KENYANS ARE IRRITATED BY SEX TALK

According to the survey commissioned by the
Communications Authority of Kenya (CA),
seven out of 10 respondents are
uncomfortable with the content.
Sex talk shows during the day as well as
violence and use of coarse language on radio
and television contributed massively to the
disapproval.
The study released yesterday consequently
lays the ground for the communications
regulator to crack down on broadcasters in a
bid to protect children.
At least three-quarters of the respondents
cited content on radio as offensive. Footage
of violence on TV got 68 per cent disapproval,
while ‘bullying’ of the audience on air had 65
per cent.

The study comes just days before the July 1
deadline by which broadcasters must comply
with a new programming code that should
guide what should be aired on Free-To-Air
(FTA) stations.
The code demands that at least 60 per cent
of all programmes that a media house airs
must be local. Those who fail to comply risk
fines of up to Sh20 million.
Respondents also said they are concerned
that use of strong language, swearing, explicit
sexual content will have a negative effect on
their children’s morality and growth.
Other than reflecting the society, respondents
want the media to also play an important role
in ‘setting standards’ for the same society.
“Use of offensive language before children
sets a bad example and denotes lack of
respect,” says the research conducted by
Momentrum Consulting Africa.
CA Director General Francis Wangusi said
media houses that fail to comply with the
programming code may also lose their
licences.
The code bans sex talk and airing of explicit
or violent content during the watershed period,
between 5am and 10pm.
In a statement read on his behalf by CA’s
head of legal John Omo during a forum for
communications stakeholders, Wangusi said
there was no going back on the new
regulations.
“The grace period agreed upon comes to an
end in June then we will enforce the code,” he
said.
The study also comes against a backdrop of
increased official activity by the Kenya Film
Classification Board to regulate content.