Sacked Veteran Anchors Walk Tall From NTV

In its latest restructuring, Nation Media Group (NMG) sacked a number of senior editors including some of its seasoned TV anchors. It was a surprise move that Group CEO, Mr Stephen Gitagama, had warned of as ‘unsettling’.

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The exit of these senior journalists – including former editor in chief Mutuma Mathiu – left the media looking a shaky industry. Indeed, the exit of two top NTV presenters – Dennis Okari and Mark Masai – unsettled the TV industry more, especially given their stature not just at NMG but in the entire media industry.

Masai and Okari are big brands in their own right – gracing the screens in ways that have earned them huge following both on TV and social media. NMG said it had to make painful cuts to save the company from losing revenues and put it on a path for growth.

But it is the duo’s attitude during this low moment that made them stand out. Losing a job is no easy thing – it’s often traumatizing, shocking and most people often just go under. These two, however, held their heads high and announced their sacking on social media for the public to see.

Maybe it was a way to seek public sympathy and gauge how viewers valued them. But it takes courage to announce your own sacking to the public in a society where losing a job can set you back many steps in social standing.

News of Mark Masai’s exit was first to get out from Nation Centre, eliciting public outcry with many arguing they still needed him on screen. But look at how he reacted to the sacking, after 14 years of service at NTV.

“This is the reality of the media landscape around the world,” Masai said. “Unfortunately I was at the losing end of this one. This is not the end of my career in the media. I will be back on other platforms. All I have to say is watch this space.”

Masai has announced plans to set up his own podcast/digital show following his sacking by Nation Media Group (NMG). BusinessToday wishes him all the best in the new venture.

Meanwhile Dennis Okari, while announcing his exit, said: “My assignment at NTV has come to an end. I am grateful to God for an opportunity to serve. I gave it all my all. But I couldn’t have done it without the help of an incredible team and an amazing audience. It is time to move on to something bigger and greater than myself.”

BusinessToday is looking forward to this “greater and bigger” venture by Dennis Okari. It’s not easy to find kind words for an employer who just terminated your job, but these gentlemen took it easy and exited walking tall.

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