KFCB Graces’ the Digital Broadcasters’ Annual Conference on the Future of Broadcasting in Kenya
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on 26th November 2024, participated in the Digital Broadcasters' Association of Kenya's (DBA), organized by the DBA Chair, Mr. Joel Karanja, and dubbed: 'Future of Broadcasting Conference 2024 and themed, 'Building a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable broadcast media'.
At the Conference, which was held at the Weston Hotel, Nairobi, Ms. Nelly Muluka, the KFCB's Ag. Chief Manager, Corporate Services and Administration, who represented the Ag. CEO, Mr. Paskal Opiyo, emphasized the need for the industry's regulatory frameworks to adapt to changes that have come with the emergence of diverse digital platforms.
“The theme of today’s Conference invites us to reflect on the transformative power of broadcasting. With the rise of new media, we find ourselves in a unique position to redefine story-telling, and engage wider audiences, he stated.
The Ag CEO reiterated that the significance of collaboration in shaping the future of the broadcast industry in Kenya cannot be underrated, noting that in the rapidly evolving digital environment, there is a need for stakeholders including broadcasters, regulators, content creators, and consumers to navigate the technological challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
As a regulator of film and broadcast content, Mr Opiyo reiterated the KFCB's commitment to ensuring a facilitative environment to spur the growth of the film and broadcast sector in line with the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Mr. David Omwoyo, the Chief Guest, at the Conference, underscored the need for quality vis-a-vis quantity. "We are better off with fewer broadcasting stations with quality than many but with compromised quality," said Omwoyo, adding that diversity is, however, important and cannot be overlooked.
The Media Council of Kenya CEO also stressed on ethics and reflection, especially with matters around National values, cultures, and diversity as well as telling the truth.
He urged broadcasters to embrace fewer, bigger, stronger media institutions and collaboration.
On the sidelines of the Conference, Ms. Redemptah Amondi, the KFCB Head of Department, Examination, and Classification, represented the Board in a panel discussion titled: The Future of Regulation in a changing media landscape: Balancing public interest, protection of freedom of expression and fostering innovation.
Also present to grace the event were Mr. Timothy Owase, CEO, the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), Ms. Agnes Kalekye, CEO, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), and Mr. Joel Karanja, Chairperson, Digital Broadcasters' Association of Kenya, among other guests.