Entertainment
Netflix Will Launch Lower-Cost, Ad-Supported Streaming Plans, Reed Hastings Says
Netflix, after years of insisting it would stick solely to subscription-only plans, is finally open to offering lower-cost, ad-supported packages, co-CEO Reed Hastings said on the company’s Q1 earnings interview.
The company expects to nail down its ad-supported streaming strategy over the next year or two, Hastings said, “but think of us as quite open to us offering even lower prices with advertising as a consumer choice.”
Hastings’ comments about Netflix planning to intro an ad-supported plan come as the company’s subscriber growth has hit a wall — in fact, Netflix lost 200,000 subs in the first three months of 2022 and expects to drop 2 million in Q2. Adding ad-supported options could give it a new pathway to growth; in addition, to boost the top line, Netflix is looking at ways to collect money from the estimated 100 million-plus households that currently use a shared password to stream without paying for it.
“Those that have followed Netflix know that I’ve been against the complexity of advertising and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription,” Hastings said. “But as much as I’m a fan of that, I’m a bigger fan of consumer choice. And allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price and are advertising-tolerant get what they want, makes a lot of sense.”
Hastings didn’t provide details on what Netflix’s ad-supported plans might cost. The streamer’s standard two-stream HD plan costs $15.49 per month in the U.S.
Several of Netflix’s biggest competitors offer cheaper, ad-supported plans, including Hulu, HBO Max and Paramount+. Last month Disney announced plans to launch an ad-supported Disney+ plan starting late in 2022 in the U.S.
“I don’t think we have a lot of doubt that [the ad model] works,” Hastings said, citing Hulu and HBO Max as well as the upcoming plans from Disney+. “I’m sure we’ll just get in and figure it out — as opposed to test it and maybe do it or not do it.”
With its advertising play, Netflix can avoid wading into data-privacy pitfalls that have become problematic for some internet companies by using third-party technologies that match ads with viewers without needing access to personally identifiable information, Hastings said.
Last month, Netflix CFO Spencer Neumann signaled the streamer’s willingness to consider adopting an ad-supported tier. “It’s not like we have religion against advertising, to be clear,” Neumann said at a Morgan Stanley investment conference. While “that’s not something that’s in our plans right now,” he said, “never say never.”
Entertainment
Nanabanyin Dadson Honoured with Prestigious TGMA Titan Award
The Palms Convention Centre at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel was ablaze with glitz, and electrifying performances as the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) celebrated its winners in an exclusive event dubbed “Nite with AOTY” on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The night was not just about music—it was also a night of honour and legacy, with veteran journalist and cultural icon Nanabanyin Dadson taking home the prestigious Titan Award for his immense contributions to Ghana’s music and arts ecosystem.
This award was presented by the CEO of Charterhouse, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, who lavished praise on Dadson, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the industry and to the Ghana Music Awards scheme since its inception.
Titan Award: Nanabanyin Dadson’s Enduring Legacy
Nanabanyin Dadson is a distinguished Ghanaian journalist, arts critic and educator whose influential career spans over three decades. His work has left a lasting imprint on Ghana’s creative and cultural landscape – particularly in the areas of music journalism, arts criticism, and cultural tourism.
A graduate of the University of Ghana with a degree in English and a diploma in Performing Arts, Mr Dadson further pursued postgraduate studies in African Studies and Communication.
He began his journalism career as an arts reporter and columnist with The Mirror and Daily Graphic, before becoming Editor of Graphic Showbiz. Under his leadership, the paper rose to prominence as Ghana’s foremost publication dedicated to entertainment, music and the creative arts.
Throughout his career, Mr Dadson has consistently championed the arts and tourism sectors, using his platform to advocate for greater visibility, understanding and appreciation of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
His commentary and reportage helped elevate cultural tourism into national conversation, encouraging the public and policymakers alike to recognise its value.
His work has been published in a range of national and international outlets – including West Africa Magazine, African Concord, Africa Magazine, Africa Asia, and the Torino Film Festival Magazine – and cited in academic publications such as Africa Cinema, Politics and Culture by Manthia Diawara.
He also contributed to landmark publications including Jubilee Ghana – A 50-Year News Journey Through Graphic, the Journalism Style Book, and the Journalism Policy Guide for the Graphic Communications Group.
Widely acknowledged as the only arts journalist of his time with both academic and practical grounding in the arts, Mr Dadson brought critical depth, eloquence and clarity to his writing.
His stated mission – to move the arts from the margins and reposition them as a serious and essential part of public discourse – has been largely realised, due in no small part to his pioneering efforts.
Now serving as Head of the Department of Journalism, Visual and Digital Communication at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra, he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of media practitioners.
He has also delivered lectures at institutions such as New York University (Ghana), the Ghana Institute of Journalism, and BlueCrest College.
His contributions have been recognised with several awards – including the Ministry of Information’s Artswriter Prize (1986, 1988), the Ghana Journalists Association’s Arts & Culture Writer of the Year (1996), and the GJA Recognition Award for Journalism (2004).
Nanabanyin Dadson remains a towering figure in Ghanaian cultural journalism – a passionate advocate for the arts and tourism, and a custodian of Ghana’s creative legacy.
Receiving the Titan Award, Dadson was celebrated as a true custodian of Ghana’s creative legacy, whose work has elevated cultural tourism and arts discourse in the nation.
Other Honourees of the Night
The event also recognised two other outstanding personalities:
1. Opoku Sanaa – Instrumentalist of the Year
A renowned bassist and music director, Sanaa has performed globally, from Expo 2020 Dubai to the Coca-Cola Arena, and worked with top artists like Joe Mettle, Diana Hamilton, and Cwesi Oteng. His 2024 album, “It’s Time”, showcases his genre-defying talent, solidifying his place among Africa’s finest instrumentalists.
2. Susuma Pan-African Dance & Music Ensemble – Traditional Artiste of the Year
Founded in 1991 by Nana Kwame Dadzie, this award-winning ensemble has taken Ghanaian traditional music and dance to global stages, preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Entertainment
An Unforgettable Night of Music & Honors: King Promise Thrills at “A Nite with Artiste of the Year”
The Palms Convention Centre at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra was alive with energy on Friday, June 6, as Ghana’s music industry gathered for the second edition of “A Nite with Artiste of the Year” (AOTY).
The exclusive event, celebrating King Promise’s historic Artiste of the Year win at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), delivered stellar performances, prestigious recognitions, and unforgettable moments.
King Promise Lights Up the Stage
The “5 Star General”, King Promise, took center stage for an intimate, electrifying performance, reminding everyone why he claimed the TGMA’s top prize.
From “Terminator” to “Paris”**, he had the crowd singing along to every word, blending smooth vocals with infectious energy.
The night also featured powerful opening performances by urban gospel artiste Scott Evans, while Titi Owusu (a Best Female Vocal Performance nominee) and dynamic duo Lalli x Lola kept the vibes high.
Honouring Excellence: Special Awards Presentation
Beyond the music, the night celebrated outstanding contributors to Ghana’s entertainment industry with three honorary awards: Opoku Sanaa – Instrumentalist of the Year.
A versatile bassist and music director, Opoku Sanaa has worked with top artists like Joe Mettle, Diana Hamilton, and Cwesi Oteng while performing globally at events like Expo 2020 Dubai. His latest album, “It’s Time”, showcases his innovative artistry.
Susuma Pan-African Dance & Music Ensemble – Traditional Artiste of the Year
For over 30 years, Susuma has been a cultural ambassador, promoting Ghanaian music, drumming, and dance worldwide.
Their performances continue to preserve and elevate Ghana’s heritage. Nanabanyin Dadson was the recipient of the Titan Award.
A renowned journalist and educator, Nanabanyin Dadson has shaped Ghana’s music and arts journalism for decades.
As former Editor of Graphic Showbiz, his work has been pivotal in elevating Ghana’s creative industry.
TGMA Winners Receive Their Plaques
The night also saw plaque presentations to 26th TGMA winners, including Empress Gifty, King Paluta, Team Eternity, Beeztrap KOTM, Epixode, OliveTheBoy, Peewezle, Banini, Ether Goodwyll and Tulenkey, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Industry Networking & Key Announcements
Hosted by the vibrant Andy Dosty (who also DJ’d the event), the night fostered great connections among industry players.
Robert Klah, Head of Public Events & Communications, announced the upcoming TGMA Music Summit slated for June 21 at the British Council, a key event for music professionals.
Brought to You by Telecel & Partners
Produced by Charterhouse, with support from TV3, Closeup, Guinness Ghana, and the British Council, the event was proudly presented by Telecel – Connecting Energies.
“A Nite with Artiste of the Year” was a perfect blend of celebration, recognition, and memorable performances. With King Promise’s captivating stage presence and deserving honorees, the night proved once again why Ghana’s music scene shines bright.
