PS Koimett lauds media input in Covid-19 fight – KBC

Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Esther Koimett has lauded the media for playing a key role in complementing government efforts aimed at stemming further spread of Covid-19.

Koimett acknowledged that for over a year now, the media, particularly television and radio have continued to educate citizens on the emerging issues touching on the global pandemic, while fostering discussions on issues of public interest, thus enabling the country to wade through the uncharted waters of the infectious virus.

“Beyond sensitizing the public on this crisis, broadcasters were on the frontline of delivering educational content to our children when schools were closed countrywide in an effort to contain the spread of the pandemic. This is something we do not take for granted,” said the PS.

Koimett further noted that just like all other sectors of the economy, the broadcasting industry has not been immune to the devastating effects of the pandemic, adding that a host of challenges ranging from loss of lives, job cuts, competition from digital platforms, and diminishing advertising revenues have adversely impacted the sector.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the urgent need to have a candid conversation on the resilience of the broadcasting sector,” said the PS, while officiating the 4TH KUZA Broadcasting Awards ceremony held in Nairobi.

She also appreciated the fact that a majority of broadcasters are making every effort to adhere to these standards as enforced by the sector regulator.

“But we are also aware, as demonstrated in the recent past, that some industry players still have a long way to go in terms of offering programming that is suitable for children and that promotes good social values,” she added.

The PS commended the Communications Authority, the sponsors of KUZA Awards, for cracking the whip on broadcasters that have been found in breach of programming standards, particularly those meant to promote the welfare of children.

“These measures must never be interpreted as an affront to media freedom, but rather as continued efforts to engender a culture of responsive and responsible broadcasting services in the country,” she said.

The PS challenged all relevant stakeholders to play their role in ensuring clean and appropriate content at all times.

“The responsibility of having clean content on our airwaves is not the work of the Government alone. We must work together to foster that environment. Where there are concerns, our doors remain open for continued engagement,” she asserted.

Koimett further revealed that the ministry is in the process of finalizing the review of guidelines in key areas like Children’s Programming, Local Content, and Niche Programming so as to seal any existing gaps and bring clarity in the broadcasting content standards.

She observed that the National Film Policy will ensure the establishment of a national Film Fund that will cater for financial and tax credits, rebates, and other incentives for the film industry.

The Policy also seeks to enhance and encourage public-private partnerships in film development and urged the industry players to strive for continuous improvement in the quality of our programmes, in generating content that resonates with our immediate realities, and a media that is free and independent.

The Communication Authority of Kenya launched the 2021 KUZA Broadcasting Awards in March, to recognize and fete broadcasters who demonstrate excellence in their broadcasts in line with the ICT law provisions.

The theme of the 2021 Awards was, “Preserving our Heritage through Broadcasting (Kenya a Heritage of Splendor),” which seeks to acknowledge broadcasters who Promote patriotism, Uphold Kenyan culture, beliefs, and values as well as those who have made a contribution towards national unity and cohesion.

The jury of the Awards comprised of The Kenya Film Commission, Media Council of Kenya, Kenya Copyright Board, Nation Commission, and Integration Commission, and the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek).