Standard Group Hits Back At CA Over Licence Threats,Maintains Innocence
The Standard Media Group has vowed to sue the government over plans by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke six of its broadcasting licences, maintaining that the matter is far from over.
In a statement issued following a tribunal ruling on Friday, March 27, the media house, through its Chief Executive Officer, Chacha Mwita, confirmed that the Communications Appeals Tribunal had dismissed its appeal, allowing the CA to revoke its broadcast licences.
The Standard Group said it respects the judicial process but criticised the ruling as premature, noting that it had not yet received the full judgment to determine the next course of action.
“While we respect the judicial process, we have not received the complete ruling,” the media house stated.
“We have to go by at this point is that CA’s statement we must categorically state that the matter is far from concluded.”
The news outlet revealed its intention to challenge the decision through further legal channels, including an appeal to the High Court, which it argues would automatically dismiss the tribunal’s decision.
At the centre of the dispute is CA’s claim that the broadcaster failed to remit annual licence fees for several years, amounting to Ksh48.9 million.
The regulator maintained that due process was followed, including the issuance of reminder and warning notices after prolonged non-payment, but the media house failed to heed them.
The Standard Group, however, disputed these allegations, arguing that the situation is more complex and that the government itself owes it over Ksh1.2 billion for advertising.
The broadcaster also accused CA of portraying it as a defaulter while ignoring outstanding amounts owed by state agencies, further framing the issue as not just a financial dispute but one that infringes on media freedom.
“The Government cannot hold a knife to our throat with one hand while extending an empty promise of payment with the other,” the media house reiterated.
“The remedy is simple: Pay what you owe The Standard Group, and we will pay what we owe the CA.”
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In its statement, the media house warned against any attempt to shut down its stations before the legal process is fully exhausted.
They described such a move as a violation of due process and an overreach by CA.
“This coordinated assault on our licences sends a chilling message: That the Government will use its regulatory power to silence any media house that refuses to bend the knee,” the Standard Media said.
“We are confident that justice will prevail. We will exhaust every legal avenue to protect our licences, our staff, and our commitment to you, the Kenyan people,” it added.
The news company reaffirmed its commitment to continue broadcasting and pledged not to be silenced as the legal battle continues.
Standard Group Hits Back At CA Over Licence Threats,Maintains Innocence
