Media Houses Could Close Down- Journalists Oppose Govt Moving All Adverts To KBC

The Kenya Media Sector Working Group (KMSWG) has expressed its strong opposition to the government's directive that all its agencies, independent commissions and public universities should air their TV and radio adverts through the state-owned broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

In a statement obtained by Viral Tea on Wednesday, March 13, KMSWG termed the memo by Principal Secretary of the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications Prof. Edward Kisiang'ani to the aforementioned agencies as "an inexcusable breach of his oath of office, short-sighted, arbitrary, erroneous, malicious, discriminatory, demeans leadership and integrity principles, and, therefore, patently unconstitutional."

The group consisting of 21 media bodies wondered how advertising was being controlled using obsessive extra-legal and undemocratic measures, even though it is not the only service the state procures, adding that an action similar to the PS's directive is already the subject of public interest litigation.

It however acknowledged the need for KBC to grow strong and transform from a State broadcaster to the public broadcaster that the citizens of Kenya enshrined in their Constitution.

Stakeholders from the Kenya Media Sector Working Group addressing the media on March 13, 2024. /KENYA EDITORS GUILD

"The first step to this is in freeing the hands and minds of the professionals at Broadcasting House to make independent, public-spirited determinations on how to apply its assets and deliver journalism that builds the nation, not to subject them to unhelpful commands from transient political actors calling the shots at any particular time," KMSWG recommended to the government.

The group also termed Kisiang'ani's memo as a definition of the latest chapter in a State campaign against free media in the last few months, citing evidence abound of "State-sponsored trolls of senior editors, ill-advised campaigns against media houses, botched attempts to limit television coverage of political activities, impairment of media regulation mechanisms", just to mention a few.

"This State campaign has far-reaching consequences beyond silencing dissent. They represent a devastating blow to Kenya's independent media, already grappling with a decline in traditional revenue streams due to the rise of digital platforms.

"Government advertising has been an important enabler of media diversity, encouraging a multiplicity of investors to provide alternative media, especially at community and devolved levels. Broadly, it helped investment in quality journalism, maintain a diverse workforce, and reach wider audiences," added the statement.

Dangers Of Govt Decision On Kenyan Media Houses

The group warned that the government is playing a dangerous game to Kenyan media by diverting such resources exclusively to KBC, among them denying young independent media houses of crucial finances to sustain their day-to-day operations, forcing them to drastic measures including closures, job losses and reduction in the media landscape.

"This not only undermines the public's right to access diverse information but also stifles economic activity and innovation within the media sector.

"A vibrant independent media landscape fosters a healthy business environment, attracting new investment and promoting economic growth. By crippling this sector, the government is shooting itself in the foot," the group added.

KMSWG also warned the government on how interfering in the media landscape can scare local and international investors, signalling a shift away from a free market and towards an environment where political connections, not merit or innovation, determine success.

According to them, investors rely on a transparent and predictable business environment to make informed decisions, a foundation the government's action undermines.

"Foreign investors, in particular, may view Kenya's media landscape as risky and unstable, deterring much-needed investment that could fuel the growth of the sector and the economy as a whole. This ultimately hurts both the media and the nation's overall economic well-being," the group added, further accusing the Kenya Kwanza government of borrowing a leaf from the previous administration in terms of hostility towards Kenyan media, including independent media, civil society and other watchdog institutions.

KMSWG however underlined that the Kenya media does not demand a share of government advertising spending right, but simply asks for fair, prudent, non-discriminatory and transparent utilisation of public resources, adding that the decisions on government advertising are not designed to ensure prudent use of public funds, but are in pursuit of an insidious plot to kill free and independent media.

Appeals

In light of the developments, KMSWG announced the following:

1. It called on all media practitioners, media entities, and friends of free media to unite in solidarity in defence of our hard-earned rights to a free media, access to information, and freedom of expression; and to strongly and jointly rebuff any agents of darkness keen to turn off the media light. 
2. It also urged independent media outlets to stand firm against state interference and continue to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity and independence, stating "Let us remind the government that a free press isn't a privilege; it's a cornerstone of democracy."
3. KMSWG also called on international rights organizations to take a stand against the systemic state affront against the media in Kenya and to advocate for the protection of media freedom. 
4. It further appealed to friendly nations, development partners, investors and proponents of democracy, freedom of information and human rights worldwide to speak out against the erosion of media freedom in Kenya and to pressure the government to respect the rule of law and democratic principles. 

"The assault on media freedom in Kenya must be met with unwavering resistance and collective action. We cannot afford to remain silent in the face of government overreach and attempts to undermine our democratic institutions.

"Now more than ever, we must stand together to defend the principles of media freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Let us send a clear message to those in power that we will not tolerate any infringement on our fundamental rights and freedoms," the group rallied.

Kenyan journalists covering a past event. /FILE