By Rainbow Sackey
The rapid development of the global news media makes it essential for journalists to learn from other regions through international programs. My time on the AMAZE program helped African journalism educators in the early stages of their careers learn about European and German media through an educational experience that changed my perspective. Through interactive lectures, newsroom visits, and practical training, I learned firsthand how different nations conduct their media work and the freedom they can enjoy while also analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the Ghanaian news industry. This experience broadened my understanding of the role of journalism in promoting democracy and the critical need for press freedom in developing societies.
During the AMAZE program, I found it remarkable to see how German media operate within a structured, well-funded, and independent framework, in contrast to many African countries that still struggle with government interference and financial instability (Thelma et al., 2024). Public media in Germany, including Deutsche Welle, ARD, and ZDF, demonstrate why independent journalism is fundamental to democratic governance. These institutions benefit from steady public funding and operate under strict regulations that prioritize the public good and ensure that the press remains free from commercial or political pressure (Freedom House, 2019).
In Africa, media organizations often face challenges such as limited funding, government control, and restricted press freedom (Amnesty International, 2021). While some independent media outlets exist, they often face financial instability, making them vulnerable to political or corporate influence. Through the AMAZE program, I realized the importance of securing long-term, independent funding models for media organizations in Africa to ensure their sustainability and journalistic integrity. Furthermore, discussions with German journalists and academics highlighted possible solutions, such as implementing policies that protect press independence and strengthen public trust in journalism.
Comparison of media systems: Germany vs. Ghana
The AMAZE program also gave me the opportunity to compare news work in Germany and Ghana in more depth. The German media system is built on a solid foundation of journalistic integrity, with public broadcasters like Deutsche Welle emphasizing high ethical standards and high-quality investigative reporting. These media outlets benefit from well-structured funding mechanisms and clear legal safeguards that support their work.
Ghana, on the other hand, is often hailed as a leader in press freedom in Africa thanks to its vibrant network of independent media organizations. Despite this progress, however, Ghana’s media sector continues to face challenges such as financial instability, political interference, and declining press freedom rankings (Media Foundation for West Africa, 2023; Bertelsmann Stiftung, 2024). Journalists in Ghana regularly face threats, harassment, and legal challenges, including the use of defamation laws to suppress critical reporting. The AMAZE program has inspired me to consider practical ways to improve Ghanaian media organizations, particularly by advocating for better legal protections for journalists and encouraging greater investment in independent public broadcasting.
Lessons from the German media system
Germany has successfully institutionalized public media, ensuring their independence from political or commercial pressure. The free operation of ARD and ZDF demonstrates how strong public funding can protect journalism from outside influences while prioritizing the public interest. This stands in stark contrast to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which struggles with government interference and financial instability (Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, n.d.). A more sustainable funding model—such as the German license fee system—could significantly improve the quality and reliability of public broadcasting in Ghana.
Another important lesson from the German media landscape is the emphasis on media literacy. German institutions proactively educate their citizens on how to distinguish credible news sources from misinformation—a skill that is becoming increasingly important in today’s digital age. In Ghana, where misinformation spreads rapidly via social media, integrating media literacy courses into school curricula and community education programs could empower the public to critically evaluate news and avoid falling victim to disinformation campaigns.
Furthermore, German regulatory authorities effectively monitor and protect journalists, ensuring that press freedom is maintained. While the National Media Commission in Ghana plays a similar role, regulatory constraints and political pressure sometimes limit its effectiveness. Strengthening these oversight organizations with greater autonomy and adequate resources would go a long way toward defending media freedom and journalistic integrity.
Challenges and opportunities for the Ghanaian media
Despite Ghana’s significant progress in media freedom, financial independence remains a major challenge for news organizations. Many rely heavily on advertising revenue, making them vulnerable to the influence of corporations and political entities (Dzisah et al., 2024). This commercial pressure often leads to sensationalist journalism that prioritizes profit over accuracy and ethical reporting. The introduction of alternative revenue models, such as subscription services or public financing initiatives, could provide Ghanaian media organizations with greater financial stability and editorial independence.
Another pressing issue is the safety and protection of journalists. Ghana’s press freedom ranking has declined in recent years, and there have been increasing reports of intimidation and violence against journalists. Strengthening legal protections and enforcing strict consequences for attacks on journalists would create a safer environment for independent reporting.
However, there are also promising growth opportunities. Ghana’s growing digital media landscape has fostered independent online journalism, with platforms like The Fourth Estate leading the way in investigative reporting. Learning from the successful implementation of ethical and transparent digital media regulations in Germany could help Ghanaian policymakers develop better guidelines for digital journalism.
International collaborations also hold great potential. Through the AMAZE program, Ghanaian journalists and educators can continue to collaborate with their European colleagues and exchange knowledge and best practices. Establishing more formal partnerships with European media institutions could promote professional development, support cross-border reporting projects, and strengthen Ghana’s media landscape.
Personal Reflections: The Impact of AMAZE on My Pedagogy and Research
Beyond the structured learning, the AMAZE program offered an invaluable cultural exchange. The exchange with German journalists, researchers, and media professionals enabled me to critically examine my teaching methods and the Ghanaian media environment in general. The discussions on press freedom, media ethics, and disinformation were particularly relevant to my work as an educator.
One of the most memorable experiences was visiting newsrooms and media training institutes in Germany. Observing how journalists deal with ethical dilemmas, verify sources, and engage audiences made me realize the importance of practical journalism training. I left the program with a renewed resolve to incorporate these lessons into my teaching and ensure that future Ghanaian journalists are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Challenges and opportunities for infrastructure: insights from my doctoral thesis
One of the key takeaways from the AMAZE program was the role of adequate infrastructure in shaping high-quality journalism education. My doctoral thesis, titled ” Media Convergence in Practice: Curriculum and Pedagogical Issues in Journalism Education in Ghana ,” examines how journalism institutions in Ghana incorporate media convergence into their curricula. The research highlights several challenges, including limited infrastructure, large class sizes, lack of modern equipment, and gaps in teacher training . German educational institutions benefit from well-equipped classrooms, multimedia studios, and cutting-edge technology that enhance students’ learning experiences. In Ghana, however, journalism schools struggle with limited resources, outdated equipment, and overcrowded classrooms . The AMAZE program has highlighted the need to close this gap by prioritizing investments in digital recording equipment, newsrooms, and modern teaching aids .
However, several problems may hinder progress in this area:
- Financial constraints: Many journalism schools in Ghana rely on government funding, which is often insufficient to meet their infrastructure needs. Private funding and industry partnerships could offer alternative solutions.
- Political and bureaucratic delays: The introduction of new infrastructure requires political approvals and institutional agreements, which can slow implementation.
- Lack of qualified staff: Even with improvements in infrastructure, teachers may need additional training to use modern equipment effectively.
- Technological gaps: The rapid evolution of digital tools for journalism means that constant updates and maintenance are required, which can be costly.
Establishing exchange programs with German institutions could facilitate technology transfer and enable Ghanaian students to use modern journalism tools. Furthermore, the adoption of the German funding model , which specifically supports public broadcasters, could be explored to support journalism training institutions in Ghana.
Building bridges: Media cooperation between Ghana and Europe
The AMAZE program underscored the value of cross-regional cooperation in journalism training. Strengthening relations between Ghanaian and European media institutions can promote knowledge exchange, research partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives. Expanding programs like AMAZE to include more joint training workshops, faculty exchanges, and joint research on press freedom and media literacy could bring long-term benefits to both regions.
Furthermore, the participation of Ghanaian journalists and educators in European journalism networks would provide them with access to international resources, mentoring opportunities, and broader professional exposure. By advocating for media policies that reflect global best practices while being sensitive to local contexts, Ghanaian media professionals can contribute to creating a more resilient and independent press environment.
Conclusion
My experience in the AMAZE program has confirmed the critical role of journalism in shaping democratic societies. Although Ghana and Germany have different media landscapes, both countries can learn from each other’s successes and challenges. Strengthening press freedom, ethical journalism, and media literacy remain critical for navigating the evolving global media landscape.
As an educator and researcher, I strive to incorporate these insights into my work and advocate for policies that support independent journalism in Ghana. Media transformation is an ongoing process, and cross-border learning remains an important tool in shaping the future of journalism education. The continuation of internationally organized programs such as the AMAZE Mentorship Program ensures that Ghanaian journalists build an independent media ecosystem in the country and strive for the highest press standards of freedom and integrity.
This article, “Bridging Media Landscapes: Reflections on the AMAZE Program and Lessons for Journalism in Ghana” was originally published by the European Journalism Observatory on February 17 2025.