The book tilted Basic Broadcast Production Principles by Timothy Antwi-Otoo has finally been launched. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Christ The King Catholic Church premises in Accra on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
In a speech, the author spoke about how producers of television and radio shows received limited recognition for their role. As a producer, Mr. Antwi-Otoo said his attempts to reach for books on media production as a young journalist yielded little or no results.
“My search, as a young journalist who had been given a task as a producer of a radio station in Accra, took me to three public universities to ascertain if I could get books or handouts on production to draw some lessons for my task. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, it turned out to be a fruitless exercise.
In fact, I could not get even a page on content production to broaden my horizon.”
Below are excerpts of his speech on the night:
Mr. Chairman, I do not intend to make a long speech, but permit me to give a few reasons why I came up with this book.
First, every television and radio program must have two key people, the producer and the presenter.
The most crucial among the two is the producer because he/she is the custodian of the show.
But most people see the presenters as the owners of the programs on TV and on radio. This impression is wrong.
Producers are the custodians of every program on TV and on radio, and they hold the key to the final product.
Mr. chairman, ladies and gentlemen, sadly, this very important functional position in the media is not taught in any accredited institution that l am aware of.
My search, as a young journalist who had been given a task as a producer of a radio station in Accra, took me to three public universities to ascertain if I could get books or handouts on production to draw some lessons for my task. Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, it turned out to be a fruitless exercise.
In fact, I could not get even a page on content production to broaden my horizon.
I decided to try my luck by proceeding to two leading private communication schools, here in Accra. But, the story was the same.
The next reason, Mr. Chairman, is the motivation I have had over the years regarding my work ethics.
Being a typical Ghanaian employee, my aim had been to work and put food on the table for myself and family, but colleagues’ saw my approach to tasks as being unique and thereby complemented me on regular basis.
Mr. Chairman, this motivated me to start documenting what I do for future generations because, as human as I am, I will not be there forever to mentor others, but by documenting it, the book can serve as my contribution towards quality TV and Radio production.
Lastly, Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, the rather regrettable experience in Rwanda shows that one of the tools that can be used to foment trouble in every society is the media.
However, If the producers of programs, especially political shows are well balanced, such troubles could be averted since they will be in a better position to weigh their work before they air the final output. This will then enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their gatekeeping role.
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Illegal mining
Mr. Chairman, permit me to say a few words about the illegal mining menace. I sincerely believe that the media can not escape blame for our failure against the fight on illegal mining.
The media started a war against this ‘national disaster’. Right from the onset, the result was highly positive. Sadly though, along the line, we relaxed, and the perpetrators began having a field day. We don’t want to accept our blame, because we think we can even police the police, and no one polices us. Even where we decide to talk about it, we do so with a lot of biases. Where is our patriotism?
December Elections
Mr. Chairman, in less than two months from now, Ghana is going to the polls to elect a new president and members of parliament to steer the affairs of the country for the next four years. We have our destiny in our hands. Whether or not Ghana would survive after the election depends on us.
We media practitioners have the duty to protect the nation with our professionalism , and I urge each and every one of us to do this for God and country, because we have only one Ghana.
Mr. Chairman, colleague journalists, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your attention.
Story: Daniel Asuku
