The Standard Responds to Govt Over Shutdown Plans

The Standard Media Group has strongly responded to plans by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to cancel some of its broadcasting licences, saying it will take the matter to court.

In a statement released on Friday, March 27, the media company confirmed that the Communications Appeals Tribunal had rejected its appeal. This decision now allows the CA to move forward with revoking six of its licences.

However, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chacha Mwita, said the fight is not over yet. He explained that the company respects the court process but believes the issue has not been fully concluded.

The media house also noted that it has not yet received the full tribunal judgment, which it needs before deciding its next legal step.

According to The Standard, it plans to challenge the ruling at the High Court. The company believes that filing an appeal there could stop the tribunal’s decision from being enforced.

At the centre of the dispute is a claim by the CA that the media house has not paid licence fees for several years. The regulator says the unpaid amount has reached KSh 48.9 million.

The CA stated that it followed all required procedures, including sending reminders and warning notices, but the company failed to respond.

However, The Standard has strongly denied the claims. It argues that the situation is more complicated, saying the government owes it more than KSh 1.2 billion in unpaid advertising bills.

The media house accused the regulator of unfairly labelling it as a defaulter while ignoring the money owed to it by government agencies.

“The government cannot demand payments from us while failing to settle its own debt,” the company said, adding that once it is paid, it will clear any outstanding fees.

The Standard also warned against any attempt to shut down its stations before all legal options are exhausted. It said such a move would go against the law and threaten media freedom in Kenya.

The company further claimed that the actions by the regulator send a worrying message to media houses that choose to remain independent.

Despite the ongoing dispute, The Standard Media Group said it will continue broadcasting and serving Kenyans.

The company expressed confidence that the courts will deliver justice and promised to use all legal means available to protect its operations and staff.