Through new guidelines is one of the ways the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) can regulate what goes onto air and what shouldn't but these new guidelines also carry the last bullet to kill the media industry of Uganda.
When UCC starts directing when and where certain programs should be aired, then know that the media industry is under attack because surely why should a certain niche be moved beyond a certain time more so an entertainment program?
TVs should be left to schedule their programs at any time of the day they feel like they have the right audience and viewership. Those whose programs are not meaningful they will lose the viewership and be forced out of the market. That's how a market oriented economy works.
When UCC starts directing at what time certain programs should air, they will be reducing competition in the industry and bringing a monopolistic competition where almost all TV Stations will be broadcasting similar programs at the same time which does not only kill innovation but limits the viewers choice.
UCC should establish standards within which these TVs should operate and those who fail to abide should be dealt with individually with the penalties pre-determined by UCC but not the whole industry.
We have seen government trying to establish commissions where artists will submit their music before it is published in the name of removing songs that are 'harmful' to the community and still people clapped.
Let each TV be responsible for its own schedule after all those who claim that such a time (20:00hrs) should be used for 'developmental' programs, I see TVs who do have gossip shows also use that time for political shows and news bulletings.
The industry cannot be run on people's emotions and it thrives!
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