Kenya's Radio Africa has unveiled plans to add three new stations to its stable, writes Dennis Itumbi.
The group already owns Classic 105, Kiss 100, and East Fm, the only station targeting the Asian community. It has now launched Jambo Fm and X FM and is already test-running a third station, Smooth Fm.
Radio Africa also publishes the daily Nairobi Star. After months of instability in the market, the Nairobi Star is set to expand to the rest of the country and has already acquired its own printing press. So far, it has been printed at Nation.
The Nairobi Star’s strengths are seen as its style of offering creative entertainment, sensationalized political stories and the latest in gossip.
Its knack for exclusive stories has also won the paper space in the market stands. It also has introduced fresh gimmicks such as free advertising on the classified pages and blended marketing where radio presenters punt the paper’s content in the morning.
Already the group has issued a circular to staff requiring them to report for all outlets. “In efforts to save costs and expand the group, staff will be required to report for all the products for every function they attend.â€ÂÂ
In the past there has been a distinct line between radio and newspaper journalists employed by the group.
