Standard Media Group has shut down several TV stations, taking them off air and abruptly ending multiple popular programs.
Sources have revealed that the media giant has shut down KTN News, KTN Farmers TV, among other brands. These stations have now been merged with KTN Home, which aired entertainment and lifestyle content.
The move is part of the measures the embattled media house is taking in an attempt to stay afloat amid financial struggles.
Details of Affected Programs Aired by Standard Media Group
Farmers TV has been a 24-hour channel specializing in agricultural content through feature documentaries, news, demonstration videos, and talk shows.
The Kenya Times has also noted that Standard’s Burudani Television and Vybez Radio have not been putting out content. Vybez Radio published its last content on X on July 31, despite previously updating real-time content of its shows consistently.
However, Radio Maisha, Spice FM, and the Top of the Hour news bulletins have continued to air content.
Household names at Standard Group, including Jesse Rogers, Ken Mijungu, Ashley Mazuri, and Noah Kipkemboi, continue with their work at the station as many journalists fear for the safety of their jobs.
Earlier, on July 30, the media house announced plans to fire more than 300 employees, explaining that it reached the decision because of the harsh economic environment and the changing trends in the media industry.
“In reaching this decision, we took into consideration the difficult operating environment and its long-drawn effect on revenue generation.
“This situation has been witnessed on the back of shifting trends in media consumption, occasioned by technological changes in the digital media landscape and emerging consumer preferences which have necessitated a rethink of our business model,” read a notice from Standard Group.
Woes of the Media Company
The media house reported a Ksh1.26 billion loss for the year ended December 2023, noting that its total revenue fell to Ksh2.38 billion from Ksh2.53 billion in 2022. This decline was primarily attributed to reduced advertising spending by clients due to the challenging economic environment.
However, the SG Board expressed confidence that the reorganization of the business through restructuring will place the media company in good stead by adopting a leaner, more efficient structure for better performance and growth.
The SG also announced plans to rationalize their products to ensure they remain aligned with the media landscape.
“Coupled with the new leadership that is coming on board, we consider the reorganization of our business as a necessary step intended to ensure business stability and continuity in the coming months as the Group strives to sustain and enhance the quality of journalism it offers,” stated the Board.
All the affected employees will receive payment for the days worked until their date of exit.
