CA signs MoU to foster growth of broadcasting sector

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has signed working agreements with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) with the aim of fostering growth in the broadcasting sector.

In a statement, CA said that the broadcasting landscape has over the years undergone numerous technological changes which has resulted in convergence and in turn changed how people consume information therefor these changes were calling for adjustments in governance and regulation of the sector to facilitate and encourage development of uniquely Kenyan television programming.

“The Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Act, 2013, paved the way for the regulation of the broadcasting sector by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). The Authority in execution of this mandate identified various agencies whose mandate complemented regulation of the broadcasting sector and engaged them with a view to long-term partnership. These agencies include; The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and The Kenya Film Commission (KFC),” read the statement.

The Media Council of Kenya is mandated to regulate the conduct and discipline of journalists in the country. Through the partnership, both CA and MCK will undertake media monitoring to assess adherence of the programming code and broadcasting standards; carry out capacity building and training programmes for journalists, station managers, content producers and media owners; share complaints received relating to media violations to ensure standardized responses and ensure general compliance within the media industry.

These activities will be carried out through an on-going joint working committee that will develop mechanisms to realize and implement the areas outlined in the MoU.

Increasing local content on local channels is one of the Authority’s strategic goals and in this regard, the Authority has developed a roadmap aimed at raising the content from the current 36% to 60% by 2018.

In addition to engagements with broadcasters and local content producers, the Authority sought collaboration with the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), under whose remit the development of the local film industry falls. The collaboration aims to facilitate the development of the local production industry so as to encourage and drive the production of local programming

The partnership with KFC will engage producers, broadcasters and other relevant parties with the aim of increasing local productions; propose policy interventions to address challenges faced by local content producers such as piracy and unhealthy competition from foreign film products; develop minimum quality standards for local programmes and partner in forums to promote increased production of local content.

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties shall exchange information from time to time and resolve conflicts that may arise in pursuit of their respective mandates.

“The Authority takes cognizance of the vibrancy of the media industry in Kenya. With the migration to the digital broadcasting platform and the continued development and convergence of technologies, the media landscape will continue to change,” concluded the statement.