Communication Authority Shuts Down 58 TV Stations Amid Regulatory Crackdown
Written by moradio on 23 April 2024
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 23- The Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) has recently closed down more than 58 television stations and six courier companies operating in the country.
These closures, affecting mainly commercial television stations, highlight the challenging environment for media businesses in Kenya. According to CAK, nine other media houses have also expressed interest in selling their licenses.
CAK has the authority to shut down TV stations for various reasons, typically related to regulatory breaches. This action is aimed at ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining broadcasting standards.
Notable affected stations include Pwani TV, Mt.Kenya TV, Christian Faith TV, Kwese Free Sport, Harvest Family TV, Daystar TV, and Mitume TV.
David Mugonyi, the director-general of CAK, announced the revocation of licenses for these service providers and operators within seven days from April 12, 2024. Additionally, six postal courier operators categorized as Category-B have had their certificates revoked.
These closures come at a time when television advertising remains dominant in Kenya, despite the growing popularity of digital channels.
The media landscape has become increasingly competitive with the rise of online news platforms and digital channels, leading to fragmented advertising revenue across various platforms.
Overall media spending has decreased due to government budget cuts, prompting brands to prioritize market retention through targeted exposure strategies with minimal spending.
According to a report by PwC, digital advertising is becoming increasingly important in the media and entertainment industry, with internet advertising expected to overtake traditional TV and home video by 2026 in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
This growth is fueled by high internet connectivity in these regions, particularly in South Africa, which aims to achieve 90% internet penetration by 2026.
