The World Radio Day is commemorated on 13th February of every year. Radio prides itself as one of the earliest forms of mass media and is deeply entrenched in Kenya’s history.
But the medium of mass communication has since ceded ground to new multimedia channels including the television in the modern world.
While many anchors begin their careers directly in television, some have taken a less conventional path, starting off in the world of radio broadcasting before transitioning to the glitz and glamour of television studios.
As Kenya joins the world in celebrating 100 years of radio, this article reviews some of Kenya’s prominent television journalists who started their career journey in radio stations before moving to Television.
In a testament to the versatility and adaptability of media professionals, several prominent television anchors have their roots firmly planted in radio.
These individuals have honed their craft behind the mic, mastering the art of storytelling, engaging audiences, and delivering news with precision and charisma.
Four Journalists who Started Careers in Radio
Victoria Rubadiri
Citizen TV’s news anchor Victoria Rubadiri commenced her career journey as a Business Reporter and a News correspondent at Capital FM in Nairobi, Kenya, in April 2011.
During her stint at the station, Rubadiri honed her skills for one year and nine months and eventually caught the attention of the media industry in what opened her path to Nation Media Group’s NTV in December 2012.
Over the course of the five years and six months she spent at NMG, Rubadiri made significant contributions as a journalist, demonstrating her commitment to delivering insightful and impactful news stories.
In May 2018, she embarked on a new chapter in her career, joining Royal Media Services Limited, where she continued to excel in her role for five years and ten months.
Furthermore, Rubadiri’s dedication to journalism has been recognized and celebrated, culminating in her being awarded the prestigious 2020 BBC Komla Dumor Award, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Also Read: Journalists Who Quit Kenyan Media for Greener Pastures
Sam Gituku
Gituku started his broadcasting career at Moi University’s MU FM 103.9 in Eldoret, where he served as a Programme Host and News Presenter from 2010 to April 2011.
During this time, he showcased his skills in news gathering, writing, and voicing reports.
He would later undergo radio reporter training at both Hot 96 and Radio Citizen, where he further refined his abilities in translating stories and sound bites from English and Swahili.
In January 2012, he transitioned to Royal Media Services (RMS) as a journalist, showcasing his commitment to his journalism career.
His dedication and talent led to his promotion to a news anchor in March 2013, solidifying his position as a respected figure in the field of broadcast journalism.
James Smart
Smart, a seasoned journalist and media personality, has carved an illustrious career path marked by academic achievements and groundbreaking contributions to the field of journalism.
Smart brought his expertise to the forefront as a news anchor at Capital FM, where he captivated audiences with his insightful reporting for two years.
His passion for journalism then led him to join NTV, where he made significant contributions until 2012 when he moved to KTN.
However, his ties with NTV were far from over, as he later returned to the network in 2020 and took the helm of hosting the primetime news, showcasing his versatility and proficiency in delivering news content to the masses.
Smart’s innovative spirit and creative genius were further evident in his role as the creator of the immensely popular show ‘The Trend.’
Furthermore, Smart’s influence extended beyond borders as he collaborated with the BBC to develop ‘Focus on Africa,’ a flagship TV news program that sheds light on compelling stories from across the African continent, showcasing his commitment to promoting African voices on the global stage.
Also Read: KTN Journalist Who Blasted Standard Group Managers Quits
Eric Latiff
Eric Latiff is another notable figure who seamlessly transitioned from radio to television.
Latiff’s tenure at Capital FM saw him wearing multiple hats, from being presenter to Senior Online Editor from March 2003 – February 2016.
His journey eventually led him to KTN, where he solidified his presence as a respected news anchor and presenter.
Latiff was the founding Station Manager for K24 between June 2000-June 2008.
The journalist was deeply involved in conceptualization of the vision and mission, program format design, recruitment and training of founding staff, technical design and overseeing set up as well as day-to-day running of the station for the first year.
From mastering the art of storytelling to honing their on-air presence, these individuals have leveraged their radio experience to excel in the fast-paced world of television news.
These television journalists serve as inspirations for aspiring media professionals, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a knack for storytelling, the transition from radio to television is possible and can lead to unparalleled success in the ever-evolving landscape of media.
