Former NTV anchor Debarl Inea is set to premier at the rebranded Punchline show on K24 TV where his role at the station has been elevated.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the celebrated media personality revealed that the rebranded show would take a panel format, similar to the AM Live model which earned him a reputation as a talented moderator.
Debarl also downplayed fears of editorial interference which saw his predecessor Anne Kiguta exit the station. He stated that he was responsible for the show's content alongside his producer.
The journalist added that the show was moved from Sundays prime and will now hit the airwaves on Tuesdays with an extended airtime.
"The show has hanged because of the programming of the station. It saw it fit to be on Tuesday. It is a different show altogether apart from the name. It will start at 8:30pm and end at 10 p.m.
"I am the brains behind everything, together with the producer," stated Inea.
During the show's broadcast, Debarl will be expected to break away from the panel discussion at 9 p.m. to anchor the prime time news before proceeding into late night.
"This is where we believe the public will be better informed by the rich and informative political debate that Punchline promises.
"You will get all the views, varied as they are for even the law is a matter of democracy when an uneven bench sits and legal opinions voted on," read a report by K24 TV.
The show, debuted on K24 TV in July 2019, hit a hiatus in December 2020 after its former host Kiguta quit over editorial differences with the station's management.
"Owing to fundamental disagreement on editorial processes and direction the show was being forced to take, I suspended my services as an independent contractor to the show on November 21, 2020.
"My decision was guided by the Code of Conduct contained in the Media Council of Kenya Act which guides all journalists practicing in the republic of Kenya," read Kiguta's statement at the time.
Kiguta had openly expressed her discontent after bosses at the station reportedly cancelled Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro interview at the last minute.
In October 2020, Kiguta had prepared to host Nyoro who is Deputy President William Ruto's ally on her Punchline Show, but the management's last-minute change of heart made it impossible.
