CA issues 6 more broadcast licenses

Communications Authority of Kenya has awarded six firms broadcasting licenses, stepping up competition in local content delivery.

In 2014, CA set June as the deadline for broadcasters to air 40 per cent local content under a new regulatory regime. The regulator also compelled new broadcasters to commit to the rule as they seek licenses.

In a June 19 Gazette notice, the regulator licensed; Smart Media Colleges Ltd, BClimax Africa Ltd, Equitorial Multimedia Group Ltd, Mwanyange Television (MTV) The Standard Group Ltd and Neno Evangelism Center.

“The reason for the grant of the license is to enable the applicant to operate and provide services as indicated above (commercial free to air television on digital terrestrial television platform),” said the Gazette notice.

The licenses are thematic with some stations focusing on sports and others documentaries. CA Director General Francis Wangusi said media owners are also required to present pre-aired content per week for vetting by CA as new regulations come into play.

LOCAL CONTENT

Mr Wangusi added that majority of media owners only air 14 per cent local content. Only two air 51 per cent local content. Currently, there are over 160 media owners hence the need to regulate them.

2013/2014 financial year statistics by the regulator states that only 3 in every 10 local content produced end up in Kenyan televisions. The statistics also show KBC as the leader in local content at 50 per cent followed by QTV at 44 per cent. The rest are ranked below 40.

Bringing new broadcasters who promise to air local content into the arena is expected to increase earnings from local creative industry. Currently, Kenyan creative industry attracts annual revenue of Sh1.95billion compared to Nigeria’s which contributes Sh50.7 billion.

Those who do not meet targets will be exposed to harsh penalties such as remitting more money to Universal Service Fund (over 0.5 per cent of their annual revenue).