TV47 Raids Standard Newsroom for Upcoming Radio Station

Photo collage between empty KTN News studio and TV47 building
Photo collage between empty KTN News studio and TV47 building.
KTN News/ TV47

TV47, a television channel based in Kenya, is set to launch a new nationwide radio station to rival other broadcasters in their content diversification plan in the media industry.

A source who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, January 18, confirmed that the radio station would be launched by early March this year.

The preliminary reports indicated that the new station would be known as Radio 47, maintaining the brand name of their TV station.

Sources close to TV47 disclosed that the station will mostly broadcast in Swahili and blend with other interactive content to attract their niche audience all over the country.

A photo of the Newly opened TV47 studio on October 11
A photo of the Newly opened TV47 studio on October 11
Photo
TV47

To gain a competitive edge over other radio stations, Radio 47 is set to raid Standard Media newsroom to poach top talent to popularise its brand.

"TV47 will launch a mass national radio which will cover all the 47 counties," the source who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed.

"There are a number of people from Radio Maisha who are being touted as the perfect fit to take over various positions during the launch. The radio station is expected to go on air from early March this year," the source added.

Reports indicated that Radio 47 was prepared to bring the award-winning radio personality Billy Miya on board.

However, speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Miya denied reports maintaining that he was committed to Radio Maisha.

"I have never been contacted. In fact, I'm not even aware of such reports," Miya indicated while further denying reports of being declared redundant in the latest Standard Media job cuts.

Among the top talent at Radio Maisha include Ann Njogu, Anthony Ndiema, and Ali Hassan Mwana wa Ali.

The decision to raid the Standard Media newsroom came amidst mass redundancies and resignations from the Mombasa Road-based media house.

Among some of the notable names that have so far parted ways with the station include Fredrick Odeo Sirari, Frank Otieno, Ted Malanda and Jack Ayoo.

Brands under the Standard Group portfolio include Vybz Radio, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, KTN News, KTN Home, KTN Farmers TV, KTN Burudani TV, and the Standard Newspaper.

 

An image of KTN News studios along Mombasa road.
An image of KTN News studios along Mombasa road.
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