Nation Media Group protest CA decision to switch off NTV signal

Nation Media Group has protested a move to switch off the NTV signal.

NTV is one of the many media platforms owned by Nation Media Group.

The Group alleged that it had been unconstitutionally switched off by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).

This follows a directive by the CA to the media stations to cease live broadcasts of the ongoing protests.

“This action has been taken without due process, following an advisory circulated on social media by the Authority instructing all television and radio stations to cease live coverage of countrywide anti-government protests,” the Group said in a statement.

NMG said the move is a clear violation of Article 34(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the freedom and independence of the media. 

The Group said the Constitution does not allow the government to exercise control over or interfere with any person engaged in broadcasting, the production or circulation of any publication or the dissemination of information by any medium.

It also prohibits the State from penalising any person for any opinion or view or the content of any broadcast, publication or dissemination.

“Additionally, according to the recent High Court ruling, CA lacks the mandate to regulate broadcast content. This authority has been constitutionally vested in the Media Council of Kenya,” the statement read.

“The Constitution provides established mechanisms for addressing any allegations of unprofessional media conduct-mechanisms that the CA or any aggrieved party should utilise to seek appropriate redress.”

NMG said the shutdown of NTV is a direct interference with their editorial operations and a suppression of the media's constitutionally protected role to inform the public. 

“At the time of the shutdown, NTV was responsibly covering ongoing protests, a matter of significant public interest and a constitutional right of the people to assemble and express dissent,” NMG added.

The Group condemned the action and affirms its commitment to fair, balanced, and credible journalism. 

They have vowed to pursue legal recourse to resume their normal broadcasting.