The ongoing review of the ICT sector law and associated regulations will make the broadcasting industry responsive to emerging realities and rapid technological changes.
The review which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs seeks to align certain aspects of the law and regulations to incorporate the dynamism that has characterized the sector in recent years.
(TOP: Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Esther Koimett – centre – presents the award of the Favourite Free-to-Air Tv to Citizen TV at the 2022 KUZA Awards hosted by the CA recently. The PS said the ongoing review of the ICT Law will make the sector responsive to emerging realities).
Esther Koimett, the PS for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, said the exercise will lead to further growth of the sector.
‘‘Some of the key areas of focus in this review include the licensing framework, obligations, and responsibilities of broadcasting service licensees in various aspects and complaints handling procedures,’’ said the PS, who spoke at the 5th KUZA Broadcasting Awards.
She added that the broadcasting sector has a pivotal role in influencing and shaping perceptions as the country heads to the General Elections, a duty that comes with great responsibility.
‘‘It is a time of greater interest not just for the citizens, but the rest of the world. Therefore how we shoulder this responsibility, including how we project our country in this period will be critical,’’ added the PS.
CA Chairman Captian Gilbert Kibe said the Authority would continue fostering an enabling regulatory environment by working closely with various stakeholders.
‘‘We are committed to creating an environment that enables the broadcasting industry to thrive and generate opportunities for our youth,’’ said Kibe.
Rapid technological changes have profoundly impacted the broadcasting industry, leading to the emergence of new and diverse forms of digital broadcasting, fueled by increased broadband penetration and Over-the-top platforms.
‘‘This situation although unsettling on the one hand, on the other, has presented an opportunity for the fast movers to diversify their broadcasting business models,’’ said CA Director-General Ezra Chiloba.
This year’s Kuza Awards witnessed exponential growth in responses from broadcast audiences with a record 3,195,344 votes cast, up from 1,274,966 votes were cast in the previous awards.
There was also a considerable number of newcomers to the awards podium, a pointer to the competitive nature of the awards.
‘‘It shows there is increased interest in these awards and a compelling need to sustain them going into the future,’’ said Chiloba.
Citizen TV and Radio Maisha are the favourite TV and radio station at this year’s Kuza Broadcasting Awards held on Tuesday by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA).
The two broadcasters topped the People’s Choice Award category, in which audiences were asked to vote for their preferred broadcaster, at the annual awards that seek to fete excellence in the sector.
In the TV category, the winner was Citizen TV while K24 came in second, with Inooro TV taking the third slot. In the radio category, Radio Maisha was the overall winner followed by Ramogi FM and Milele FM in the second and third places respectively.
In other categories, Azam TV Media was voted the favourite pay-TV service provider, with Akili Kids TV and Lubao FM winning in children’s programming and the copyright award category.
Maisha TV and Bus Radio won the Upcoming Broadcaster Award, with Inooro Tv emerging as the best in local content quota.
Audiences also voted for the favourite regional radio in 10 regions across the country. University don and Kenya’s ambassador-designate to Belgium Prof. Bitange Ndemo and veteran journalist Esther Kamweru were feted with a Lifetime Award for their immense contribution to the broadcasting industry.
This year’s event also saw the participation of regional ICT regulators from Rwanda and South Sudan.
The complete list of the winners is available here for download.
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