The Standard Media Group, on Friday, April 28, made several changes in the editorial department, with nearly 10 journalists affected by the reshuffling, as the company sought to recover from a Ksh1 billion loss incurred in the year that ended December 31, 2022.
Editor-in-Chief, Ochieng Rapuro, explained that the changes were made to realign the newsroom and reposition the media house to achieve ambitious medium to long-term goals.
Lillian Odera, who served as program editor in TV Output, was moved to the SuperDesk as Continuity Editor, while Hassan Jumaa, the Program Editor of TV Output, was transferred to the Sports Desk as Sports Editor.
Furthermore, Samuel Njogu from QAE Economy Desk was put in charge as the Deputy Editor n the same desk, in a notice seen by Kenyans.co.ke.
Christine Koech, who previously served as, Deputy Editor, of the Gender Desk, was moved to Science and Health Desk in the same capacity.
Also, Sarah Okuoro, Deputy Editor, of Digital Output, was appointed Acting Editor as Betty Njeru, the Senior Reporter, of Radar Desk, was promoted to serve as Deputy Editor and Acting Editor of Radar Desk.
Ochieng transferred William Bulemi, from the QEA National Desk to Digital Output same position. He also appointed Gathenya Njaramba, from QAE Politics, to Print Output in the same position.
Finally, the Editor in Chief transferred Beldeen Waliaula, the Reporter at City Desk, to the Science and Health Desk in the same position, and Mercy Kahenda, the Health Reporter, at Eldoret Bureau, was moved to Headquarters in the same position.
Losses
Total revenue for the Standard Media Group, for the year that ended December 31, 2022, decreased by 13 per cent to close at Kshs.2.7 billion from Kshs.3.1 billion in 2021, while total costs increased by 17 per cent, driven by an increase in the cost of production.
Further, there was an increase in the provision for expected credit losses, due to pending government bills. Consequently, the Group incurred a loss before tax of Kshs.1 billion compared to a loss before tax of Kshs.22 million in 2021.
The high cost of living occasioned the drop as inflation hit an all-time high of 9.06 per cent. Other factors were intensified global uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, eruptive financial markets, inflationary pressures, and the residual effects of the pandemic.
"The Group will continue to enhance its operational efficiency while monitoring its costs rationalisation initiatives to counter the effects of the rising cost of doing business," read part of the Group's report.
"Following the conclusion of the 2022 General Election, the Group is optimistic that the current economic environment will improve and shall continue to present business opportunities that it can tap into. The Group will also continue to enhance its operational efficiency while monitoring its cost rationalization initiatives to counter the effects of the rising cost of doing business," it added.
