Abstract:
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed at interrogating radio talk show content, particularly the concern of
whether the presenters adhered to professional standards as outlined in the Code of Conduct for
Practice of Journalism in Kenya.
Materials and methods: The three study sites were local FM radio stations - Radio Citizen,
Radio Jambo, and Radio Maisha. Using a 2014 Media Council of Kenya study of radio talk
shows in Kenya as a background, the thesis placed more emphasis on the radio presenters and
their content. The study applied Social Responsibility Theory which posits that media should be
more responsible and accountable to the society. The study employed a descriptive survey using
qualitative and quantitative approaches. In this study, four presenters, two key personnel from
the Media Council of Kenya were interviewed as well as a sample of their radio talk show
content.
Results: This study noted that the regulatory bodies such as the MCK and the Communication
Authority of Kenya were leading efforts to regulate content in the interests of decency. The
limitations of the MCK as a media regulatory body were lack of capacity to monitor radio
stations, resulting in poor enforcement of the journalists‟ code of ethics.
Recommendations: The study recommends that the CA and the MCK come to a consensus in
regard to the regulation of media practice in Kenya. The two statutory bodies need to be clear on
the distinction between their roles, and to involve other stakeholders in addressing matters of
non-conformity to regulations by media houses. Moreover, the MCK needs to prepare separate
codes for broadcast media regulations (ACMA, 2011).
Key words: Talk Shows, Presenters, Content, Media Council of Kenya, Ethical Standard
