The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is to stop using short and
medium wave frequencies so as to save on costs, writes Dennis Itumbi
for journalism.co.za.
Information Permanent Secretary Dr Bitange Ndemo said the frequencies were consuming too much power and were already overtaken by technological advances.
The national broadcaster has also committed to reduce its power bills by at least Shs. 25 million ($330,000) as a way of dealing with its debts.
After a meeting with the Parliamentary committee on Energy, communication and Information, he said a review of spending at the KBC would be conducted so as to make it more competitive.
Meanwhile, the private Nation Media Group has relaunched its NTV with a new logo and programming that relies heavily on popular local dramas.
The relaunch comes only a week after Kenyans voted Citizen TV the best overall station due to their wide array of local programmes, featuring Kenyan actors and content.
Citizen won the coveted title of King of TV, during the inaugural Kalasha awards that aimed at rewarding local film makers, TV producers and actors.
The relaunched NTV will now offer its viewers a local programme every day except Thursday and weekends.
Linus Kaikai, formerly with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), is the new news director of the station. His deputy is Emmanuel Juma, previously his former boss at the Kenya Television Network (KTN).
Citizen TV owned by Samuel Macharia's Royal Media Services has a local programme lined up for its viewers every day, a strategy that has ensured a large viewership across the country.
