The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) now wants the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke the operating licences of 23 television stations for airing prohibited content.
In a letter viewed by
.co.ke
Addressing the CA, the BCLB noted that the media outlets in question had not adhered to the instruction to stop broadcasting ads and promotions related to betting.
“As part of their recent press release stating a 30-day ban on betting ads, we have noticed that various media platforms are still featuring unauthorized gambling promotions,” stated the BCLB’s correspondence.
As stated by the BLCB, the stations breached their guidelines by showing various elements including payment information such as till numbers and billing amounts on-screen, along with encouraging audiences to join promotional activities for an opportunity to win prizes.
The organization deemed the stations’ actions as violations of the law and consequently suggested their closure.
In addition to the shutdown, the BCLB sent a letter to Safaricom requesting the suspension of the payment processing and til numbers associated with the media outlets.
“Given these violations, we strongly encourage the Communication Authority (CA) to promptly enforce actions against the non-complying media outlets according to your jurisdiction. The Board has decided that corrective steps should be implemented against the specified TV channels, which may include their swift closure,” stated the board.
Moreover, the BCLB suggested potentially engaging the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to initiate legal action against the stations and their management for purportedly disregarding the guidelines.
The stations are;
- Tohanchane TV
- Favour Live TV
- Wave Time TV
- Yahweh TV
- Goodwill TV
- Massa TV
- JCDH TV
- Swahili TV
- Humble Touch TV
- Deliverance TV
- Moja One TV
- Ngumbao TV
- Naivera TV
- Nyumba Itû TV
- Aviation TV
- Kameme TV
- Repower TV
- Happy TV
- Jawabu TV
- Maajabu TV
- Madhabahu TV
- Michezo TV
- Venus TV