NMG announces key editorial changes
Nation Media Group's head office along Kimathi Street.
What you need to know:
- New structure is to give impetus to Nation.Africa and protect legacy media business, says Editorial Director.
Changes in the Editorial team of the Nation Media Group (NMG) announced on Friday are expected to protect the existing market-leading products while signalling a decisive digital transformation, Group Editorial Director Mutuma Mathiu has said.
They will also strengthen the quality of the Group’s newspapers after recent redesigns, deploy more journalistic resources to bolster digital content for the newly-launched Nation.Africa, and integrate workflows to allow one content system to serve all platforms — digital, print and legacy TV.
Group Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gitagama said the transformation propels NMG on the path to being listed among the best in the world.
“The key thing is that Nation has started a digital transformation journey to ensure we become a world-leading digital company. I wish the very best to all those who have been given various responsibilities and I am confident they are up to the task,” said the Group CEO.
The new structure, which responds to the fast-changing media landscape, is the product of extensive consultation within the management and the NMG board of directors.
“The changes are a reflection of the Group’s determination to protect existing products while completely transforming into a digital operation.
They also show the respect and confidence the management and board have in Nation editors across the region,” said Mr Mathiu.
In the changes, Mr Churchill Otieno has been named the Head of Development and Learning and is expected to play a critical role in the execution of the digital expansion strategy, with Nation.Africa placed front and centre.
Churchill Otieno who has been appointed Nation Media Group's Head of Development and Learning.
Mr Daniel Kalinaki, a veteran Ugandan journalist and author, is the Africa Editor and Managing Editor of The EastAfrican as NMG strengthens its coverage of the continent with original content. He replaces Mr Washington Gikunju, who moves to the newly created position of Head of News.
Mr Daniel Kalinaki. He is the new Africa Editor and Managing Editor of the The East African.
Mr Washington Gikunju. He is the new Head of News.
The changes are a mix that includes creation of new roles and redeployment and affirmation of other editors in their current positions. Executive Editor Pamella Sittoni remains in charge of the Daily Nation while Mr Bernard Mwinzi continues as Managing Editor, Weekend Editions.
Executive Editor Pamella Sittoni remains in charge of the Daily Nation.
Mr Bernard Mwinzi. He is the Managing Editor Weekends.
Mr Mike Owuor has been retained as Sunday Nation Editor, as has Saturday Nation Assistant Editor Mutinda Munyao.
To further boost content generation for all platforms, Mr John Kamau has been named Managing Editor in charge of Projects, Mr Alex Ndegwa is the Enterprise Editor charged with the development and scheduling of premium content, Sunday Nation Assistant Editor Guchu Ndung’u takes over as the Political and Parliamentary Affairs Editor, Mr Harry Misiko becomes the Growth Editor, and Community Editor Kenfrey Kiberenge is in charge of leading coverage of local news from across the country.
Mr Harry Misiko. He was named Growth Editor.
Ms Wayua Muli has been moved from the Saturday Nation, where she was Editor, to lead New Ventures, while Ms Kudrat Sehgal is the new Product Innovation Lead. Former Editorial Manager Catherine Wanyama is the co-ordinator of the Quality Desk, working in a team led by Head of Production John Kiplagat.
Ms Wayua Muli. She was named as the Lead, New Ventures.
Ms Catherine Wanyama. She is named the Coordinator, Quality Desk.
To ensure representation of various marginalised groups and minority voices, Ms Verah Okeyo has been appointed Diversity and Inclusion Editor.
Ms Verah Okeyo. She was named Diversity and Inclusion Editor.
NMG said a critical part of the new way of working is the setting up of a “service desk” which will collect data in real time to ensure decisions are data-informed.
Also singled out is the establishment of facilities for high-level engagement with audiences, such that at every given time they can ask questions or give comments. To facilitate this Ms Lynette Mukami has been named the Engagement Editor.
Ms Lynette Mukami. She was appointed the Engagement Editor.
The appointments are supported by other structures within the newsroom and by the need to protect the integrity and professionalism of Nation journalism, with the priority being maintenance of quality and relevance.
