SECTOR 2 The media landscape, including new media, is characterised by diversity, independence and sustainability. 2.1 A wide range of sources of information (print, broadcasting, internet, mobile phones) is accessible and affordable to citizens. Ghana has an overabundance of information sources, but their accessibility and affordability differ from one medium to the next. Several of these news sources pop up around election time, so although there are hundreds, if not thousands of registered media outlets, not all of them are operational. “Access varies depending on social standing, and so forth, etc. There are some who can’t afford television, print or Internet, but would have access to radio, for example.” “Years ago, I grew up in a home where we didn’t have TV or electricity. Now, even simple mobile phones have radios, some commuter vehicles have TV sets, and those with smartphones can access Internet sources.” PRINT Numerous print publications exist, including both newspapers and what can be described as news pamphlets. The NMC registers about 100 newspapers per week, and even more when it comes to election time. However, several of these publications also go out of print frequently, “The birth rate of newspapers is matched by the mortality rate!” The government owns two daily newspapers; the Daily Graphic and The Ghanaian Times. Popular privately-owned papers include the Daily Dispatch, The Ghanaian Chronicle and the Daily Guide. With a price tag of about 2.5 cedi’s (USD 0.56), the cost of a loaf of bread, newspapers are not considered to be very affordable, especially for the poor. Neither are they widely accessible, with newsstands being found only in a few towns and regional capitals. If they happen to find their way to rural areas, only a few copies are available and are usually late. “The ordinary citizen wouldn’t find it everywhere.” Most print media are published in English, and the low rate of functional literacy further hampers meaningful access. “There have been some attempts at newspapers in local dialects, but these have proven futile.” 26 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2017