Major changes as NMG unveils new editorial structure

Nation Media Group (NMG) Editorial Director Mutuma Mathiu has released the full list of appointments as he unveiled a new editorial structure at the twin towers, confirming Pamela Makotsi Sittoni as the Executive Editor, a role that will now take charge of the Daily Nation.

In the changes, Wayua Muli, who had been retrenched as Saturday Magazine Editor before being brought back on contract, has been appointed as the Saturday Nation Editor. She replaces Ng’ang’a Mbugua who has been named the the Business Daily Managing Editor.

“A long serving editor, Pamela first joined the Nation in 1993 and has edited The EastAfrican, among others. She will play a pivotal role in turning around the circulation of the Daily Nation, which will be her primary focus, policing integrity and enforcement of quality standards, the broader integration of print and digital processes and the redesign of our products.  Pamela will report to the Group Editorial Director,” said Mutuma in an inter-office memo

The former Business Daily ME, Ochieng Rapuro moves to the East African to take over from Sittoni as Managing Editor of the regional paper and Africa Project Lead.

He said to strengthen the Nation’s presence in the region and Africa by sharpening up The EastAfrican, exploring new products and building new partnerships, Ochieng’s combination of commitment to editorial rigour and wide business knowledge will be invaluable. He also reports to the Group Editorial Director.

On Business Daily, which he said has an excellent editorial team, but needs to strengthen commercial partnerships which will be a priority for Ng’anga, who understands its operations well, having been Chief Sub-editor. Ng’ang’a reports to the Group Editorial Director.

David Aduda, who was formerly the editorial manager before he was moved to the commercial division, has been appointed to the position of Editor, Partnerships & Projects.

“David, an experienced editorial manager, will coordinate the department’s commercial activities and the many projects lined up in the new year. David reports to the Group Editorial Director,” he said.

On Wayua, Mutuma said she brings a wealth of experience to the service of the challenging Saturday audience, which will call for new ideas to win a difficult to please demographic. Wayua will report to the Managing Editor, Weekends and Taifas, a position that was not filled. In the interim, she reports to the Group Editorial Director.

Emmanuel Juma will remain Managing Editor, Broadcasting and will continue to lead the editorial effort in the revamp and development of broadcast services. He will also report to the Group Editorial Director.

Churchill Otieno will also continue in his role as Head of  Digital.

“The Nation has achieved tremendous success in building digital audiences and laying the foundations for a sustainable digital model. Monetisation and perfecting a more efficient, integrated process is now a critical success factor. Churchill with his experience and expertise is ideally placed to champion this important process. This position reports to the Executive Editor,” said Mutuma.

Mike Owuor also remains in his role as Sunday Editor as would Editor, Taifas, Peter Ngare.

“Mike, an outstanding young editor, has proved his ability in investigations and coverage of politics. He will lead the Sunday’s recovery and growth. Mike will report to the Managing Editor, Weekends and Taifas. In the interim, he reports to the Group Editorial Director,” he said.

Mutuma said Ngare will continue to give the Taifas the fresh ideas they need to redefine their place in a market dominated by digital.

“Peter will report to the Managing Editor, Weekends and Taifas. In the interim, he reports to the Group Editorial Director,” he said.

He said the new position of Managing Editor, Weekends and Taifas, which will be filled later is a senior role that will provide leadership in serving the weekend audiences and coordination of some print products. The position reports to the Group Editorial Director.

The position of Editor, Training & Innovation, previously held by John Agunda, who was laid off and then re-hired as Op-Ed Editor, was also not filled.

“The position services our needs for modern journalism skills and editorial/digital innovation capabilities. When filled, it will report to the Group Editorial Director and will be available to support the subsidiaries,” said Mutuma.

In his memo, Mutuma said the credibility of the Nation, integrity and the media house’s core values of quality journalism and editorial independence remain a top priority.

“Our investment in digital has borne fruit, attention will now be directed towards monetisation and sustainability. The Group wishes to re-dedicate itself to providing a strong voice to Africa and being the Media of Africa for Africa. This will require a keener focus on the African market,” he added.

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Sources indicated the new changes are also meant to remove editors from their comfort zones and to tap NMG’s diverse talent pool.