The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has raised concerns over the growing proliferation of gaming advertisements on various media platforms. In a recent press release, the MCK highlighted the need for compliance with regulatory standards and urged journalists, media practitioners, and media enterprises to exercise responsibility when promoting gaming activities.
Under the authority of the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), entities engaged in gaming activities, including lotteries, betting, and gambling, are required to obtain licenses. However, the MCK has observed that advertisements for gaming activities by unlicensed entities are increasingly being broadcasted on media platforms.
To address this issue, the MCK has issued an advisory outlining key guidelines for media professionals and enterprises involved in the promotion and advertising of gaming activities. The advisory seeks to ensure that only licensed gaming entities approved by the BCLB have their promotions and advertisements aired on media platforms.
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Furthermore, the MCK emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya. Journalists, media practitioners, and enterprises are expected to uphold principles of fairness, accuracy, and unbiased reporting when advertising or promoting gaming activities on media platforms. Specifically, Clause 4(3) and Clause 5 of the code outline the standards that should be followed in these circumstances.
The advisory from the MCK aims to safeguard the interests of investors and ensure that media practices related to the advertising of gaming activities uphold the highest standards. By endorsing licensed gaming entities and urging compliance with ethical guidelines, the MCK seeks to protect the public from potential risks associated with unregulated or illegal gambling operations.
In the release, David Omwoyo Omwoyo, MBS, the Chief Executive Officer & Secretary to the Council, stressed the importance of promoting media freedom and responsible journalism while balancing the need to protect the public.
“This advisory is issued in public interest to protect investors and to ensure the highest standards of media practice in relation to advertisements of gaming activities on media platforms.” he wrote.
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As the prevalence of gaming activities continues to rise, the MCK’s advisory serves as a proactive step to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity within the gaming industry. It underscores the commitment of the Media Council of Kenya to uphold the highest media standards and protect the public’s trust in the information they receive.
The MCK’s advisory will undoubtedly have a significant impact on media practitioners and enterprises involved in promoting gaming activities. By adhering to the guidelines, the media industry can play a pivotal role in maintaining a responsible and well-regulated gaming environment, while also safeguarding the interests of Kenyan citizens.
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