Newspapers, which have for many years been a major source of information for many people seem to have succumbed to the pressures of the new digital age.
With the ever changing technology landscape, it appears most people now prefer to read news items from the internet as newspapers are no longer seen as the ultimate source of information.
Some decades ago in Ghana, newspapers such as Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, Chronicle and Daily Guide were the most reliable sources of information aside radio and television and the most circulated sources of information in the country.
Chief Executive Officer of the Graphic Communications Group, Kenneth Ashigbey admits that the volumes of newspapers produced in the past has reduced significantly as many people prefer to watch television or listen to radio.
He said radio and television have taken the value the newspaper has borne, as well as its readership.
Even tabloids are struggling to keep their sales up. Managing Editor of The Republic Newspaper David Tamakloe said his company is unable to “break even. The public’s attention is shifting form hard copy to soft copy and we will have no choice but to halt the production of newspapers”.
Managing Editor of the National Forum newspaper, Kwabena Bomfeh also lamented about poor sales saying “sadly, we are not making much sales through our hard copies but we get patronage from both online and social media”.
Some people who spoke to Joy Business blamed the dip in newspaper sales to the increased availability of internet and the emergence of smart phones.
They said it was more convenient and faster to access information on the internet and therefore it was unnecessary to purchase newspapers.
Others also said the newspapers are too expensive as compared to the price of data bundles sold by internet service providers and thus readers would rather find information on the internet.
However Kenneth Ashigbey has hopes that the situation will improve. He is of the impression that some gains can still be made from the newspaper business.
He encouraged operators of print media houses to introduce and invent new ways in which the newspaper can be made more attractive to readers.
Latest Stories
-
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
2 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
2 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
3 hours -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
3 hours -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
3 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
3 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
3 hours -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
3 hours -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
3 hours -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
3 hours -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
4 hours -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
4 hours -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
4 hours -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
4 hours -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
4 hours