Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), established by law in 1968, holds a unique position as a State Broadcaster, Public Service Broadcaster, and Commercial Broadcaster in Ghana.
History
Originally known as radio ZOY, a relay station with the code name of the BBC-operated radio outlet, GBC’s roots date back to 1935 when the Gold Coast introduced broadcasting under British colonial rule. Renamed Ghana Broadcasting Corporation after the country gained independence in 1957, it expanded over the years to become a vital source of information with seven television channels and thirty-three radio frequencies broadcasting in twenty-five languages.
Establishment
In 1935, broadcasting commenced in Ghana via a wired relay station in Accra, inaugurated on July 31. The driving force behind this endeavor was Sir Arnold Hodson, the Governor of the Gold Coast, affectionately referred to as the “Sunshine Governor.” Mr. F.A.W. Byron, a British radio engineer, played a crucial role in supporting him. At 17:00GMT on that momentous day, gramophone records filled the air with martial and light music. At precisely 17:45GMT, Sir Arnold Hodson’s voice broke the tension with a clear message:"One of the main reasons for introducing the Relay Service is to bring News, Entertainment and Music into the homes of all and sundry. This will bring to an end the barriers of isolation and ignorance in the path of progress and also to enable the people of Gold Coast to improve on their very rich cultural music".”
Administration
The inception of Radio “ZOY,” the new broadcasting service, occurred with eight technicians in a small 9th Road bungalow near the Ridge Police Station in Accra. Initial broadcasts covered Fanti, Twi, Ga, Ewe, and later Hausa. Part-time translators conveyed news until 1943 when full-time staff took over. From 1946 to 1953, the Public Relations Department, now the Information Services Department, managed the organization. As the human population grew, the Corporation expanded, currently operating seven TV channels and thirty-three radio frequencies in twenty-five languages.
Legislation
In 1953, a commission recommended the establishment of the Gold Coast Broadcasting Service (GCBS), later evolving into its own department. Upon gaining independence in 1957 and renaming to Ghana, the GCBS transformed into the Ghana Broadcasting System (GBS). The legal foundation for GBC’s establishment was laid by National Liberation Council Degree number 226 (NLCD266) of 1968.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
The station transitioned into the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in 1957, following Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s renaming of the Gold Coast to Ghana upon achieving political independence.
Introduction of Black and white screens
In 1965, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah inaugurated the television division, introducing black and white screens. Both radio and television became integral components of GBC’s electronic channels for information dissemination. The year 1996 marked a significant development when the Supreme Court’s ruling committed the state broadcaster to the equal opportunities doctrine in broadcasting, obliging the corporation to provide fair and equal publicity to all political parties in Ghana.
Media expansion
GBC operates Ghana Television (GTV), a nationwide analogue terrestrial channel, along with digital networks such as GTV Sports+, GBC News, GTV Life, and Obonu TV. It has branches across regional capitals, global partnerships with private and public broadcasters, and collaborations with governments worldwide. The mandate of GBC emphasizes providing timely information, education, and entertainment for a multicultural society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GTV Learning channel was established for remote learning. GBC plans to establish radio stations in the six newly created regions in Ghana, including Uniiq FM, Volta Star, Twin City Radio, Radio Central, Radio Savannah, Garden City Radio, URA Radio, Radio Upper West, Sunrise FM, Obonu FM, andRadio BAR.
GBC training school
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation operates a training school under the Ministry of Information. This school offers instruction in radio and TV broadcasting and engineering, with two faculties: Broadcast Journalism and Broadcast Technology. Over the years, it has successfully trained broadcasters both locally and internationally, contributing to the fulfillment of GBC’s mission to inform, educate, and entertain.
Online Publication
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation via gbcghanaonline.com provides up-to-date and authentic news on trending events, both locally and globally.
Similar Timelines to Explore
Expolore similar timelines on Timepath and dive deeper into the subject of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. Your journey through connected events and stories starts here. Missed something? We would love to hear your suggestions for additional timelines.