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A REPORT ON SURVEY TO ESTABLISH STAKEHOLDERS’ OPINION TOWARDS KFCB’S MANDATE AND CONTENT CLASSIFICATION FUNCTION IN KENYA KENYA FILM CLASSIFICATION BOARD 2018

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Page 1: KENYA FILM CLASSIFICATION BOARD 2018kfcb.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/KFCB-REPORT.pdf · Secondary data sources were examined in order to inform the primary research in terms

A REPORT ONSURVEY TO ESTABLISH STAKEHOLDERS’ OPINION TOWARDS KFCB’S MANDATE AND CONTENT CLASSIFICATION FUNCTION IN KENYA

KENYA FILM CLASSIFICATION BOARD

2018

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KENYA FILM CLASSIFICATION BOARD

KARF Website: http://karf.or.ke/

Contents Page

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION 4

1.1 Purpose and Objectives of the Survey 5

2.0 METHODOLOGY 5

2.1 Quantitative Methods 5

2.2 Qualitative Methods 6

2.2.1 Key Informant Interviews 6

2.2.2 Focus Group Discussions 6

3.0 SURVEY FINDINGS 6

3.1 Demographics of the respondents 6

3.2 Media Usage 6

3.3 Public opinion to the content of some specific films/programmes 6

3.4 Public opinion towards KFCB mandate and its relevance 8

3.5 Public knowledge with regard to the current classification system and age ratings in Kenya 9

3.6 Public concern about children’s exposure to harmful material in media 10

3.7 Broadcast stations level of compliance to the mandating laws 11

3.8 Parents’ recommendations for improvement 12

4.0 CONCLUSION 13

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 14

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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CAK Communication Authority of Kenya

CIPK Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya

FGD Focus Group Discussion

FTA Free to Air

KAG Kenya Actors Guild

KARF Kenya Audience Research Foundation

KECOBO Kenya Copyright Board

KFC Kenya Film Commission

KFCB Kenya Film Classification Board

KFTPA Kenya Film & TV Professionals Association

KICA Kenya Information and Communications Act

KII Key Informant Interview

NCCK National Council of Churches of Kenya

MCK Media Council of Kenya

MOA Media Owners Association

OTT Over-the-top

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences

TEVIRA Television Viewers and Radio Listeners Association of Kenya

SUPKEM Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims

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KARF Website: http://karf.or.ke/

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts mandated by Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya to regulate the creation, broadcasting, possession, distribution and exhibition of films in the country with a view to promote national values, culture and morality and to protect children from age inappropriate content. The Kenya Information and Communications Act (KICA) further empowers KFCB to impose age restrictions to ensure that content which depicts or contains scenes that are rated as adult or are of the language intended for adult audiences are not aired during the watershed period (5am to 10 pm) and to enforce the Programming Code for the free-to-air radio and TV services in Kenya by ensuring that all programme and non-programme matter, namely commercials, documentaries, programme promotions, programme listings, community service announcements and stations identifications are classified before they air.

Currently, KFCB is implementing its Strategic Plan of 2016 to 2021 towards achieving its Corporate Goals. The SWOT analysis of this blueprint identified several gaps including inadequate understanding of the Board’s mandate by its stakeholders and low level of compliance to film and broadcast content regulations by the film operators. In order to address these gaps, and in line with its Strategic Model, the Board commissioned a Survey to Establish Stakeholders’ Opinion Towards KFCB’s Mandate and Content Classification Function in Kenya.

According to the Kenya Audience Research Foundation (KARF) , an organisation formed by advertisers, media owners and marketers, Kenya’s switch to digital TV broadcasting has seen the number of channels airing in the country rise dramatically to 337, giving viewers wider choice of news, edutainment and programmes. According to KARF, there are (as at June 2017) 66 local TV channels, 271 foreign TV channels, 37 online sites, 42 magazines, 44 newspapers and 243 radio stations. With the exponentialincrease of the number of TV and radio stations following the digital migration in Kenya, the proportion of viewership/listenership and the content aired on the media has also become diverse. This has been aggravated by the increased ownership of smart phones, availability of high speed internet in many parts of the country, access to internet connectivity and decrease in the cost of mobile data making access to media content by the Kenyan population extremely easy.

It is against this backdrop that this survey carried out in September 2017 sought to establish the stakeholders’ opinion towards KFCB’s mandate and content classification function in Kenya. It also sought to gain public opinion and knowledge of the Board’s film and broadcast content classification system. Essentially, the findings of this survey will:enable KFCB to make classification decisions that are based on and reflect generally-accepted societal norms, national values,

virtues and standards of tolerance to encourage better use of classification decisions; inform KFCB’s strategies to enhance compliance by the film operators and broadcasters; inform KFCB programmes such as the Media Literacy Programand service delivery to the public.

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1.1 Purpose and Objectives of the SurveyThe purpose of this Survey was to establish stakeholders’ opinion towards KFCB’s mandate and content classification function in Kenya. Specifically, the survey sought to investigate the following:

• To establish public opinion towards KFCB mandate, its relevance to the promotion of national and cultural values, development of the film industry, broadcast sector and the nation at large;

• To establish public opinion to the content of films/programmes in regard to age suitability in order to protect children;

• To investigate public concern about children’s exposure to potentially harmful material in various media platforms such as TV, radio and online platforms;

• To establish public knowledge with regard to the current classification system and age ratings in Kenya;

• To determine the broadcast stations level of compliance to the mandating laws;• To determine issues of concern to the public in relation to the KFCB’ classification system

and parents’ recommendations for improvement;

2.0 METHODOLOGYA mixed method approach was utilized in undertaking this survey. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed allowing triangulation of findings. Both secondary and primary data sources were consulted. Secondary data sources were examined in order to inform the primary research in terms of identifying the gaps in the legal framework and the recent opinions of the stakeholders about the Board’s mandate and performance.Primary data was gathered through interviews with the various media stakeholders and users. Quantitatively, semi-structured questionnaires were used while qualitatively, key informant and focus group discussions guides were used to collect data.

Secondary data sources involved reviewing literature from: previous surveys on media content regulation; KFCB Strategic Plan (2016/2017 to 2020/2021), KFCB Service Charter,Films and Stage Plays Act CAP 222, Kenya Information and Communication Act (KICA),Media Council Act, Consumer Protection Act, KFCB classified content catalogue, KFCBmedia monitoring reports and the Programming Code for the free-to-air radio and TV services in Kenya. Primary data sources involved collecting first-hand information from the targeted categories of stakeholders.

2.1 Quantitative MethodsThis method was used to survey a sample of randomly sampled members of the public. A semi-structured questionnaire comprising of both closed-ended and open-ended questions was used to collect data. The interviews were conducted face to face with the respondents with the interviews lasting between 25 and 35 minutes.

According to the 2009 Kenya population census, the Kenyan total population is estimated at 38,610,097. Using the Raosoft sample size calculator with a 3% margin of error and a 95% confidence level, a sampling frame yields a sample size 1,068. Covering the eight (8) regions of Kenya, the sample was proportionately distributed among the targeted Counties.

2.0 METHODOLOGY

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2.2 Qualitative MethodsBoth key informant interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used.

2.2.1 Key Informant InterviewsKey informant interviews were conducted with representatives in the senior level management and technical positions of the targeted TV and FM stations, state agencies whose mandate either complement KFCB’s or is cross-jurisdictional and KFCB stakeholders.

2.2.2 Focus Group DiscussionsFocus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among randomly sampled members of the public. In order to ensure diversity of responses/ideas, the following considerations were made; participants’age, marital &economic status,and religious &geographical background. This helped in corroborating quantitative data gathered from the same category of respondents.

Across the 8 geographical regions, two (2) FGDs were conducted among citizens aged 18 years and above. Since the topic of discussion was not gender sensitive, groups were comprised of both female and male participants. The groups were interrogated on the captured stations though not limited to these specific stations because some stations have a nationwide reach.

3.0 SURVEY FINDINGSIn this chapter, the findings are presented as per research objective. It starts by presenting the demographic characteristics of the surveyed respondents including their sex, age, location, marital status, education and parental status.

3.1 Demographics of the respondentsThe survey covered the different age groups starting from 18 years. According to the survey, the youth represented 65.7 per cent, forming the majority as compared to those over 35 years (34.3 per cent). Majority of the surveyed respondents (63.4 per cent) are married or cohabiting while 32.6 per cent and 2.0 per cent are single and separated/ divorced respectively. Among the surveyed respondents, 73 per cent were parents. In terms of religion, majority (60.7 per cent) of those surveyed were Christian protestant followed by Christian catholic at 30.0 per cent, Muslim at 8.6% and Hindu at 0.1%.

3.2 Media UsageAccording to the surveyed respondents, TV tops the list of media/broadcast that is frequently used in the Kenyan households. This is indicated by the 80.5 per cent of the surveyed respondents who indicated TV as the frequently used media/broadcast in their homes.

3.3 Public opinion to the content of some films/programmesThe survey sought to establish the respondent’s favorite programme and categorized the responses into radio or TV. As shown on the figure below, local programming tops the list of Kenya’s favorite programmes on TV at 64 per cent. News came in second at 20 per cent followed by soap operas at 12%, Games/sports at 3% and cartoons at 1% as shown in the figure below;

2.0 METHODOLOGY

3.0 SURVEY FINDINGS

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Figure 1: Respondents’ FavoriteProgramme on TV

Figure 2: Do you advise your children on what programmes/films to watch or listen to? (n=841)

On Citizen TV, majority of the respondents mentioned that their favorite programme is Machachari while on NTV majority mentioned Churchill show. On KTN, majority mentioned that their favorite programme is Mshamba while on KBC, majority of the respondents mentioned ViojaMahakamani.On radio, news stands top the programmes listened to by Kenyans with16.6 per cent of the surveyed respondents citing news as their favorite programme. Other programmes identified include Music programmes (12.2 per cent), morning/breakfast shows (11 per cent), Patanisho (7.0 per cent) and Maina and King’ang’i (3.4 per cent).

Asked whether they advise their children on what programmes/films to watch or listen to, majority (85%) of Kenyan parents said they do. Notably, as shown in the figure below, 15 per cent of the surveyed parents said that they do not advise their children on what to watch on TV or listen to on radio, which means that a lot of children still remain vulnerable.

News20%

Soap operas13%

Local programmes

64%

Games/sports3% Cartoons

1%

KEY

Games/sports

Cartoons

News

Soap operas

Local programmes

KEY

No

Yes

Yes85%

No15%

Of the parents who indicated that they do not advise their children on what programmes/films to watch or listen to, 18.3 per cent indicated that the children were too young hence lacked the cognitive understanding to be advised, 13.7 per cent of the parents said they are always away from home, while 10.2 per cent indicated that their children were responsible and know what to watch/listen to. While there are parents who undoubtedly bring up their children in firm religious teachings and strictly monitorwhat their children access on media, interventionsfor the parents who are mostly away from home and those who do not care what their childrenaccess on media should be scaled up.

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3.4 Public opinion towards KFCB mandate and its relevance

In order to establish the public’s views/opinions, the respondents were asked several questions in regard to KFCB role in the film industry. In their response, the respondents would indicate the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with the statements. As shown on the table below, 79.1 per cent agreed that the Board plays a crucial role in cultivating the right morals and values among Kenyans while 5.0 per cent disagreed. Notably, 81.1 per cent agreed that regulating the film industry by the Board is a good practice while 3.4 per cent disagreed.

Table 1: Public Views on Media Content Regulation

SSttaatteemmeenntt SSttrroonnggllyy AAggrreeee

AAggrreeee NNeeiitthheerr aaggrreeee nnoorr ddiissaaggrreeee

DDiissaaggrreeee SSttrroonnggllyy DDiissaaggrreeee

KFCB plays a crucial role in cultivating the right morals and values among Kenyans

40.8% 38.3% 15.8% 3.6% 1.4%

Regulating the film industry by KFCB is a good practice in line with international standards

39.1% 42.0% 15.5% 2.4% 1.0%

Regulation of the film industry by KFCB kills creativity among creatives

11.4% 17.1% 23.1% 32.3% 16.0%

If not regulated, the film industry and the broadcast sector can easily influence children negatively

44.3% 31.2% 15.6% 6.6% 2.3%

With the current technological advancement, it is difficult for KFCB to regulate what Kenyan population watch or listen to

29.7% 32.1% 18.9% 14.2% 5.0%

From the key informant interviews, it emerged that the stakeholders feel that the Board has been effective and relevant in cultivating the right moral and cultural values among Kenyans as shown in the quotes below:

“On the question of effectiveness I have to say they have really tried, censorship of cartoon network on DSTV, Coca-Cola advert, East Africa breweries LTD advert are good examples. This goes a long way in protecting children against undesired content”-KFC

“KFCB really tries to promote national and cultural values by helping us Kenyans not to adopt the western ways of living like the recent case about nickelodeon programme to suit the country and Coca-Cola had to edit their advert for the market” –KFTPA.

“The Board is very effective in maintaining our national and cultural values by rating films according to our expectations which is in accordance to the moral values” -Century Cinemax.

“The Board is helping a lot in promoting national and cultural values through drama and filmfestivals and participating in activities in our schools and colleges” -River wood Ensemble.

“Yes, to an extent. By restricting the age limits for watching or listening to certain shows, it ensures that only content that is relevant to certain age groups is accessed by those age groups thus protecting national and cultural values” -KECOBO

In addition, participants from the Focus Group Discussion felt that KFCB plays a crucial role in promoting national and cultural values

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“I think it is effective, for example if you look at PG 16 and PG 18 programmes, there is a great difference in the content” –Njata TV viewer, Kiambu.

“KFCB has played a big role in the development of the broadcast industry because it shows the age appropriateness of programmes”-Ingo FM listener in Kakamega County

“...I would say the local talents are encouraged by their work, they have at least tried to engage the various stake holders in ensuring our local content finds its way to various media platforms, contents that are appealing to all”-Radio Citizen/KASS TV viewer in UasinGishu County

“It is effective in the sense that when children know what’s not good to watch it makes them morally upright” –Heritage TV/Radio Pwani viewer/listener, Kilifi.

“KFCB is effective in allowing values that conform to our moral values” –Radio Jambo listener, Nairobi.

“By limiting immoral decadence common with the western movies, they are enhancing our normal values as Kenyans” –Ramogi/Nam lolwe radio listener, Kisumu.

Since not all respondents agreed please sample 2 or 3 contrary opinions

3.5 Public knowledge with regard to the current classification system and age ratings in Kenya

In order to establish the public’s knowledge on KFCB’s classification symbols and what they mean, the researcher presented the interviewee with the physical four (4)classification symbolsassigned to rated film/broadcast content.If the respondent gave the correct meaning, the interviewer marked ‘yes’ indicating awareness.

GE PG 16 18

84.1% 80.2% 85.7% 88.4%

15.9% 19.8% 14.3% 11.6%

No

Yes

KEY

Figure 3: What do the following classification symbols mean?

The survey also sought to establish the public’s views on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the Board’s classification system, besides their knowledge on the classification symbols. As shown on the figure below, 77 per cent of the surveyed respondents reported that the classification system was appropriate and effective while 23 per cent felt that it was not.

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Yes77%

No23% KEY

YES

NO

Some participants from the Focus Group Discussions believe that the KFCB classification system is effective.

“It is effective on TV because before the start of every programme, they say it is fit for general viewing or restricted to a certain group but on radio, they don’t show that” -Bahari FM/radio Kaya listener, Kwale.

“KFCB’s classification system has helped because programmes not good for kids are aired during late night hours” –Ghetto Radio listener, Nairobi.

“It has helped a lot because now we have classification of programmes and we know which programmes are good-Radio Salama/Rahma FM listener in Kwale County

The survey further established the public’s opinion about the effectiveness of KFCB in regulating media content through classification. As shown in the figure below, 60.4 per cent and 22.5 per cent reported effective and very effective respectively. In essence, 82.9 per cent are of the opinion that KFCB has been effective in regulating media content.

Figure 4: Do you think KFCB’s classification system is appropriate and effective?

Figure 5: In your opinion, how effective is KFCB’s work in regulating media content through classification?

Very effective Effective Ineffective Very ineffective

22.5%

60.4%

15.8%1.2%

KEY

Very ineffective

Ineffective

Effective

Very effective

3.6 Public concern about children’s exposure to harmful material in media

Asked what kind of media is likely to expose children to harmful content, 62.6 per cent saidsmart phones followed by 29.8 per cent who saidTV and 7.6 per cent who saidradio as shown on the figure below. Most of the smart phones have applications such as radio and social media applications such as Facebook, Instagram, among others. If not monitored, children can visit harmful sites and in the long run they can be mentally and morally corrupted.

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Figure 6: On which media do you think children are most exposed to harmful media content?

Figure 7: Whose responsibility do you think it is to inculcate good morals and values among children?

Asked whose responsibility it is to inculcate good morals and values among children, respondents mentioned parents, teachers, children themselves and the State in that order. In particular, 92.1 per cent mentioned parents, 50.3 per cent mentioned teachers, 20.2 per cent mentioned children themselves and 17.9 per cent mentioned the State.

3.7 Broadcast stations level of compliance to the mandating laws

According to key informant interviews with the various media stakeholders, most of the broadcast stations have, to a large extent, complied with KFCB’s mandating laws. Interviews with broadcast stations revealed that great strides have been made in complying with the lawsas narrated by somebroadcasters below;

“Most of the broadcast stations have complied with the regulations in regards to licensing, content requirements and other service regulations”-Ebru TV

“100% compliance, during the digital migration everyone complied to the rules”-KTN TV

“The broadcast stations are complying with the policies”-Homeboyz Radio

“Broadcast stations have complied with the legislations.40% and 60% local content is adhered to”-Radio Maisha

“Broadcast stations have no options but to comply with the mandating laws”-KBC Radio Taifa

TV Radio Smartphones

29.8%7.6%

62.6%KEY

Smartphones

Radio

TV

KEY

Teachers

The State

Parents

Childrenthemselves

Childrenthemselves

Parents Teachers The State

20.2%

92.1%

50.3%17.9%

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“Most broadcasters have complied sufficiently with the mandating laws including the media laws”-Citizen TV

“The broadcast stations have complied to a greater extent”-K24 TV

“Most broadcast stations have complied”-KASS TV

According to other stakeholders, there is a general view that most broadcast stations have complied with the laws;

“I think the broadcast stations have done a wonderful job. I have personally seen the disclaimers before a show is aired so I think they have complied”-KECOBO

“There are reports on audience perspective that if there is non- compliance then the program is brought down, because of this, there has been 100% compliance by the mainstream media”-KFC

“There is compliance to some level, only a few stations refusing to comply, there are a lot of radio and TV station in the digital space. We have not seen a lot of explicit materials on the TV stations”-CA

“Most broadcast stations have complied and we are happy with the BOARD’s effort to ensure full compliance”-NCCK

Based on these findings, therefore, there is need for the Board to strictly enforce the mandating laws and regulation in order to ensure compliance by every broadcast station across the country.

3.8 Parents’ recommendations to the Board

Asked what recommendation(s) can be given to KFCB in order to improve on execution of its mandate, 31.6 per cent said that KFCB shouldcreate awareness of its mandate. The other key recommendations given included; KFCB should strictly regulate thebroadcast stations, movies/songs producers (16.8 per cent) , KFCB should enforce the set rules and regulations strictly (6 per cent) and should fine/arrestthose who violate the stipulated guidelines (5.5 per cent) as shown in the table below:

Figure 5: In your opinion, how effective is KFCB’s work in regulating media content through classification?

RReeccoommmmeennddaattiioonnss FFrreeqquueennccyy PPeerrcceennttaaggee KFCB should create awareness of its mandate to the citizens 357 31.6% KFCB should strictly regulate broadcast stations, movies/songs producers and actors

190 16.8%

KFCB should set rules and regulations and enforce them strictly 68 6.0% KFCB should fine and arrest those who violate the stipulated guidelines 63 5.5% KFCB should regulate online sites and websites in order to protect children 60 5.3% KFCB should review the timing of the various programmes in regard to the time that they go on air

37 3.2%

KFCB should execute its mandatein accordance to consumers preferences and choices

33 3.0%

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4.0 CONCLUSION

It is essential for KFCB to scale up on awareness levels as a proportion of Kenyans do not know of KFCB and its mandates. In regard to the respondents’ favorite form of media, it is evident that a large propotion of Kenyans frequently use TV as the main form of media within their households.On TV, news, soap operas and various local shows are the most preferred programmes. Clearly, most Kenyans prefer watching locally produced shows to the international programmes. News, music and breakfast shows are without a doubt the most preferred shows on radio.

In terms of public opinion towards KFCB mandate, it is observable that most Kenyans consider KFCB’s role of regulating the film industry a good practice; that’s in line with international standards.Due to a large number of broadcast stations, Kenyans feel that if the film industry is not regulated, the broadcast sector can easily influence children negatively.

Regarding the proportion of Kenyans who understand the BOARD’s current classification system, an above average figure has been reached. However, there are still a number of those who do not understand the meaning of the programme ratings. Those unaware are still exposed to broadcast stations that do not comply with the BOARD’s classification guidelines. In terms of effectiveness and appropriateness of the BOARD’s classification system, most Kenyans consider KFCB’s classification system to be effective.

In relation to the form of media exposing children to harmful content, smart phones were considered to expose them to most harmful sites and/or application. However, a reasonable proportion of Kenyans considered TV and radio to expose children to harmful content. Nevertheless, parents were considered to be the best parties to inculcate good morals values among children.

The BOARD has to regularly carry our research to establish its performance levels, awareness level and to ensure that its decisions and policies are evidence-based.

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5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings of this survey, the following recommendations are proposed to:

1. Kenya Film Classification BoardKFCB should;

i) Enhance public awareness ofits mandate -There is currently a low level of public awareness of the Boardand its mandates. There exist a positive impact of KFCB’s work yet majority of the public are not able to accurately attribute this success to the Board’s effort. Interventions should be made to publicize the Board preferably through media adverts.

ii) Going forward, work closely with other media stakeholders- such as the Media Owners Association, Communication Authority of Kenya, filmmakers, and broadcast stations, among others in order to achieve their buy in.

iii) Regulate the online content - Children are becoming more exposed to online harmful content especially when they get access to such content using smartphones and unregulated websites.

iv) Create specific messaging intended to guide parents and children on how to interact and consume media content - There should be specific messaging intended to guide parents on how to advise and monitor their children in regard to what they watch/listen to.

v) Ensure all the broadcast stations implement classification ratings wholly as stipulated in the law - Although the BOARD provides classification/rating for every program with the justification for such rating, some programs are aired by broadcast stations without providing the full justification of the classification rating. Viewers especially parents would like to know the justification of the ratings of the various programs before they are aired so that they could advise their children on the various programs.

vi) Collaborate with other state agencies/ stakeholders to ensure prosecution/punishment of the non-compliant film operators.

vii) Frequently seek/gather the viewers’ opinion on various programs aired and the classification ratings for these programs - Viewers especially the parents have varied opinions on the various programs aired as well as the potential risk these programs may pose especially to the children.

viii) Collaborate with Ministry of Education and Kenya Institute of Curriculum Developmenttowards integrating issues of media content into the school curriculum - The Boardshould work hand in hand with the Ministry of Education to ensure aspects on access to safe media content by the children is integrated into the school syllabus.Remain knowledgeable about the effects of media content on children, including violent and aggressive behavior, poor body concept and self-image, substance use, and early sexual activity;

ix) Continue with the Media Literacy Program rollout–The Board should work with education institutions to implement comprehensive media-education programs;

x) Collaborate with religious organisations, and other community groups to broaden media

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education beyond the education institutions

xi) Develop and publicise film classification and television viewing guidelines; and

xii) Educate parents about the relationship between their own and their child’s TV viewing and media content consuming habits.

2. Government of KenyaThe government should;

a) Note that with changes in lifestyle a good percentage of parents are away from home and therefore, it is difficult for them to supervise their children properly and set limits in regard to media content consumption. In view of this, government should support initiatives to promote the safe and responsible use of the media.

b) Encourage and support regular media research. The Netherlands Youth Institute, for example, analyses scholarly findings on the use and effects of the media among young people annually.

c) Set teaching objectives to encourage the inclusion of media awareness as a fixed part of the school curriculum in Kenya

3. BroadcastersThey should;

a) Adhere to the film and broadcast content rating system and label programs conscientiously;

b) Collaborate with sector players to discuss ways to make the media content more appropriate for children and adolescents;

4. ParentsThey should;

a) Remain knowledgeable about the effects of media content on children, including violent and aggressive behavior, poor body concept and self-image, substance use, and early sexual activity;

b) Form advocacy groups in their own interest and that of their children in regard to media content brought to them on various platforms;

c) Be involved in teaching their children how to use media critically and sensibly;

f) Monitor the programs children and adolescents are viewing. Most programs should be informational, educational, and non-violent;

g) Watch television programs along with children and discuss the content;

j) Support efforts to establish comprehensive media-education programs in schools; and

k) Encourage alternative entertainment for children, including reading, athletics, hobbies and creative play.

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