PRINPAG urges support for struggling media on World News Day

The Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has urged greater investment in the media as the world marks World News Day 2025.

In a statement signed by its President, David Tamakloe, PRINPAG said Ghanaian publishers continue to operate under severe financial constraints while defending press freedom and battling the spread of misinformation.

“Publishers remain the gatekeepers of information, guardians against misinformation, champions of diverse views, and defenders of free speech

“We urge the public to celebrate and support the media, whose efforts shape public discourse and hold power accountable. We commend individuals and institutions that continue to invest in the media through advertisements and other support, helping sustain access to accurate and timely information,” the statement read.

The association stressed that despite limited revenue opportunities, media outlets still shape public discourse and hold power accountable.

“Without their work, our society would risk disorder,” PRINPAG warned.

World News Day, observed annually on September 28, is a global initiative spearheaded by the Canadian Journalism Foundation and the World Editors Forum.

It highlights the importance of journalism in promoting accountability, truth, and democracy, while encouraging the public to support credible news outlets.

This year’s theme comes at a time when Ghana’s media is under pressure from dwindling advertising revenue, rising operational costs, and threats to editorial independence.

According to PRINPAG, these challenges risk weakening the media’s watchdog role in society.

The group called on Ghanaians to celebrate and support journalists whose work ensures the availability of accurate, timely, and diverse information.

“We commend individuals and institutions that continue to invest in the media through advertisements and other support, helping sustain access to accurate and timely information,” the statement read.

At the same time, PRINPAG urged publishers to uphold high standards of professionalism.

“As we mark this day, we also recognize the need for constant improvement.
Publishers must embrace constructive criticism, uphold ethical standards, and adopt technology to maintain public trust,” it noted.

The association appealed to government, corporate bodies, and donors to invest more in capacity building and technological tools to strengthen the resilience and independence of the Ghanaian media.

“Such investment will ensure a media sector that truly serves the public interest and strengthens our democracy,” Tamakloe said.

The statement also reminded the public that supporting journalism is an investment in democracy itself.