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The Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey-George has issued a firm warning to broadcasters enjoying the government-funded Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform, stressing that the state can no longer bear the cost of subsidising private enterprises.
Speaking at a national forum on the future of broadcasting, the minister revealed that since the platform’s establishment in 2016, more than 45 TV stations have operated on the DTT network without paying any fees for nearly a decade.
“The free ride bus is running out of gas, and we need to find a sustainable means of fuelling the DTT bus,” the minister declared.
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He explained that the original plan was for broadcasters to progressively take on operational costs after an initial government investment, but industry resistance and litigation stalled the implementation.
The government is now preparing to convene stakeholder discussions to establish a clear arrangement for financial sustainability of the national DTT platform, which is currently being expanded due to high demand for slots.
“We must commence discussions on how stations using the platform can contribute to its operations and maintenance. This is not sustainable for government alone,” the minister insisted.
The announcement comes at a time when broadcasters are also facing rising operational costs, competition from digital platforms, and declining ad revenues. While industry leaders have often called for government support, the minister stressed that sustainability requires shared responsibility.
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