In a bold move to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive media landscape, Nation Media Group (NMG) is headhunting some of the industry’s top talent to spearhead its revamped digital-first strategy.
Insiders reveal that the new newsroom approach will focus on scrapping select entertainment programs to make room for more in-depth special reports and comprehensive news coverage. This shift is part of a broader effort to prioritize impactful journalism and bolster NMG’s programming in a bid to reclaim dominance in the market.
The latest additions to the team are celebrated media personalities Janet Mbugua and Eric Latiff. Mbugua, a former news anchor and founder of the Inua Dada Foundation, is making a grand return to the newsroom after an eight-year hiatus. Her foundation has gained recognition for its focus on empowering women and girls in Kenya.
In a memo announcing her recruitment, Simaloi Dajom, NMG’s Head of Broadcasting, stated that Mbugua will contribute to a dynamic team aimed at delivering engaging and solutions-oriented content across NMG’s multimedia platforms.
On the other hand, Latiff brings over two decades of experience in journalism and digital media. He recently exited Spice FM, where he co-hosted The Situation Room, a widely acclaimed news and current affairs show. Known for his incisive analysis and debate moderation skills, Latiff is expected to revitalize NTV’s live morning show and inject fresh energy into the station’s flagship news segments.
Latiff’s career spans various roles, including founding Station Manager at K24, news editor and anchor at Capital FM, and producer at Kameme FM. He is also the Director of Zeze Digital, a data-driven marketing agency.
According to industry observers, the recent recruitments are part of NMG’s strategic response to mounting competition, particularly from Citizen TV, which has continued to dominate the ratings. The media house has also faced significant talent attrition to rival stations and government positions in recent years.
“This is an effort to put their house in order. With Citizen TV setting the pace, NMG has realized the need to assemble a formidable team to stay ahead of the game,” said a source familiar with the developments.
