Radio Stations Now Full of Noise and Insults – Tommy Forson

Veteran broadcaster Tommy Annan Forson has raised concerns about what he describes as a decline in professionalism in radio broadcasting, saying the industry is no longer as disciplined as it used to be.

Speaking on The Career Trail on Joy News and Joy Learning TV, he explained that radio broadcasting in the past was guided by strict rules, preparation, and respect for the job.

“In our days, professionalism was taken very seriously. You knew what to say, what not to say, what to play and what not to play,” he said.

He added that radio work was not casual but required discipline, timing, and full preparation. According to him, presenters were expected to arrive early and prepare properly before going on air.

“You come to work one hour before time. You have the three C’s in front of you: calm, collected and composed so that when you get on air, you are focused with what you are saying, focused with what you are playing, focused with your information dissemination,” he said.

Tommy Annan Forson said this level of discipline helped maintain quality and consistency in broadcasting, something he believes is fading today. He blamed the rise of social media and artificial intelligence for encouraging shortcuts in radio content creation.

“If we are not careful, it will get to a certain stage where stations are being closed down by the National Media Commission and NCA because professionalism is going down,” he highlighted.

He also spoke about how modern technology is changing how presenters prepare for programmes. He warned that many broadcasters now depend too much on artificial intelligence instead of doing their own research.

“Now you are going to do a programme, and you ask AI, ‘I’m handling this programme. Can you help me with a set of questions?’ AI just generates everything. So people are not researching into programmes or interviews anymore,” he explained.

He added that fact-checking and personal preparation are becoming less common, which he believes is weakening broadcasting standards.

“People are not fact-checking these things. It is like, I’m just doing it,” he mentioned.

He further criticised some radio stations today for replacing professionalism with noise, shouting, and poor behaviour on air.

“If you listen to some radio stations today, there is nothing but screaming and shouting and insults. Even to the point of throwing blows in the station. It is very sad,” he pointed out.

Despite his concerns, he said radio still has strong value when done properly and responsibly.