Kenya plans to increase the amount of local content aired by broadcasters, the country’s communications regulator said on Thursday.
Peter Ikumilu, an acting assistant director in Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), told Xinhua that local broadcasters have largely complied with the 40-percent local content requirement that become effective on July 2016.
“We are therefore planning to review the programming code for free-to-air radio and television service with view to increase local content,” Ikumilu said on the sidelines of the International Film Convention-Kenya underway in Nairobi.
Ikumilu said broadcasters who fail to adhere to the local content rule are liable to pay a fine of up to 5,000 U.S. dollars.
Kenyan broadcasters prefer to air foreign content as it is cheaper as compared to locally produced films.
“So, as we review the requirement for local content, we will have to strike a balance to ensure that we don’t kill local broadcasting industry,” Ikumilu said.
“Content aired should be of standards that promotes values, cultures and ethics of the country,” he added.
The communication regulator noted that Kenya’s film sector is relatively underdeveloped.
“The sector contributes less than 1 percent of the GDP despite its huge potential,” Ikumilu said.
He noted that broadcasters have an obligation to play an active role in nurturing local talent in the film sector. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh
