Mini-INPUT Accra 2025: A Celebration of Public Service Media

Accra, Ghana, is set to host its Mini-INPUT on September 25-26, 2025, at the prestigious Goethe-Institut. This event, a subsidiary of the global INPUT Conference, promises two days of thought-provoking screenings, discussions, and workshops that explore the evolving role of public service media in today’s digital landscape.

What is Mini-INPUT?

The Mini-INPUT is an extension of the annual INPUT Conference, a global platform that showcases innovative television programs across genres like drama, documentary, and factual content. Held in different countries each year, INPUT brings together a diverse community of public service broadcasters, independent producers, writers, directors, media students, and academics. The conference emphasizes global representation, encouraging participation from underrepresented regions and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

Each screening at Mini-INPUT is followed by moderated discussions, creating a space for critical reflection and exchange. Workshops and panels delve into the challenges and opportunities facing public service media, reinforcing its role as a vital public resource that informs, educates, and engages audiences.

Why Public Service Media Matters

At its core, INPUT champions Public Service Media (PSM), advocating for television that prioritizes societal impact over commercial profit. PSM is about creating content that addresses the needs and interests of the public, fostering informed communities and elevating public discourse. Mini-INPUT Accra will explore critical questions about the relevance of PSM in a digital age where audiences are both consumers and content creators:

• What role do public service and commercial broadcasting play in today’s digital ecosystem?

• How can these platforms adapt to meet the expectations of modern audiences?

The event will feature six curated films that address global challenges and crises in public service and commercial broadcasting. These screenings aim to spark meaningful dialogue, encouraging attendees to reflect on the future of media long after the event concludes.

Event Highlights

Day 1: A Dialogue on Public Service vs. Commercial Broadcasting

The first day will focus on the tensions between public service and commercial broadcasting. Discussions will be led by Dr. Kwame Akuffo Anoff-Ntow, an independent scholar, public intellectual, and former Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). His insights will set the stage for a deep dive into the competing priorities of informing the public versus chasing commercial success.

Day 2: The Art and Commerce of Storytelling

The second day will explore content production in public and private television, examining the balance between creativity and commerce. Mr. Abdulai Awudu, General Manager of the Multimedia Group and a seasoned content creation expert, will lead the conversation. The session will highlight how storytelling can remain ethical and impactful in both public and commercial contexts.

Esteemed Panelists

Joining the lead speakers are:

• Nana Sandy Achampong, a lecturer at the African University College of Communications and Business (AUCB), prolific writer, and anthologist.

• Ms. Aseye Tamakloe (ABD), a lecturer at UNiMAC-IFT, accomplished film editor, and founder of the Ndiva Women’s Film Festival.

• Mr. George Bosompim, GAFTA PRO and lecturer at UNiMAC-IFT.

Both screening sessions will be moderated by Aseye Tamakloe, who brings her experience as a session moderator at INPUT 2025 in Bilbao, Spain, in collaboration with Dr. Jim Fara Awindor, INPUT National Coordinator.

INPUT’s Mission: Innovation, Diversity, and Ethical Storytelling

Mini-INPUT Accra aligns with INPUT’s broader mission to:

• Celebrate innovation: Highlighting programs that push creative boundaries and experiment with new formats.

• Promote diversity: Amplifying voices from underrepresented regions and fostering global collaboration.

• Uphold ethical storytelling: Showcasing content that tackles complex issues with nuance, integrity, and journalistic rigor.

By creating a platform for television professionals to exchange ideas and share experiences, INPUT strengthens the quality and relevance of public service broadcasting worldwide.

A Legacy of Public Service

Since its inception, television has been a powerful tool for public service, shaping narratives and fostering meaning-making. However, African state-owned television stations, in particular, face persistent challenges in balancing their public service mandate with commercial pressures. Mini-INPUT Accra will address these tensions head-on, offering a space to reimagine the role of television in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Join Us in Accra

Hosted under the gracious support of the Goethe-Institut Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Film and Television Arts (GAFTA), and UNiMAC-IFT, Mini-INPUT Accra is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of media. Whether you’re a broadcaster, producer, student, or media enthusiast, this event promises to inspire, challenge, and spark meaningful conversations about the power of storytelling.

Mark your calendars for September 25-26, 2025, and join us at the Goethe-Institut in Accra for an unforgettable exploration of public service media!