In a surprise move that’s likely to hit celebrity incomes, RMS management on 12th May released a communication that requires staff to get approval before taking up such private assignments as moderating conferences and seminars, master of ceremony, and featuring in adverts and other promotions. While acknowledging the individual brands within its radio and TV platforms, the management argues that the use and deployments of specific talents, whether in personal or corporate activities, greatly affects and influences the overall brand of the company and thus needs regulation.

Madowo most recently served as the BBC’s North America Correspondent in Washington, D.C., covering major U.S. news stories including the Covid-19 outbreak, the 2020 presidential election and the protests following the death of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin. He also was a fill-in anchor for the network’s flagship BBC World News America show that airs globally and on PBS stations across the United States. This assignment marks a return to Nairobi for the Kenyan-born Madowo, who started his broadcasting career at Kenya Television Network at the age of 20.

The situation led to a back-and forth that has only gotten messier with every turn, tarnishing the once squeaky-clean image of the "professor" whose wacky scholar act endeared him to millions across the country - landing him spots on some of the biggest shows and endorsement deals with the likes of Startimes.

The 28-year-old has become a recognizable on-screen presence, cutting a niche himself with his Area Code series which profiled different neighborhoods before venturing into hard-hitting special reports on topics including street families, accessibility for PWDs and the tribulations of Kenya's elderly.

As the CTO, August will be in the driver's seat in NMG's digital transformation plan, which has so far seen them rebrand their flagship platform and introduce a paywall. Earlier in April, the firm confirmed having hit 50,000 subscribers.