Why CCK Shut Down Royal Media’s Transmitters

Saturday, the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) shut down six broadcast transmitters in four different locations belonging to Royal Media Services (RMS). Prior to the action, CCK had issued RMS with a notice to cease operating or face the full force of the law.

According to CCK;

1.    RMS was operating the six broadcast transmitters using unauthorized frequencies and without the required licences in blatant breach of the law.

2.    The 17 transmitters in question are being operated using self-assigned or ‘grabbed’ frequencies.

3.    Some of the transmitters are located in non-designated broadcasting sites thus causing harmful interferences to duly licensed services including broadcasters

4.    Transmissions from these illegal stations are also causing interferences in neighbouring countries, eliciting complaints from regulators in the region.

5.    The safety of the airspace has in recent times come under threat as the illegal transmitter stations have on a number of occasions caused interferences to radio communication between pilots and the control tower. CCK alleged that it has received numerous complaints from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) as well as from the national carrier, Kenya Airways, about threats to the safety of our airspace due to interferences emanating from these illegal transmitters.

Yesterday, however, the High Court restrained CCK from switching off the stations pending hearing from both sides arguing that the move by CCK to switch off the transmitters would adversely affect the business of RMS as well as the right of Kenyans to receive information.