Broadcast regulator issues tougher fresh rules

Broadcasters will have to contend with new guidelines when renewing their licences following a new programming code by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

The 4th edition of the Programming Code for Broadcasting Services, effective April will among others regulate news coverage, advertisement content and election coverage.

CA Director General David Mugonyi said in a notice that adherence to the regulations will be among the requirements for being licensed.

“Broadcasting licensees are advised to ensure compliance with the said Programming Code as such compliance will form part of the basis for issuance of annual Compliance Certificates and licence renewals," said the notice.

In the new guidelines, the use of "News Flash" or "Breaking News" before the beginning of an advertisement will be banned. This is to help consumers identify real news.

The ban on advertising tobacco products remains prohibited unless for educational purposes to pin point the dangers associated with its use.

Going forward advertisements will not exceed 10 minutes in any 30 minutes of broadcasting.

"Advertisements should not unfairly attack or discredit, directly or by implication, any other advertisers, products, or advertisements," read the regulations in part

To prioritise victim safety, live broadcasts of on-going hostage situations, hijackings, and kidnappings will, going forward, be restricted.

The identities of victims in on-going crimes or crises will be withheld until the situation is resolved or authorities officially release their names.

Similarly, the names of fatalities will only be announced after their next of kin are notified or authorities release their names.

Unplanned and surprise interviews have also been banned.

On election coverage, media houses will be required to apply consistent rates for airtime allocated to politicians and political candidates.

"All broadcasts of election propaganda shall be identified through the words “paid for by” followed by the name of the candidate, and political party for whom the propaganda is being broadcast.

"Broadcasters shall ensure that political messages do not contain attacks on individuals, their families, ethnic background, race, religion or their associations," read the guidelines in part.

In alignment with safeguarding children, television programs featuring violence as their central theme will not be broadcast.

The updated guidelines discourage the airing of music videos containing harmful lyrics, images, or attire from 5 am to 10 pm.

It also prohibits the broadcast of religious programs that maliciously attack, insult, harass, or mock other churches, faiths, sects, or denominations and their adherents based on their beliefs.

“All broadcasting licences are therefore required to comply with the provisions of the programming code to ensure that as a public resource, broadcasting platforms at all times maintain a standard that is acceptable to all sections of the Kenyan community,” CA added.