Penplusbytes launches new media portal

By Kodjo Adams, GNA

Penplusbytes has launched a new media online portal to serve as the first credible media directory in the country, and gives detail information about the number of radio and television stations across the country.

The digital platform is an important tool for organisations and individuals who want to send or seek information on happenings in the media organisations, especially ahead of the upcoming November elections.

Mr Kwami Ahiabenu II, Executive Director of Penplusbytes, an online journalism platform, said this in Accra at the 15th anniversary of the organisation for promoting effective governance through the use of innovative technologies in Africa.

The ceremony brought together journalists and alumni trainees of various programmes across all three of the organisation’s thematic areas as well as members of civil society organisations and key players within the governance and technology industry.

“We have successfully compiled and validated information on all media houses in the country and developed a web portal for people to access this information as and when needed. This is to address the need for ease of access to such information, which is at the moment very scattered and scanty,” he said.

Mr Ahiabenu said the organisation since its inception had pushed the use of ICT tools agenda in the country and has been building digital platforms for information sharing and gathering purposes.

He noted that the organisation had for many years driven innovations in quality journalism through the use of new media techniques and skills training.

He said the organisation’s new strategic direction is one carved along a path that focuses on consolidating gains made in its 15 years of existence; propagating and amplifying its successes and impact stories.     

He said penplusbytes was established to drive change through innovations in three key areas: using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability, new media and innovations, and enhancing media oversight for effective utilisation of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.

Mr Affail Money, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, commended management for the gesture, adding that the media is an indispensable tool for the dissemination of timely information to the audience.

He said the new portal would provide opportunity to stakeholders to be abreast of information about radio and television stations in the country as well as its location for easy access to information.

GNA