Citizen TV senior political affairs reporter Francis Gachuri has been promoted to the position of political editor. The move is seen as a strategy by Royal Media Services to stop him from defecting to K24.
Gachuri is among journalists Mediamax Network Ltd Editor-in-Chief Peter Opondo is believing to be eyeing as he moves to bolster the media house’s ranks to match the competition. There was talk that he was poised to become Managing Editor, K24 but it seems SK Macharia has gone for broke to retain his services.
In a memo to staff, Editorial Director Joe Ageyo said Gachuri’s appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the media house’s products across the board.
In his new role, he will lead Citizen TV’s political coverage for both Kiswahili and English products.
“Gachuri is an experienced journalist who has covered key political events in the country and beyond and I am confident that he will discharge his duties with distinction. I congratulate Gachuri on this appointment and ask that we accord him our support and cooperation as he carries out his new mandate,” read the memo seen by Business Today.
Colleagues across the media industry have been congratulating him on learning of the news as the elevation is seen as well deserved as he has been competently leading the station’s political coverage in recent years as a reporter.
Eyes are on Citizen TV, which recently unveiled its star-studded team of news anchors, as media observers say the hefty investment could come to naught unless it is matched by content that will captivate audiences.
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While there has been a push to have media houses air less politics and instead invest in other segments considered more valuable, there is no dispute that Kenyans’ appetite for political news remains high.
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