Next Media’s Kin Kariisa decries invasion of social media into the main industry

• Kariisa says online “village TVs” now compete directly with mainstream broadcasters for advertising budgets.
• Calls on UCC to enforce equal regulation, taxes and license fees on digital broadcasters.
• Urges stations to build digital departments and strengthen online platforms to stay relevant.

Next Media Services CEO Kin Kariisa has cautioned radio and TV owners across the country to urgently modernize their operations or risk losing their advertising revenue to fast-growing online “village TV” creators.

Speaking at the Rural Broadcasters Association meeting, Kariisa said a new wave of digital broadcasters—whom he referred to as invaders—has entered the space with blogging TVs, livestream pages and community-based channels that are now competing for the same advertising budgets.

“People invaded us. Everyone is now a media house. They have blogging TVs. Village TV, Kaaro TV, What this TV… they are broadcasters,” Kariisa said.
He explained that traditional media first dismissed these platforms as rumor mills, but they have evolved and now knock on the same doors for advertising.

“They go to the same advertisers you go to and they are sharing part of your wallet. Have you heard about it? They spend $250,000 every month on digital. That’s almost a billion shillings. That’s your wallet.”

Kariisa called on the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to enforce the same broadcasting rules on digital creators who are now operating at scale.
“We are not against them, but the same rules that apply to us should apply to them. They need to pay taxes. They need to pay license fees because they are broadcasting to Ugandans.”

He urged broadcasters to build their own digital departments instead of ignoring the shift.
“If you don’t, as people keep sharing that wallet, you’ll be out of it. Every radio and TV needs a digital arm.”

Kariisa also predicted that the future of print is shrinking fast.
“I don’t think newspapers will still be printing in five years. Mark my words.”

He encouraged stations to leverage their own presenters, who already command influence online.
“Your people are celebrities. Work with them to build your platforms, not just theirs.”

Despite the pressure from social media, Kariisa insisted mainstream media remains the most trusted source of verified information.
“People say social media has taken over mainstream media—wrong. When there’s breaking news, which handles do they run to? Monitor. Nile Post. Your platforms.”

He urged broadcasters to strengthen their digital presence so they can monetize their audiences more effectively.
“Make your platforms relevant so that when people go to X, Facebook, YouTube, they’re looking for your content. That’s how you can tell advertisers, ‘Pay me to amplify your message.’”

Kariisa closed with a rallying call for unity and adaptation.
“Let’s fight for our space. If you don’t modernize, you won’t survive.”