Despite heavy investment in big names like Karitas, Marcus, Rudende, Zahara Toto, the Naguru based audio and visual radio station, Next Radio that was launched in 2018 failed to make it among the top radio stations in the country.
This is suspected to be the reason that prompted management to rebrand the station.
A few days ago, Next Radio halted on air live presentation, and resorted to playing music and ads.
A memo that made rounds on different social media platforms indicated that the radio had laid off all its presenters.
“With immediate effect, there will be an extensive programmes review, including the realignment of all shows on Next Radio. As a result, all next radio personnel shall have scheduled engagements with the people and culture office on their new roles in line with these reviews during this period,” read the memo.
With the relaunch preparations in high gear, Matooke Republic has learnt that Next Media has lined up new presenters that they hope might help guide the station towards its goal of being one of the best Radio stations in the land.
Having made a name for turning Nation Media Group (NMG) as their fertile poaching ground, Next Media is said to have dipped their hands in the Namuwongo-based KFM radio station and came out all smiles.
According to an extremely reliable source, KFM’s James Peterson (co-presenter of the K-Drive Evening show) and Maritza (the co-host of the D’Mighty Breakfast), will be crossing to the Next Media Park, as some of the new faces at Next Radio when they rebrand.
Nation Media Group is one of the biggest media conglomerates that own The Daily Monitor, NTV, The East African, KFM, Dembe Fm, and several media outlets across East Africa.
Next media has in the past poached some notable figures from NMG. Some of the most notable names include Douglas Lwanga, MC Kats, Rukh-shana Namuyimba, Solomon Sserwanja, Raymond Mujuni (Who later returned back to NTV), Moses Walugembe, Sheila Mugisha, Annatalia Ozi, Zahara Toto not forgetting Sheila Nduhukire and Solomon Sserwanjja who later resigned from the Next Media TV station.