MCK TO MEDIA: Delay Live Coverage, Cutting Hateful Speeches
The Media Council of Kenya has directed all media houses to strictly enforce a mandatory seven-second delay on all live broadcasts, warning that broadcasters will bear full responsibility for any content aired on their platforms.
In an advisory issued on Tuesday, March 24, the regulator said the directive applies across all media platforms, without exception, to curb the spread of harmful and unlawful content.
The council raised concern over an increase in inflammatory statements, misinformation and manipulated content being disseminated through live broadcasts, particularly during coverage of public rallies.
“The Media Council of Kenya has noted an increase in inflammatory statements, misinformation and manipulated media content broadcast through media platforms. This includes unchecked live broadcasts of public rallies, which breach the Code of Conduct for Media Practice in Kenya,” the advisory reads.
The council cited Clause 11 of the Code which states: “Mandatory delay for live broadcasts – A media enterprise shall incorporate a minimum seven-second delay in live broadcasts to prevent the unintended publication of material that violates this Code.”
MCK explained that even if controversial or unlawful remarks originate from politicians or speakers at public events, liability shifts to the broadcaster the moment the content is aired.
“While exposing unguarded or irresponsible statements by public figures serves the public interest by enabling citizens to scrutinise their leaders, any legal infractions arising from such content – whether hate speech or other harmful material – ultimately attract legal responsibility on the part of the platform or publisher that disseminates it,” MCK emphasised.
The council further warned that media outlets must ensure editorial content is handled responsibly and should not be published in a way that inflames tensions or escalates division.
It also directed that any hate speech aired for public interest purposes must be handled carefully, with offensive language redacted.
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While noting that it does not control what is said at political rallies or public gatherings, the regulator maintained that once such remarks are transmitted, they fall under media regulation.
The directive comes at a time when scrutiny of live political coverage has intensified, raising concerns that unfiltered broadcasts could contribute to misinformation and public unrest.
Media houses have now been urged to adopt stricter editorial controls and pre-emptive measures to ensure compliance, as the council signalled it will closely monitor adherence to the guidelines.
“The MCK affirms that a well-regulated media ecosystem should uphold freedom of expression while ensuring responsibility and accountability,” the council added.
MCK TO MEDIA: Delay Live Coverage, Cutting Hateful Speeches
