The Standard Media Group is facing tough times after the radio department threatened to go off the air starting Wednesday, July 3, following wrangles with the media company over delayed salary payment.

The staff from Radio Maisha, Spice FM, Berur FM and Vybez Radio issued the warning following a meeting on Friday, June 28, where they came to a last resort of shutting down the programmes to push the media giant to clear outstanding salaries.

In a letter to the Standard Media Group PLC management, the radio team expressed their grievances about not receiving their salaries for June to August 2023 and February to June 2024.

“The matter of unpaid regular salary and mounting arrears as you’re aware is one of urgency. As a department – we need to address this matter,” the radio team insisted.

The radio employees expressed frustration over receiving irregular payments, despite repeated assurances from their employer.

They further demanded that their salaries for June 2024 be entirely paid by July 2, and the company maintain that consistency moving forward. They also noted that the company was facing financial difficulties, but insisted that they be remunerated regardless, and the company formulate a plan to set aside funds for salaries.

“With what is collected each month vis a vis what the salary burden is – let the amount be earmarked and kept aside to service salaries unfailingly,” the team indicated.

The team requested that the Standard Media Group pay 30 per cent of the salary arrears each month until the entire amount is settled.

The radio team indicated they were aware of a meeting with management provisionally set for Thursday, July 4, but maintained their threat of halting operations on Wednesday, July 3 if their demands were not met before then.

“Kindly note that in the event of non-payment as proposed above, all programming will be off air on July 3 on all four radio stations until our plight is addressed and a commitment from your end is issued in writing,” the radio presenters threatened.

Standard Media Group has been navigating challenging times, with departures by top talent to other media houses seeking better opportunities following its declining revenues.