Strengthening Creative Standards: UniMAC-IFT Collaborates with Asaase Radio Management

A delegation representing the Institute of Film and Television (IFT) at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) recently engaged in a productive discussion with the management team of Asaase Radio, the esteemed proprietors of Asaase Pa radio station.

Led by Dr. Rebecca Ohene Asah, the acting Dean of Studies, the UniMAC-IFT delegation comprised notable figures such as Ms. Marian Mantey, Head of Public Relations, Mr. Martin Ofori-Appiah, Assistant Engineer, and Mr. George Bosompim, Head of film Unit,  Film Artistic Department.

Welcoming the UniMAC-IFT delegation were key figures from Asaase Radio, including Mr. George Nenyi Andah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Ofosu Agyekum, Head of Commercial, Mr. Derek Addo, Department of Digital Media Representative, and Ms.Sandra Kumibea Mantey, Senior Finance Executive.

The primary aim of this gathering was to fortify the existing partnership between UniMAC-IFT and Asaase Radio, focusing on capacity building through internship programs and media training opportunities. Additionally, the UniMAC team introduced a new curriculum, notably featuring radio drama production under the Broadcast Journalism faculty, aiming to enhance the quality of media services provided by Asaase Radio.

Moreover, amidst the transition from the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI) to IFT under UniMAC, the meeting served as an avenue to acquaint Asaase Radio with the first newly appointed female Rector of the Institute. UniMAC also extended an invitation to Asaase Radio for their upcoming Open Day program scheduled for April 27th, 2024.

During the deliberations, Asaase Radio expressed keen interest in collaborating with UniMAC-IFT students to produce radio play dramas, proposing a semester-based challenge among final-year students with the best productions being aired on their platforms. Thus, Asaase Radio proposed initiatives such as airing student-produced radio dramas and organizing competitions to promote the best works on their network.

Additionally, the concept of radio documentaries was explored, with both parties acknowledging its potential as a unique venture.

In a notable exchange, Asaase Radio requested the creation of a radio play documentary for the upcoming Open Day event at IFT, aiming to showcase the institute's offerings and opportunities to prospective students and parents, while also advocating for parental support in creative career pursuits.

Feedback regarding graduates and interns from UniMAC-IFT was sought, with Asaase Radio expressing satisfaction with the caliber of students, albeit with minor concerns regarding attire, emphasizing the flexible nature of dressing within the creative industry.

Mr. George Nenyi Andah, Chief Executive Officer for Asaase Radio expressed a desire for students to proactively express interest in employment opportunities at the media network.

UniMAC-IFT introduced a new curriculum in Media Engineering and Technology, designed to equip students with specialized knowledge relevant to careers in broadcast engineering. Additionally, plans for master's programs were discussed, alongside opportunities for Asaase Radio staff to enroll in certificate, diploma, and degree programs at UniMAC.

The meeting concluded with a tour of Asaase Radio's state-of-the-art studio, fostering a sense of collaboration and enthusiasm as University Management interacted with an alumnus who is now a staff of Asaase Radio.

By Makida El Husseini

Level 300 Broadcast Journalism Student UniMAC-IFT