Negotiating Broadcasting Policy

Civil Society and Civic Discourse in Ghana

Bibliographic Data

ID7512810
AuthorsCarla W Heath (corresponding author)
Year1999
Volume61
Issue6
Pages511-521
Publication date1999-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGazette (Leiden Netherlands (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0016-5492 • E-ISSN: 1460-3594
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0016549299061006004
OpenAlexW2063102701
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited8

This article examines the nature of civil society and civic discourse in Ghana as they are reflected in the process by which broadcasting policy in that country is currently being negotiated. It is grounded in the notions that civil society is constituted by and in communication and that vital civil society and public discourse are essential aspects of a truly democratic system of governance. Public discussion of broadcasting policy began with a university conference in 1993; it gradually broadened to include members of radio audiences as well as officials, academics and a wide range of professional associations and media practitioners. In response to listeners' demands, public and private radio stations made available opportunities for on-air discussions of public issues. An apparent consequence of these programs is that Ghanaians feel more confident about participating in talking about and acting on other issues of public concern. Civil society has been strengthened

Broadcasting (networking · Business · Civil society · Corporate governance · Democracy · Negotiation · Political science · Politics · Public broadcasting · Public policy · Public relations · Sociology · African history and culture studies · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Media Studies and Communication · Law · Public Administration

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