Joblessness Looms As Nation Media Groups Closes Down QTV,Nation FM Amid Other Changes
Anxiety rocks the Nation Centre after the Media Group announced the closure of a Swahili-only news television QTV and as a result ,the station shall be consolidated into one brand NTV.
In a three paragraph press release sent out earlier this morning, the rationalization process will also entail shutting down of the traditional radio stations at the twin towers media house.Currently NMG has QFM and Nation FM under its stable.
“In this regard,we wish to announce the rationalization of our broadcasting division. This will entail consolidating our two television stations into one strong multi-lingual television under one flagship brand NTV.We are also scaling down our traditional radio business in Kenya(Nation FM and QFM) and Rwanda (KFM)…..,”affirms Clifford Machoka,Head of Corporation and Regulatory Affairs.
QTV was launched in a pompous event at The Carnivore Grounds in April,2012 in what was described as wind on change that was sweeping the local television scenes.However,the station’s performance has been dismal over the recent years. In the latest geo-poll ratings,QTV slumped to the 6th position, coming one slot behind the Royal Media Services new kid,Inooro TV. Advertising agencies have since shifted allegiance owing to low viewership.
The company,according to the media critics has always been rebranding year in year out with very little to show.Mid 2015,the company went on an earth-shuttering process that saw some radio and TV presenters sent home.It is difficult for individual self-growth.
NTV suffered a major setback about two months ago after their popular YouTube channel was flagged in what was a clear copyright infringement.
On the fate of the employees, Machoka expressed his regret as the move is likely to lay off a number of the staff. He however pledged to help them manage through this tough transition.The rationalization steps are effective from today 30th June.
