Authority fines Radio Africa Sh1 million for derogatory comments
The Communications Authority of Kenya(CA) has fined Sh1 million to Home Boyz Radio for broadcasting derogatory content against a victim of Gender Based Violence(GBV).
The authority through its Acting Director General Mercy Wanjau said on Sunday that the media station on March 25, made gender insensitive comments that violated the Programming Code during a breakfast show.
Wanjau said the station was found culpable of discussing sexual matters in an "explicit and offensive manner, and glorified sexual violence against women, in a blatant breach of the legal requirement for broadcasters to provide responsible programming".
The station was also found to have violated Sections 1,3 and 4 of the Programming Code. In the code, broadcasters are supposed to respect individual rights of people and abstain from making insensitive comments that touch families and homes.
The station also exposed a GBV victim to ridicule implying that it was her fault to be victimised, said Wanjau.
On top of the Sh1 million fine, the CA ordered Home Boyz to suspend the breakfast show for six months.
The CA also directed Home Boyz Radio to train its staff on gender issues sensitization, a training to be certified by the National Gender and Equality Commission.
The station was also ordered to issue a public apology in two newspapers with nationwide circulation and air a five-day apology during prime time.
All the station presenters were also ordered to get accreditation from the Media Council of Kenya(MCK).
