Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-09 11:27:28
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has recently released revised programming guidelines that will regulate broadcast content for television and radio stations in the country. This move was announced by CA Director General David Mugonyi on March 8th, highlighting the 4th edition of the Programming Code for Broadcasting Services. Media houses will be required to adhere to these new guidelines within the next 30 days.
The programming code covers several key areas such as elections, advertisements, content for children, and religious content. It aims to ensure that broadcast content is in line with ethical standards and promotes responsible broadcasting practices.
In terms of advertising, the new guidelines prohibit the use of terms like “News Flash” or “breaking news” before the start of an advertisement. Additionally, all forms of advertising for tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars, have been banned. Advertisements are also limited to 10 minutes within every 30-minute broadcast slot, and must not attack or discredit other advertisers, products, or advertisements.
For election coverage, media houses are required to provide equal airtime to politicians and political candidates at consistent rates. Bias towards a political party, coalition, or candidate is not permitted, and all election propaganda must be clearly identified as such. Political messages should refrain from personal attacks based on factors like ethnicity, religion, or associations.
In order to protect children, the guidelines prohibit the airing of violent content involving animals and music videos with harmful lyrics during certain hours. The transition from family-oriented to adult programming after 10 pm must be gradual, with clear mechanisms in place to protect children for subscription and pay-per-view services. Unplanned and surprise interviews are also banned to safeguard the well-being of children.
When it comes to the coverage of crime events and accidents, live coverage of incidents like hostage-taking or kidnapping will be limited to prevent further endangerment of victims. The identity of victims should not be disclosed until the situation is resolved or their names are released by authorities. Similarly, the names of fatalities should only be disclosed after their next of kin have been notified.
Regarding religious content, the guidelines prohibit the airing of programmes that attack, insult, harass, or ridicule other churches, faiths, sects, or denominations. Media houses are also advised to censor programmes that exploit audience susceptibilities.
Overall, these revised programming guidelines set by the Communications Authority of Kenya aim to promote responsible broadcasting practices, ethical content creation, and the protection of vulnerable audiences. It is imperative for media houses to adhere to these guidelines to maintain high standards of broadcast content in Kenya.
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