Evolution & Development of the Press

• Lecture 2 focuses on the Evolution and Development of the press

Lecture 2: Outline

• Recap of lecture one topics includes history as a discipline, the importance of studying history, technology defined, the concept of print technology, various techniques and equipment for print, different products of print technology, strengths and weaknesses of print technology, and contemporary issues related to print technology.

Understanding Evolution

• Evolution is the gradual progress of something.
• Evolution involves changes in phenomena over time.
• The process comes with time, traits, character, variants, and values.
• Evolution involves change or development slowly into a better, more complex, or more advanced state, with time.
• An example is Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

Understanding Development

• Development refers to growth, advancement, or improvement.
• It includes the process of growth or changes that leads to something or someone becoming more advanced.
• Development is illustrated as progression from childhood to the present state.

The Concept of The Press

• The concept 'Press' originated in the United States.
• The term 'press' originated from the act of pushing on an item.
• The press includes a collective group of individuals and organizations responsible for gathering, processing, and disseminating news and information to the public.
• It includes individuals and organizations involved with newspapers, magazines, television, radio, online news websites, blogs, and news agencies that gather and distribute news to other media outlets.
• The concept can be observed in two categories of print and broadcast media.

Pre-Press Media Forms

• The history of the press dates back to ancient civilizations, where various forms of communication and information dissemination existed.
• Prior to the advent of the modern press, several media forms were used for gathering and disseminating news and information, especially in the African context.
• These forms include oral tradition, talking drum, horns, whistling, smoke signals, gong-gong (Town Criers), Dance, and Drawings and paintings.

Characteristics of Pre-Press Media Forms

• Merits/Positives included that, they were community-tailored, were comparatively cheaper to produce, and used local resources.
• Demerits/Negatives included high possibility of human error (distortion, misinformation, etc.), limited reach, and no possibility of revision.

Evolution of The Press

• On the global level, the press (both print and broadcast) has undergone evolution, with notable stages.
• The evolution of the press has been shaped by technological advancements, societal changes, and the rise and fall of various media empires.
• The notable eras of press evolution are; the print era (1450s-1900s), radio Era (1920s-1940s), television Era (1950s-1990s), and digital Era (1990s-present).

The Print Era(1450s-1900s)

• This era began with block printing, which involved carving an entire text into a wooden block, applying ink to the surface and pressing it onto a piece of paper.
• Printing blocks laid the groundwork for modern print media.
• Some early printed books included the 'Diamond Sutra', a Buddhist text created in China around the 9th century.
• The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the dissemination of information.
• Gutenberg's movable printing press used individual metal letters that could be re-arranged and re-used.
• The printing press was mainly used to print and distribute religious text.
• It was also used for socio-political reasons
• Acta Diurna (Daily Acts) in ancient Rome was used to spread information on political and social issues and events.
• News was spread through printed books, newspapers, and pamphlets.
• The first newspapers emerged in Europe, such as the "Relation" in Germany (1605)

Print Era: Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths included enhanced liberalization of news and information dissemination, relatively faster reproduction of information, enhanced mass production, broke the monopoly held by religious and academic bodies on written information, increased access to knowledge, and shaped opinion and taste of its consumers
• Weaknesses included relatively costly compared to earlier means, perceived as an elite product, the mode of distribution could hinder its reach, and did not appeal to illiterates.

Radio Era (1920s-1940s)

• Radio was invented in 1896 when Guglielmo Marconi was issued the first patent for a wireless radio device in England.
• Reginald Fessenden (Canadian experimenter) produced and transmitted the 1st voice and music signals on radio in December 1906 from Massachusetts.
• Radio broadcasting emerged in the 1920s, allowing news to be disseminated orally.
• The time from 1920 to 1945, was the golden age of radio.

Radio Era: Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths included the voice component was an enhancement on information dissemination, instantaneous information delivery, ability to create emotional connections with patrons (Listeners), and a wider reach
• Weaknesses included signal interference, it served the affluent at the onset, limited interactivity, and lacks visual content.

Television Era (1950s-1990s)

• Television transformed the news landscape with visual storytelling and live broadcasts.
• John Logie Baird and Philo Taylor Farnsworth are considered as the pillars of the invention of television.
• John Logie Baird developed first working television systems using a mechanical scanning disk. It Had low-resolution and flickering images.
• Philo Farnsworth developed the first fully electronic television system using a.
• Black and white television sets became available/spreading in 1940-50.
• BBC launched its first television news program in 1954.
• Color technology was introduced initially within the NTSC system in the US in the 1960s.
• From the 2000s, High Frequency Communications went to digital platforms.
• The advent of cable television from the 1980s to 1990s led to the rise of.

Television Era: Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths included visual component added to voice, enhanced communication and real-time information dissemination.
• Weaknesses included it being relatively costly than the other earlier forms, exposure to inappropriate content, biased reporting and can negatively affect the eyes.

Digital Era (1990s-Present)

• In 1969, ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network) was created, providing the foundation for today's Internet.
• Then the internet was invented in 1989, to share information on web pages through a World Wide Web.
• January 1, 1983, is considered the official birthday of the Internet.
• In the 1990s-2000s, email became rampant (Yahoo, Gmail, etc.)
• After 2010, came Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) podcasting and online audio proliferation.
• Mobile devices and social media platforms have become primary sources of news.
• Many people now rely on algorithms and curated feeds for information.
• Citizen Journalism (Blogging/Vlogging)
• 2020-present; Artificial Intelligence and Automation became popular tools like content generation, fact-checking, and personalization exist.

Digital Era: Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths included the added visual component to voice, enhanced communication, real-time information dissemination, instant user feedback, global reach, and enhanced quality of life.
• Weaknesses includes the insurgence of fake news, nudity and pornography, insults and derogatory remarks, cyberbullying, child delinquency, and surge in social vices (kidnapping, murder etc.)

Evolution and Development of the Press in Ghana - Broadcast

• The first radio station introduced in the Gold Coast was Radio ZOY.
• Radio ZOY was a relay station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
• Radio ZOY was introduced in Ghana on 31st July 1935 by Governor Sir Arnold Hodson.
• Radio ZOY was used as a 'tool' in disseminating information during.
• Notable Characteristics of Radio ZOY broadcast in Ghana included:
• Immediacy: Radio ZOY provided news in real time when newspapers were published on daily or weekly basis, often with delay.
• Use of local language: ZOY broadcast news in local languages like Akan, Ewe, Ga, and Nzema.
• Censorship: The British colonial authorities exercised strict control over the content broadcast on Radio ZOY, censoring any information deemed sensitive to the war effort.
• National unity: Radio ZOY played a role in promoting national unity by broadcasting messages and programs that encouraged Ghanaians to support the war effort.
• Wide reach: Radio ZOY had a larger audience base that included people in remote areas of the country
• News from the frontlines: Radio ZOY broadcast news from the front lines, providing Ghanaians with updates on the war process.
• Mobile broadcast units: Radio ZOY used mobile broadcasting units to reach remote areas.
• The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation was popularly referred to as GBC.
• The GBC was established by law in 1968.
• Its roots are in Radio Zoy as the official state broadcaster.
• It had triple roles: as a State Broadcaster, Public Service Broadcaster, and Commercial Broadcaster.
• On a recommendation of a commission, the Gold Coast Broadcasting System (GCBS) was established in 1953.
• The name was changed to Ghana Broadcasting Services (GBS) when the country attained independence in 1957.
• Then in 1960, the First Ghanaian Director-General of GBS, was appointed.
• Rural Broadcasting was introduced in 1965.
• The Television Licensing Degree N.L.C.D. 89 enabled government to collect taxes from owners of television sets, in 1966.
• Commercial Broadcasting was introduced in 1967.
• The National Liberation Council's Decree Number 226 (NLCD226) finally established GBC in 1968.
• Then in 1975, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Amendment) Decree, NRCD 334 was enacted to make reforms in the laws binding GBC.
• Color Television was introduced in 1985.
• Diversification of GBC Radio, and opening subsidiary and facilities began including URA (1985); Accra FM Radio (1986); Apam FM (1987); Dormaa Ahenkro Community Station and Twin-City Radio (1994); Radio GAR and Radio Savannah (1995); Radio Central and Radio Volta (1996); Radio BAR and Radio Upper West (2001); Radio GAR named Uniiq FM, Obonu Radio, and Radio Sunrise (2002).
• GBC installed a satellite TV dish to receive CNN (1989), DW TV (1997), and CFi (1998).
• The Television Licensing Regulations, LI1520 was enacted in 1991.
• In 2010, the Pilot Digital Terrestrial Transmission (MPEG2 DVB-T) started.
• The 1992 constitution liberalized the broadcasting sector, allowing private companies and individuals to establish broadcast outlets (radio and television stations).
• The first private radio station established was Radio Eye, now Radio Gold, by Dr. Brobbey in 1993.
• The station broadcast using a transmitter but without a license.
• In 1995, Joy FM became the first licensed private radio station in Ghana.
• Metropolitan Television (Metro TV) was the.

Evolving Characteristics of the Press in Ghana - Broadcast:

• From a limited number of radio and television outlets to a multiplicity of channels and options.
• From pre-recorded content to live programming.
• From scheduled broadcast to 24-hr broadcasts.
• Dynamics in language use; English - selected local languages – reduction in number of select local languages - code mixing.
• From narrow focus in content (socio-economic-political) to plethora of content focus.
• From low quality in broadcast to high quality and resolution (black & white – colored content)
• Influx of religious bodies owning and running

Evolution and Development of The Press in Ghana - Print

• Before Ghana gained independence, there had come into existence a number of newspapers (most of which were indigenous).
• These newspapers were owned and controlled by a number of individuals (both indigenes and non-indigenes).
• The indigenous newspapers served varied purposes in contributing to the struggle for the independence in Ghana.
• The Royal Gold Coast Gazette (1822-1823) by Sir Charles McCarthy (governor of the Gold Coast from 1822 to 1824) was the first newspaper in Ghana.
• It aimed to provide British merchants in the Gold Coast (Ghana) with economic and commercial information, as well as to disseminate news concerning Britain and the West African colony.
• The Accra Herald (1858-1874) by Lawyer Charles Bannerman.
• Is the first African-owned newspaper in Ghana and West Africa.
• It was handwritten and mobilized public opinion against colonial oppression.
• The Accra Herald paved way for other independent media.
• The Gold Coast Chronicle (1883-1913) was published by Joseph Ephraim Casely Hayford.
• It Challenged colonial rule and discrimination.
• The Gold Coast Chronicle also promoted Ghanaian culture, amplified concerns of the people of the Gold Coast, and advocated for African representation.
• The Ashanti Pioneer (1939-1948) published by R. S. Blay.
• It Advocated for Ashanti rights and autonomy.
• The Ashanti Pioneer also promoted Ashanti cultural heritage, and challenged colonial rule and policies.
• The Accra Evening News published in 1948 by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
• The Daily Graphic (established on 2nd October, 1950) published by Cecil King who was in charge of the Daily Mirror Group's West African operations and considered the first Ghanaian newspaper to be printed in color.

Evolving characteristics of the press in Ghana- Print

• Increase in the number of print houses and newspaper publishers
• From low quality print to high quality (black&white – colored content).
• From hard copy to soft copy (online options).
• Faster circulation around the country.

Roles of The Press

• Informing
• Educating
• Entertaining
• Keeping watch (as a 'Watch-dog’)

Challenges Faced by The Press in Ghana

• At every stage of the evolution of the press in Ghana, they have been faced with challenges that make it almost impossible to play their role in national development.
• The challenges include;
  • Threats
  • Corruption
  • Ownership structure
  • Political interference
  • Low remuneration -Disinformation and misinformation
  • Increased competition from social media and online platforms