NTV is targetting three KTN News anchors in a major swoop that will no doubt shake the media space, just a few days after Nation Media Group restored the full salaries of its employees.
Insiders privy to the information told Kenyans.co.ke that KTN News anchors Ben Kitili and Lindah Oguttu are finalizing their return to NTV, a station they previously worked at. Swahili anchor and radio journalist, Lofty Matambo is also on NTV's radar.
Frida Mwaka, who quit KTN News on Sunday, March 21, is also set to join NTV in the coming weeks.
Oguttu, Lofty and Kitili are in high-level discussions with NTV, with reports detailing that they will join the NMG in mid-April.
"Lofty is ready to join NTV. He met the management of both sides, who are now finalising the paperwork. The only issue derailing the move is some agreement between the two stations. However, he already served his notice and is almost serving his time," the insider disclosed.
Lofty has worked at KTN News for over seven years since December 2013, and is also a radio presenter at Radio Maisha. Prior to joining KTN News, he was a content producer/presenter at Media Development In Africa (MEDEVA) for two years.
Lofty quit his laboratory technician job to try a hand in the media and rose to become one of the top anchors.
Oguttu, Kitili and Lofty declined to comment on the issue when Kenyans.co.ke reached them for comment. However, another source added that Kitili wants to revive the politics desk at NTV with Oguttu joining as a senior anchor and editor.
"Kitili presented his proposals to NTV's management which was reportedly satisfied with his portfolio. He also met the human resource manager at KTN News to finalize his move, but was put on hold as talks between NTV and KTN News were postponed," the source said.
Sources privy to the developments at KTN further divulged that the employees are wary of the recent migrations and the ratings of the TV station, along with the recent pay cuts and other grievances.
NTV restored the full salaries of its employees on Tuesday, March 30, while Citizen TV announced reduced pay cuts up to 10 percent for all employees, effective March 1, 2021. Insiders at Standard Media Group said that the 19 per cent pay cut is still under effect.
The recent convergence and restructuring at Standard also brought about more changes and concerns, among them was Ben Kitili's Deputy Editor role in the Political Desk being handed over to his colleague Sophia Wanuna.
Ali Manzu was also appointed the Deputy Editor/Anchor in the TV Output Department, heading a team that includes anchors and reporters, from Akisa Wandera, Ashley Mazuri, Lofty Matambo, Mary Kilobi, Ken Mijungu, Linda Oguttu, Ben Kitili, Frank Otieno and others. Mijungu joined KTN News after exiting NTV in December 2020.
"The CEO is expected to hold the 1st Quarter meeting with staff on April 7, amid all these unfolding issues," insiders said, salaries and roles under the converged newsroom would be the major areas of concern.
