Build on digital space to grow content, radio journalists urged

The radio industry was Tuesday challenged to capitalize on digital space to diversify content to satiate the needs of a growing audience.

Journalists meeting in Kisii to commemorate World Radio Day said digital space provides an inexhaustive platform for journalists to thrive and earn money.

They, however, noted low pay as among the demotivating factors that continue to hamper most journalists from sourcing and feeding sufficient and quality content to the platforms

Media Council Chief Executive David Omwoyo, Media Owners Chairperson chair and Chief Operating Officer, Radio Africa Group,  Agnes Kalekye and veteran radio host Fred Obachi Machoka (Royal Media) addressed the journalists.

A call was made to journalists to shift from political content and go to the grassroots where the common person narrates their own stories.

"This should be made more intentional," said Omwoyo.

Journalists were told that digital space provides an inexhaustive platform for them to thrive and earn money.

They, however, noted low pay as among the demotivating factors that continue to hamper most journalists from sourcing and feeding sufficient and quality content to the platforms

Radio journalism, they observed, still has a great future even in the face of shrinking revenue streams.

The journalists were speaking during a panel discussion at the Dallas Premiered Inn in Kisii.

It was moderated by Christina Nguku, veteran journalist and founding editor and anchor at KTN.

Kalekye said over a century, radio continues to remain a key player in the advancement of human civilization through its role of informing, educating and entertaining people.

"It amplifies the voices of the unheard and ignored, disseminates crucial information to the public, mobilizes communities for action and watches over management of public affairs by speaking truth to the power remains a key player in the advancement of human civilization through its role, of informing, educating and entertaining people," she observed.

Declining revenue streams, hose, she noted, continue to afflict most media houses inviting innovation.

This calls for a greater need for innovation and wisdom among the players, she said adding the reason why stations are exploring extremely like gambling to survive.

"One must sympathize with the difficult operating environment of radio today.. where it’s no longer feasible to rely on advertising for revenue alone in the face of our current economy, stiff competition, and pervasive digital platforms. As media owners, we understand the importance of innovation to survive, and that is not often easy she observed."

Omwoyo said with digital space, the need for diverse content remains.

He encouraged more journalists to invest in podcasts and other platforms to earn.

"But as we celebrate quantity, let's also ask ourselves the quality as well. We must strive to safeguard the sanctity of the profession by sifting the ugly, the gossip from truth," he stated.

Later in the afternoon, they participated in launching the Kisii Press Club.

The club provides journalists in Kisii with a safe place for research and filing stories.

Gusii Journalists Association chair Joshua Araka said the Centre will help nurture talents among aspiring journalists in the region.