After an impressive 16-and-a-half-year tenure at Nation Media Group, seasoned journalist and prime-time news anchor Smriti Vidyarthi has announced her departure from NTV. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Smriti revealed that her final bulletin aired on Monday at 9 PM, marking the end of an era for the widely respected news personality.
Smriti has been a mainstay on NTV, hosting various programs such as NTV Weekend Edition, NTV Tonight, and NTV Wild Talk, a show dedicated to wildlife conservation and environmental awareness. Her role in shaping the station’s prime-time news coverage has made her a household name in Kenya’s media landscape.
Although she did not specify her next career move, her farewell message suggested that this was not a retirement but rather the beginning of a new chapter.
“Sixteen-and-a-half years of service to the Nation Media Group and to the nation at large. Thank you for trusting me. For now, tune in tonight at 9pm for my last bulletin on NTV,” she posted on X.
Her departure comes amid significant shifts in Kenya’s media industry, where several prominent journalists and news anchors have been transitioning between stations. Among them is veteran broadcaster Eric Latiff, who joined the Nation Media Group after exiting the Standard Media Group. Latiff had been with Spice FM for four-and-a-half years before making the switch.
Similarly, celebrated journalist Janet Mbugua made a highly anticipated return to television after an eight-year hiatus, rejoining NTV. Her comeback was confirmed by the Group’s Head of Broadcasting, Simaloi Dajom, who praised her ability to connect with audiences.
Another notable shift was Ken Mijungu’s exit from KTN after four years, moving on to Cape Media Limited’s TV47. These transitions highlight the ongoing evolution of Kenya’s dynamic media industry.
Smriti’s journey in journalism began at K24, where she worked as a news anchor before moving to NTV in September 2008. Over the years, she became known for her eloquence, professionalism, and ability to handle both hard news and human-interest stories with grace. Her work on NTV Wild Talk earned her widespread recognition, particularly in the field of wildlife conservation reporting.
In 2013, she was honored with the Media Council’s Annual Journalism Excellence Award in the Television and News Bulletin category, a testament to her dedication and excellence in journalism.
As Smriti embarks on her next journey, her impact on Kenya’s media space remains undeniable. Whether she continues in journalism or ventures into a new field, her legacy at NTV will be remembered for years to come.
