The Nation Media Group (NMG) has alleged that the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has switched off the free-to-air signal of its television station, NTV.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 25, NMG described the move as unconstitutional, linking it to a directive circulated on social media by the CA instructing all broadcasters to halt live coverage of ongoing anti-government protests.
According to the media house, the CA’s action is in violation of Article 34(2) of the Constitution, which protects the independence of the media and prohibits state interference in journalistic activities.
NTV’s free-to-air signal switched off. Photo: Courtesy.
NMG also reminded CAK of a recent High Court ruling that clarified that CA does not have jurisdiction over broadcasting content, adding that the interference amounts to suppression of the media.
Standard Group also confirmed that its station, KTN, had also been removed from free-to-air platforms.
Moreover, Royal Media Services’ Hot96 Radio reported that CA enforcement officers had raided their transmission site.
The switch off comes as the much awaited protest (June 25th) continues in major towns.
