UPDATE February 7, 20223: CNN's journalist Larry Madowo has clarified leaving his international correspondent role after landing an expanded role at the US-based broadcaster.
In a statement, Madowo noted that he will still work as the correspondent for CNN, whilst taking up his new role as the host of African Voices.
"To be clear, I’m still a CNN International Correspondent. You’ll still see me reporting around Africa and beyond. In fact, I’m heading to Nigeria to cover the election. I will host African Voices Changemakers/Playmakers weekly for the 2 people who wanted even more of me on CNN," he stated.
Cable News Network (CNN) correspondent Larry Madowo announced that his role at the US-based broadcaster was expanded.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, February 7, Madowo confirmed that he was bestowed additional responsibilities of hosting the CNN African Voices Changemakers which focuses on prominent newsmakers from Africa.
A seemingly delighted Madowo described the moment as "surreal" and expressed his enthusiasm for becoming the new host of the show.
He compared the moment to 2017 when he was featured in the show as one of the then-outstanding Africans making a notable impact on the continent.
His maiden show, according to the broadcaster, was scheduled for February 25. However, the CNN statement did not ascertain whether Madowo would continue with his correspondent role.
"I am the new host of CNN African Voices Changemakers. I was featured on the show in 2017 so it’s surreal to be taking over, tell me your stories," he noted.
"I am looking forward to highlighting outstanding stories and incredible people from across the continent and showing the world these remarkable African change makers. Having been featured on the show before joining CNN, this is a full-circle moment for me," he added.
On its part, CNN expressed confidence in Madowo's ability to propel the show to greater heights. In a statement, CNN's Global Head of Features Content Ellana Lee noted that Madowo's experience and his profound social media presence were among the factors that compelled the company to assign him the new role.
“African Voices Changemakers has a new host! Larry Madowo will be profiling outstanding individuals from across Africa who are impacting the continent in a positive way," a statement from CNN read.
"Larry also has a large and highly engaged social following, which presents a great opportunity for us to further interact with our African Voices Changemakers audience, as well as gain new fans for the show,” CNN's content head noted.
The new role was a continuation of what has been a rising curve in Madowo's career. The former KTN and NTV journalist left Kenya in 2018 after landing a job as BBC's correspondent in North America.
He would later move to CNN in 2021 as the broadcaster's correspondent in Nairobi. Until the recent expansion of his role, Madowo was serving as CNN's international reporter.
