Regulating the Broadcasting Watershed Period

Abstract

The broadcasting watershed period is a government policy used to protect minors from the harm and offence that could be caused by exposure to adult programs. It ensures that general exhibition programs i.e. programs suitable for all age groups are aired when children are most likely to be part of the audience. It also ensures that programs that contain adult themes are scheduled for a later time of the night when children are most likely to be asleep. A study conducted to find out the factors that influence compliance with the Watershed period among broadcasters in Kenya measured the level of compliance with the watershed period regulations within the study, respondents were asked if they found the current government regulations effective in protecting children from harmful content in broadcasts. They were also asked whether they were in support of the government regulation of program content through the watershed period or whether they preferred self regulation among broadcasters. Majority of the respondents supported government regulation as opposed to self regulation. Despite this, Kenyan broadcasters have for a long time pushed to adopt self-regulation within the sector. In many instances, audiences have turned to the government regarding inappropriate broadcast programming urging them to rid the airwaves of this content, this fact illustrates the reliance that the audiences have in the government to regulate media content. Many texts point out that the main reason throughout the world for government regulation of programme content is the protection of minors, it is perhaps because of this that citizens, parents lawmakers and regulators, should not relent on the government regulation of broadcasting content and specifically the watershed period within Kenya. The paper argues why the governmen