media literacy, especially among young people.

Participants agreed that collaboration between journalists, regulators, civil society and technology companies is critical to protecting the credibility of Ghana’s media space.

The event ended with a renewed call for radio stations and digital platforms to use their influence to promote peace, national cohesion, and informed public debate, as Ghana continues to navigate political, economic and social challenges.