Rethinking Awards in Ghana’s Media Landscape: A Call for Meaningful Recognition – K-Lover Writes

In numerous instances, I’ve expressed concerns over the exploitation of media platforms by award organizers who, while using the industry to generate revenue, only acknowledge the efforts of recipients with mere plaques.

This practice is disheartening and warrants reconsideration.

In Ghana, the landscape of media awards is riddled with ceremonies that commend outstanding contributions with nothing more than a plaque.

The Ghana Journalist Association is one of the few exceptions that include a prize along with the recognition. However, despite the multitude of award ceremonies hosted throughout the country, the absence of substantial prizes remains a prevailing issue.

Readers are encouraged to conduct their research to identify additional media award schemes that provide prizes beyond plaques. Despite the multitude of ceremonies, it is noteworthy that the majority fail to offer anything more than symbolic acknowledgment. This is a perplexing phenomenon, especially when considering the extensive promotion campaigns undertaken by various media houses, encompassing radio, television, print, and more.

Nominators fervently advocate for their preferred candidates across media platforms, urging the public to vote for their favorite presenters, DJs, reporters, producers, or stations. However, the disillusionment arises when the grand event unfolds, and the sole reward bestowed upon the deserving winners is a plaque. It is disconcerting to witness media houses and prominent personalities investing time, energy, and even financial resources, only to be rewarded with a token of recognition.

One marketer justified this practice as part of branding, suggesting that possessing an award could enhance one’s chances of securing contracts. This perspective unveils a system steeped in unnecessary competition, where even significant media entities participate in award ceremonies that yield no tangible benefits for the recipients.

While not opposed to recognizing outstanding achievements, the disparity between the effort invested and the meager outcome of a plaque leaves much to be desired. After dedicating a year’s worth of hard work, being nominated, and actively rallying for votes, walking away with only a plaque seems inadequate.

I propose that media owners and managers reconsider their involvement in such award schemes. Organizers must acknowledge the inherent risks and efforts involved in media work by offering substantial prizes instead of mere plaques, which ultimately hold minimal value.

It is disheartening to witness individuals paying money to receive a commonplace plaque in the pursuit of awards. This practice is regrettable, and it is time to advocate for a system that benefits everyone involved, rather than merely serving the interests of organizers.

The current award schemes, as it stands, seem to primarily benefit those orchestrating the events, leaving the deserving recipients with a sense of unfulfilled accomplishment.

I consistently feel disheartened witnessing prominent media giants engaging in these so-called award schemes.

To entities like Despite Media, EIB Network, Multimedia Group, Media General, Angel Broadcasting Service, and others, I urge you to heed my call.

Let’s collectively communicate with the organizers of these award schemes, urging them to either rectify the situation or refrain from participating. Simply awarding a plaque doesn’t align with the brand, especially considering the substantial efforts invested in orchestrating a successful event.