The Communications Authority (CA) of Kenya has imposed a Ksh.1 million fine on Homeboyz Radio and suspended the station's breakfast show for six months over derogatory comments that presenters Shaffie Weru, Neville and DJ Joe Mfalme made against women.
According to the CA Director General Mercy Wanjau, the comments by the presenters made during the breakfast show of March 25, 2021 violated provisions of the law and the Programming Code as per air decent and family-oriented programming required from broadcasters.
Wanjau spoke in a press address on Sunday, noting that the presenters discussed sexual matters explicitly and offensively, glorifying sexual violence against women.
The State agency pointed out that the presenters “exposed a victim of Gender Based Violence to ridicule and implied that it was the victim’s fault that she was targeted and assaulted.”
Homeboyz Radio faces the penalties until it demonstrates compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, added CA.
The staff of the station are supposed to undergo training and sensitization on gender issues certified by the National Gender and Equality Commission and evidence of compliance, as well as a training on the Programming Code.
Furthermore, the station must publish a public apology in two newspapers with nationwide circulation and air the same apology on the station during prime time for the next five days starting Sunday.
The authority has also directed that the station reviews its editorial policy, aligning it with requirements of the law on gender.
Homeboyz should also file it with the authority, and to ensure that its presenters are accredited by the Media Council.
Wanjau said, “The Authority upholds the principle of gender inclusivity and respect for diversity. Broadcasters are urged to exercise great responsibility when undertaking their work and to avoid gender stereotyping, fostering misogyny and perpetration of negative narratives against women and men.”
“The programming code pronounces itself in great detail in acknowledgement of the powerful role of broadcasting in disseminating information, shaping opinion and as a platform for celebrating our diversity as a people and as a country,” she added.
Through the parent company, Radio Africa, Homeboyz Radio fired its breakfast show – The Lift Off – presenters Shaffie Weru, Neville, and DJ Joe Mfalme on Saturday.
On Thursday morning, the trio made comments on the station regarding Eunice Wangari, 20, who was reportedly thrown from the 12th floor of a building by a man after refusing his sexual advances.
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