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MultiChoice to pull off air ‘gay’ cartoons banned by film board


MultiChoice DStv have agreed to stop broadcasting six cartoon that were recently banned by Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB).

In his directive to ban the programmes last week, KFCB chief executive Ezekiel Mutua termed them as “normalising, glamorising or even glorifying homosexual behavior”.

In a statement, MultiChoice said they had contacted the Channel Suppliers on the various recent complaints made against the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels with regards to their programming.

“Multichoice takes pride in ensuring that we comply with the law in all jurisdictions that we operate in and are mindful that culture is the foundation of the nation as family values underpin the society,” the statement read in part.

“In tandem with our internal quality control measures, we also ensure all third party suppliers are adequately briefed on country specific regulatory requirements and provisions.”

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa which operates Nickelodeon and Nicktoons channels, said:

“We acknowledge the concerns expressed by customers. While we explore a variety of options, we will suspend the shows in question in Africa. Although, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa and Nickelodeon Africa are committed to diversity and inclusiveness, VIMN also respects the varied cultures and regulatory codes of the markets in which we operate.”

ANIMATION

Turner who operates the Cartoon Network channel responded by saying:

“With respect to the issues raised by customers, we ensure our channels and programming are suitable for children and do not contain the content and messages unsuitable.

“In Africa, as in all markets, we always seek to be respectful of local laws, cultures and sensitivities and, in some instances, this means we do show amended versions of US original series.

“We constantly review feedback from our audiences to ensure that this is the case and this is a responsibility that we take extremely seriously.”

The six programmes that were banned by KFCB are Loud House, The Legend of the Korra and Hey Arnold, which are animation children programs available on Nickelodeon (DSTV).

The others are Clarance, Steven Universe and Adventure Time available on Cartoon Network.