Broadcasters told to prioritise local content
NAOMI MUSIIMENTA
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has faulted local broadcasters for not producing enough local content as per the regulations hindering the development of the film industry in the country.
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UCC expressed this concern during a gathering of local film makers and producers in Kampala.
Under the UCC regulations broadcasters are required to have 70% local content in their programming but currently on average, local content stands at 54% most of which is news and political shows.
Many media houses continue to rely on content from outside the country, something that UCC says has contributed to the underdevelopment of the local film industry.
The film makers from all over the country said many broadcasters telecast their content during non peak hours and while foreign content is shown during the prime hours.
Kin Kariisa the chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters revealed that local content had been topic of discussion for 10 years now but the film industry is also highly marginalised in terms of funding.
He pledged that the media will do its part in developing the local film industry and also requested UCC and its team to enforce local content to ensure its development.
Among other issues discussed, broadcasters appealed to UCC to rein in on high taxes imposed on equipment which has also hampered the development of the local industry.
