What Do You think About All This Media ‘Poaching’?
In the final part of our interview with Olivia Otieno, she opens up about what her favourite interviews were in her time being active on radio, as well as what she thinks about all the media house poaching that has been going on and seems to be intensifying.
Ghafla!: During your time as a journalist you have interviewed very prominent personalities. Which interview would you call your best?
Double O: Interviewing Graca Machel was incredible. I also found my 1st political interview which was with William Ruto very interesting as was interviewing a man who gave me the best piece of advice I’ve ever received Manu Chandaria. I still need to tell him that I made it to the orchid capital of the world. But the advice was “there are no shortcuts, put in the hours and it will pay off”
Ghafla!: The Kenyan radio scene has been witnessing a steady defection of anchors from one station to the other at an alarming rate. Do you think this trend has positive or negative trend to the media industry?
Double O: It’s positive that there are now more stations for presenters to go to. When I started out the options were very limited. This growth can only benefit the industry. People will always seek greener pastures and I believe that you can only wish them the best as they begin a new chapter.
Ghafla!: You have been involved in a Hand wash campaign in the past teaching several children how to wash their hands correctly thus visiting many primary schools in the process. What would say is role of the corporate world in these ventures? Are they giving back enough to the society? Is the media industry giving back to the society?
Double O: I am a Hand Washing Ambassador working with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) however; I have only concentrated in informal schools in Korogosho. Many corporate have CSR programs and I have been impressed by what many do behind the scenes. It is not always for the attention. Tribe Hotel jumped on board when I suggested that we donate the liquid soaps that are only half used. They also donated used towels, staff uniforms, and bed sheets and organized a cleaning day with donations of wheel barrows, spades, gloves etc. Sometimes it is only a matter of an individual being proactive and you can be amazed at the support you receive.
Ghafla!: Any advice to young women out there who would like to become radio anchors one day?
Double O: It’s not just about what you study, it’s about your personality, how you present yourself, your ability to multitask, keep your cool and deal with ALL the drama that being a media personality brings. You need to have tough skin and prepare yourself for a lot of rejection. Haters will hate but keep it professional and enjoy the wild ride. There are a lot of “colleges” offering this media course and that media course but it is mostly a con. You need to sound the part because all the theory in the world will not make you sound like Adelle Onyango or Patricia Kihoro.
