New details have emerged about the nature of firings at Mediamax Network Limited with Anne Kiguta's show Punchline spared from the bloodbath ravaging K24 TV with over 150 jobs reportedly on the line.
A source involved in the show's production intimated to Kenyans.co.ke that Punchline, known for hard-hitting interviews, would remain intact as the broadcaster finalises a drastic restructuring.
The source noted that the show had been touted as fitting the partnership between K24 TV and KTN News in which the former is expected to acquire content from the latter at a fee.
"Punchline stays put. It will not be affected by the current changes. Well, no deal was pulled. It just fits the strategic direction of the partnership. Nothing about Punchline changes. It remains exactly as it is," stated the source.
This came as numerous anchors and reporters from the station expressed uncertainty in the future of their careers.
WhatsApp messages seen by this writer from a group of employees in the troubled media house, in which Betty Kyallo is a member, showed the team lamenting over the manner in which they were being ousted with most fearing for the livelihoods as they awaited their fate.
Kyallo called it quits from the station after during her popular Weekend with Betty show noting that Saturday, May 30 was her last day at the workplace.
"I really appreciate you all. It is now time for me to say goodbye here on K24 TV. Thank you so much for all the support, I appreciate you, God bless you and I love you," announced Betty as she signed out.
Another anchor, Eric Njoka, in a phone interview with Kenyans.co.ke, disclosed that he was not sure if he would be going under the chopping board noting that if he would, he was to take a break from the media to evaluate his next move.
"If I am told I will be affected, let me just say this, it is too early for me to actually say anything or to make up my mind on what I want to do or what my next step. First, I will get to know myself and understand what I really need to know then I can make a decision thereafter.
"I will take a break, definitely, that means most of us will take a break from TV or media probably until this pandemic is contained then we can revive our careers or talent," stated Njoka.
In the partnership deed between K24 TV and KTN News, the former is expected to be a subscriber to the latter's content in which an all-access package that includes KTN News’ coverage of live events goes for Ksh3.2 million per month.
Other packages include Ksh1.8 million monthly fee for KTN News’ extensive news coverage for prime time bulletins alone and Ksh1 million for the access to live events and signal coverage only.
Punchline, on the other hand, has minimal budget estimates since it is a late-night talk show that involves the anchor with an assortment of panelists and it sometimes airs after pre-recording.
