The Nation Media Group (NMG) has appointed veteran journalist Pamela Sittoni as the new Public Editor.
In an official statement, the media house announced that Sittoni will take over the position effective May 1. She succeeds Peter Mwaura, who retired in December 2024.
"The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Pamella Sittoni as the Public Editor of Nation Media Group PLC (NMG), effective May 1," the statement read in part.
As a Public Editor, Sittoni will be ensuring that the media group remains transparent, accessible, and accountable to its audiences and that it adheres to both its internal editorial standards as well as the country's Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism.
"In this role, Pamella will operate independently as the representative of NMG audiences across the Group's print, digital, and broadcast platforms," the statement said further.
Sittoni assumes the role at a critical time when the media house is facing scrutiny from various leaders, who have challenged its credibility, raised concerns about its journalistic ethics, and even accused it of disseminating misinformation.
"Her primary responsibility will be to handle complaints related to accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical concerns, and to monitor overall compliance with the Editorial Policy and Guidelines in news gathering and presentation," according to the statement.
Owing to the numerous complaints by leaders who feel attacked by the NMG, Sittoni has been tasked with a public education role, helping audiences understand the processes, norms, and responsibilities of journalism in a democratic society.
"The appointment of a Public Editor, independent of management and reporting to the Editorial Committee of the Board, is a testament to NMG's continuing strong commitment to journalistic integrity, ethical conduct and self-regulation. Further, it reflects our enduring belief in openness to critique as we pursue our mission to be the Media of Africa for Africa," the statement continued.
Sittoni is a seasoned journalist and communications professional who has held several senior editorial roles across leading media organisations.
Her appointment comes barely a week after Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer, Ezekiel Mutua, threatened to sue the media house over the lack of an apology for allegedly publishing a fake notification about him.
Mutua said he would sue the media house for ignoring a demand letter from his lawyers, which sought an apology over a misleading publication announcing that he had been fired as MCSK CEO.
