The media house, famous for huge radio brands such as Kiss 100 FM, Radio Jambo, Smooth 105.5 and Classic 105 among others, revealed that the processing of September salaries could possibly stretch beyond the anticipated date of October 15
With the financial fortunes in the Kenyan journalism space not getting any better, Radio Africa Group (RAG) has told its employees to expect delays in receiving their salaries for September.
Viral Tea is in receipt of an internal memo to RAG staff revealing that the delays are attributed to revenue streams seriously impacted by the Gen Z-led anti-government protests, especially during July 2024.
The media house, famous for huge radio brands such as Kiss 100 FM, Radio Jambo, Smooth 105.5 and Classic 105 among others, revealed that the processing of September salaries could possibly stretch beyond the anticipated date of October 15, a matter which could have a damaging impact on employees with crucial bills on their part to settle, including rent.
“We wish to bring to your attention that our revenue streams were significantly impacted by the recent Gen Z protests, specifically in the month of July 2024. As a result, we regret to inform you that there may be a delay in processing September 2024 salary payments,” the memo read in part.
Vehicles branded with Kiss 100 FM. /LOOKUP TV
“Given the unforeseen circumstances we are facing, we anticipate that the processing of September salaries may extend beyond the usual payment date and could potentially go beyond the 15th of October. We understand the importance of timely salary payments and the impact this delay may have on you, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Radio Africa added “Your understanding and cooperation during this challenging time are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued dedication.” Sources who sought anonymity confirmed to Viral Tea the communication to them regarding the salary delays.
The Gen Z protests began as widespread nationwide demonstrations against the since-deleted Finance Bill 2024 which saw President William Ruto’s administration propose a raft of tax-raising measures which would have severely damaged the budgets and take-home earnings among millions of Kenyans in the formal sector and millions more whose incomes are derived from businesses in the informal sector.
The protests that subsequently followed the June 25 version which saw, among others, the invasion of Parliament, were invaded by goons disguised as protesters, resulting in a security shock that forced businesses to close down for fear of losses occasioned by break-ins, and companies moving to protect employees by subjecting them to work-from-home models.
With a disrupted business environment as a result of the protests, revenue generation became difficult. Findings of the Stanbic Kenya Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) suggested the resultant uncertainty amongst investors pushed private sector activities in July to the slowest month-on-month growth since April 2021 when the country was battling the second wave of COVID-19 infections. This was after firms delayed investment decisions due to social unrest.
The impact of revenue streams is probably the last thing Kenyan media houses need with a rapidly evolving media landscape in the country making it challenging to capture and maintain a wide audience in a highly competitive environment. Further, dwindling revenue streams in Kenya, for instance, have been blamed as a result of the failure of the government to advertise with mainstream media houses.
The impact of social media has also led to the emergence of citizen journalism, further compounding competition with traditional media and seeing companies turn to social media as an alternative means of enhancing images of their brands, forcing media executives to take drastic measures.
Prior to RAG’s co-founder and CEO Patrick Quarcoo’s official retirement after 24 years, the company in July announced possible staff firings to all correspondents, a move aimed at streamlining its operations to create a “leaner and more efficient organization.”
On Monday, September 30, William Pike, the outgoing Convergence Director at Radio Africa Group and the brains behind one of the biggest newspapers in Kenya, The Star, announced his departure from the company in an emotional memo.
“I have decided to follow our former Group CEO Patrick Quarcoo and retire with effect from October 1, 2024,” he stated, adding “This is a sad day for me because I have loved working with you since 2007 as we have built the Star into a well-recognised newspaper and the biggest news website in Kenya.”
