East Africa needs to invest in the production of quality local content for consumption within the region and the wider African market, according to Kenyan cabinet secretary for Information Communications and Technology Dr Fred Matiangi.
Speaking at the just concluded East African Communications Organisations (EACO) Congress in Nairobi, Matiangi said: “I wish to note here that Africa presents a large market for quality local broadcast content and films. The popularity of Nigerian movies and comedies in our region bears this fact out.
“It is gratifying to note that media and production houses in this region are already beginning to have popular TV programmes or buy quality production from countries in the region.”
Matiangi also noted that sharing cultural products and films is important in promoting ties in the region.
He added that governments in the region putting in place enabling ICT and audiovisual policies to promote the film and cultural industries in their respective countries was quite encouraging.
The cabinet secretary also said that although the frequency spectrum is a scarce resource it should be used prudently for the socio-economic development of the respective countries.
He decried the way some broadcasters were using their FM and TV frequencies given the liberalised airwaves.
“More responsibility needs to be exercised in broadcasting programming especially during time times that are considered family hours,” he said.
“As a region, we have a responsibility to ensure that our children and minors are not exposed to inappropriate or adult content through irresponsible and careless programming.”
He warned that the matter needs to be addressed immediately as it may worsen in the era of broadband and digital TV broadcasting through expansion of available transmission avenues and channels.
HumanIPO reported in April outgoing permanent secretary of the ex-Ministry of Information and Communications Dr Bitange Ndemo’s view that Kenya’s new government must focus on encouraging the creation of local content to fuel the educational and economic benefits of ICT.
