KTN, NTV, CITIZEN alongside affiliated TV Stations Goes Off-Air Following Dismissal of their Petition
In a recent development, Kenya's top three broadcasters have gone off-air following a ruling by a high court judge against a petition filed by the Media Owners Association. The petition sought to extend the period for digital migration in Nairobi by an additional five years but was denied by Judge David Majanja. The judge stated that all parties involved had been engaged in the process, and there was no reason to delay it further. One of the media owners' arguments revolved around the violation of intellectual properties due to Gotv rebroadcasting their content. Surprisingly, they also claimed that Startimes was financially unstable and hence unreliable. However, Justice David Majanja dismissed these allegations, deeming them unsubstantiated.
As a result of the ruling, KTN, NTV, CITIZEN, and QTV, the prominent broadcasters in Kenya, have been forced to go off-air. Viewers, particularly female audiences who are avid followers of soap operas and other shows aired on these stations, will be greatly affected. Paul Muite, representing the Media Owners Association, attempted to halt the process for an additional 30 days, but the attempt proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the government proceeded with shutting down the analog signal in Nairobi. The transition from analog to digital transmission will impact broadcasters' advertising revenue and require investments for full compliance, as highlighted by the Media Owners Association.
The news of the broadcasters going off-air has evoked mixed reactions from Kenyans. Some attribute blame to the Jubilee government, while others believe that local broadcasters should embrace technology and proceed with the migration. Currently, the local stations have been removed from the Startimes Bouquet, and it remains uncertain when they will resume broadcasting.
As a result of the ruling, KTN, NTV, CITIZEN, and QTV, the prominent broadcasters in Kenya, have been forced to go off-air. Viewers, particularly female audiences who are avid followers of soap operas and other shows aired on these stations, will be greatly affected. Paul Muite, representing the Media Owners Association, attempted to halt the process for an additional 30 days, but the attempt proved unsuccessful. Consequently, the government proceeded with shutting down the analog signal in Nairobi. The transition from analog to digital transmission will impact broadcasters' advertising revenue and require investments for full compliance, as highlighted by the Media Owners Association.
The news of the broadcasters going off-air has evoked mixed reactions from Kenyans. Some attribute blame to the Jubilee government, while others believe that local broadcasters should embrace technology and proceed with the migration. Currently, the local stations have been removed from the Startimes Bouquet, and it remains uncertain when they will resume broadcasting.