Standard Media Group has hit back at plans by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) to revoke some of its broadcast licences, saying it will fight the decision in court.
The media house spoke after the Communications Appeals Tribunal dismissed its case, giving CA the green light to go ahead with the licence cancellation. But Standard Group CEO Chacha Mwita said the matter is not over yet, noting that the company has not received the full ruling.
“While we respect the judicial process, we have not received the complete ruling the matter is far from concluded,” the company said in a statement. It added that it plans to move to the High Court to challenge the decision.
At the centre of the dispute is a claim by CA that the media house failed to pay licence fees amounting to about Sh48.9 million. The regulator says it had issued several reminders and warnings over the years, but the payments were not made.
However, Standard Group has pushed back, saying the situation is not that simple. The company claims the government itself owes it over Sh1.2 billion in unpaid advertising.
“The Government cannot hold a knife to our throat with one hand while extending an empty promise of payment with the other. The remedy is simple: Pay what you owe The Standard Group, and we will pay what we owe the CA,” the company said.
The media house also warned against any attempt to switch off its stations before all legal steps are followed, saying that would be unfair and against due process. It further described the move as a threat to media freedom.
“This coordinated assault on our licences sends a chilling message… that the Government will use its regulatory power to silence any media house,” the statement added.
Despite the standoff, Standard Group said it will continue operating as it prepares for a legal battle, insisting it will not be silenced.
