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| Source:www.dozendigit.i8.com |
The radio
industry has come a long way from one radio station transmitting in medium wave
to over 30 radio stations broadcasting in quality sound frequencies: FM. It
remains one of the most vibrant sub sectors in the entire media business
attracting millions of shillings in advertising sales owing to its ability to
reach millions of people.
Out
witting competitors
However, the
ever increasing number of radio stations has made them go to extreme extents to
maintain their market share and jostle for lucrative advertising business. Some
opted to hire comedians to attract and maintain audience. However, others have
gone a step further to introduce sex talk shows and related topics. It has
reached that point where it’s embarrassing to listen to radio in public
especially in presence of elderly people. In most cases, the presenters discuss
relationships/marriages. The audience call-in live to share their experiences
and leaves one to wonder if morals still exists. As much as it has given people
platform to exchange ideas or to vent, they have also significantly affected
the attitude of people towards marriage not to mention poisoning minds with
vulgar talks.
If
it’s working ,why not?
On their part,
contrary to the popular opinion, they say that people actually like the vulgar
talk shows and its selling. This maybe attested by the high number of adverts
during these shows. Some of the radio stations have since been warned by the
Media Council of Kenya (in-charge of implementing Code of Conduct for
Journalists) while others have been slapped with fines however the practice has
persisted. This has brought to the fore two critical issues, one, does MCK has
the ability to effectively deal with media houses that violate code of conduct?
Two, is that attention has shifted to the professionalism of radio presenters.
Most radio presenters are not professionally trained journalists as they are
head hunted from the celebrity world.
