Standard Group management has said it is pursuing all necessary means of engagement with relevant stakeholders to address the move by the Communications Authority to shut down KTN News.
Acting CEO Orlando Lyomu says it is aimed at ensuring a speedy resolution of the stand-off to get KTN News to resume broadcasting.
“As you are aware, our television channel KTN NEWS was switched off yesterday by the Government, through the Communications Authority of Kenya. The freedom and independence of the media and the public’s right to information as provided for by Kenya’s Constitution has been threatened by this unprecedented action,” Lyomu said in a communication to staff.
“We will advise staff accordingly as this situation progresses,” he said.
SEE: NTV’s Linus Kaikai faces arrest
KTN, alongside Citizen TV, NTV and Inooro TV were put off air by the government early Tuesday for what Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said was a disregard of a prior full security brief on why TV and radio stations should not air NASA leader Raila Odinga’s “swearing in” ceremony in order to avert incitement that could have led to the death of thousands of Kenyans.
However, the Media Council of Kenya has called on the government to switch on the TV stations even as investigations continue.
“We appreciate the government’s position that investigations are going on about the events of yesterday. However, the Council does not believe that switching on the said media outlets will interfere with investigations. In addition, the alleged event has long been concluded. This act erodes the gains so far made in developing a free and responsible media industry and should never happen in a robust democracy that Kenya boasts of. As guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution, media freedom should be guarded jealously at all times,” CEO David Omwoyo said in a statement.
READ: Govt withdraws NASA MPs’ security
However, the police are already seeking to arrest NTV General Manager Linus Kaikai and more journalist could land in trouble as the crackdown gains momentum.
Matiang’i says what happened at Uhuru Park was an attempt to subvert or overthrown the legally constituted Government of the Republic of Kenya.
