Nation Media Group has announced a seismic shift in its content production strategy, prioritising digital content over traditional print and television mediums.
This move signifies a major transformation for Kenya's largest media house as it grapples with substantial financial losses. The group reported a loss of Ksh205.7 million for the full year of 2023, a stark contrast to the Ksh318.5 million profit in 2022.
In an internal memo signed by Group Editor-In-Chief Joe Ageyo, it was revealed that all newsroom content would henceforth be produced exclusively for digital platforms.
To support this digital-first strategy, Nation Media Group has established a standalone Video and Audio Hub aimed at producing premium video content.
Insiders suggest that NTV, the group's television arm, might be closed, although the exact timeline remains unclear. Sources confirmed that NTV has already seen its top talent depart as part of the preparation for winding down operations.
The internal memo, viewed by Kenyans.co.ke, also detailed significant changes to the group's team structure.
Effective Monday, July 8, 2024, the entire newsroom will be dedicated to digital content. Print production and broadcast news bulletins will operate on separate workflows derived from digital content.
Ageyo emphasised that these changes are necessary to streamline print production, making it leaner and more efficient.
A smaller team will be tasked with finalising products for the market, and curating and repurposing digital content for print audiences.
“Our digital-first approach, initiated with the Newsroom Integration project last year, has made considerable progress. However, there remains a gap between our achievements and our targets. To bridge this gap and enhance our digital-first culture, we need to implement these editorial workflow changes,” Ageyo stated.
Several leadership changes accompany this strategic shift. Harry Misiko transitions from Lead Editor, Digital to Lead Editor, News Desk, focusing on digital-first content.
Alex Ndegwa takes on the newly created role of Lead Editor, Nation.Africa (Daily), tasked with strengthening the platform as NMG's flagship. Ben Kitili becomes Editor of the Video & Audio Hub, leading digital content generation for NTVKenya.co.ke.
Jackson Mutinda shifts to Lead Editor, Africa & Diaspora, with a focus on expanding African content coverage. Roseline Obala is appointed Editor, Counties & Newsroom Administration, overseeing regional coverage and providing administrative support.
In addition to the editorial changes, Nation Media Group announced job cuts, effective June 14. CEO Stephen Gitagama stated, “We are evolving into a leaner, more agile organisation to drive efficient service delivery and innovate rapidly within the digital economy. Regrettably, this will necessitate a workforce reduction.”
Traditional media houses like NMG have struggled with declining newspaper sales and advertising revenue shifts to social media and online platforms.
NMG's competitor, Standard Media, also announced redundancies in September 2023 for similar reasons, planning to adopt a leaner structure.
Gitagama remains optimistic, asserting, “By adapting and embracing these changes, we will emerge as a stronger, more agile, and profitable company.
