Homeboyz Radio fined Ksh.1M , breakfast show suspended for 6 months

 

The Communications Authority of Kenya has fined Homeboyz Radio Ksh.1 million and also suspended its breakfast show dubbed ‘Lift Off” for six months over demeaning comments against a gender-based violence victim made on-air by presenters Shaffie Weru, Neville, and DJ Joe Mfalme.

In a press briefing on Sunday by CA Director General Mercy Wanjau,  the comments made during the breakfast show on  March 25, 2021, violate the provisions of the law and the Programming Code in regard to the requirement for broadcasters to air decent and family-oriented content during the watershed hours.

The Communications Authority of Kenya further mentioned that the three presenters aired out explicit content offensively and in a way vouched for sexual violence against women saying; “exposed a victim of Gender-Based Violence to ridicule and implied that it was the victim’s fault that she was targeted and assaulted.”

Other than a Ksh.1 million penalty,  a six-month suspension with immediate effect has been imposed show “until the station demonstrates compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.”

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According to the state agency, mandatory training and sensitization on gender-based issues will be imposed on the staff certified by the National Gender and Equality Commission, and evidence of compliance and on the Programming Code should be produced.

The third ultimatum for HomeBoyz radio is publishing a public apology in two newspapers that circulate widely and air a similar apology on the station during the bulletin hours starting Sunday for the next five days.

Homeboyz Radio will also be forced to re-evaluate its editorial policy and synchronize it with all the requirements of the law on gender, and hand it over to the  Authority for review whilst ensuring that all its presenters are accredited by the Media Council of Kenya.

“The Authority upholds the principle of gender exclusivity and respect for diversity. Broadcasters are urged to exercise great responsibility when undertaking their work and to avoid gender stereotyping, fostering misogyny and perpetuation of negative narratives against women and men, The programming code pronounces itself in great detail in acknowledgment 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,” said Ms. Wanjau

CAK’s announcement has come after Homeboyz radio sacked its breakfast show presenters Shaffie Weru, Neville, and DJ Joe Mfalme for gross misconduct.

The trio was castigated online after allegedly victim-shaming Eunice Wangari, 20, who was thrown from the 12th floor of a building by a man after denying his sexual advances.

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