Local content should be 45% in new Bill; what next?
4 November 2013
The controversial media law that was voted in by members of parliament on Thursday last week has received a lot of criticism from members of the public and also many fighters of media freedom in Kenya.
This Bill is seen as a move to have the government control all that happens in the media industry.
Apart from all the ‘negatives’, one positive thing is that the law requires all broadcasters to have at least 45% of local content in a day.
In terms of music which is our main interest then it means that local songs are going to receive more airplay on TV and Radio.
According to Mdundo content manager Eugene Odanga, the percentage is still less considering the rest of countries in East Africa who consume a lot of their content.
“45% still has little effect. 50-65 percent sounds better to encourage consumption of more local content just like Tanzania and Uganda,” says Odanga.
Whether the President will assent or veto the Bill we all agree that local content should be given more airplay so that we can keep supporting and appreciating our own.
This Bill is seen as a move to have the government control all that happens in the media industry.
Apart from all the ‘negatives’, one positive thing is that the law requires all broadcasters to have at least 45% of local content in a day.
In terms of music which is our main interest then it means that local songs are going to receive more airplay on TV and Radio.
According to Mdundo content manager Eugene Odanga, the percentage is still less considering the rest of countries in East Africa who consume a lot of their content.
“45% still has little effect. 50-65 percent sounds better to encourage consumption of more local content just like Tanzania and Uganda,” says Odanga.
Whether the President will assent or veto the Bill we all agree that local content should be given more airplay so that we can keep supporting and appreciating our own.
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