By Mulengera Reporters
On Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Kin Kariisa the CEO for Next Media (to which leading TV channel NBS belongs) posted something on his twitter that attracted a frenzy of excitement (but also to an extent mixed reactions) among his viewers.
His celebratory message read as follows: “Today, the @nextmediaug family welcomed seasoned Luganda news reader & reporter Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa who joins the #NBSAmasengejje team. Welcome to the winning squad, Mr. Mukasa.”
As expected, the post was instantly greeted with jubilations with thousands of NBS viewers concluding that with such defections from competitor stations, their favorite channel was indeed headed to nothing but consolidation of its unchallenged market leader position in Uganda’s television broadcasting terrain.
Some suggested instant promotion or salary increment to motivate the Next Media HR head and the team s/he works with for being very excellent when it comes to talent identification. Many (used to knowing Zambaali on Buganda Katikkiro Peter Mayiga’s nascent BBS TV) assured Kariisa they couldn’t wait seeing the deep-voiced anchor have his maiden appearance on the largest news casting stage NBS’ Amajengejje is increasingly distinguishing itself to be.
Rather cynically as if to mock BBS, some (appearing cautious) urged money bags Kariisa to spare his competitors (who they said can’t match the vastness of his pay cheque) to limp on for some more days just to ensure there is diversity for those wishing to watch other channels just to satisfy their curiosity.
Apuuli Robert cynically urged Kariisa to be mindful of how boring TV watching will become when NBS continues remaining the only lion roaring in the jungle. Abubakar Babu urged Dr. Kariisa to ignore cynics like Apuuli and carry on with his dream building what he predicted will soon become the EAC and IGAD region’s unchallenged leading media house in the field of television programming and broadcasting.
Some social media users wondered what will prevent BBS Terefayina from becoming “permanently crippled” now that Zambaali (who was increasingly distinguishing himself as one of its most popular presenters) has fallen to the competition largely because of better terms and remuneration prospects.
Flanking Dr. Kariisa to jubilantly receive the “new defector” was Next Media Chief Strategy Officer Joel Kigozi who himself previously managed Katikkiro Mayiga’s BBS Terefayina and recruited the likes of Zambaali.
Dr. Kariisa separately explained to Mulengera News that the Zambaali defection coincides with a massive promotion the Next Media is occasioning to reach out and reward millions of loyal viewers that have continued to be glued to their TV screens every 7pm waiting for their Amasengejje news which now runs neck to neck with NTV’s Akawungeezi that had for long dominated TV viewership specifically at that time of the day.
Dr. Kariisa shared with us a detailed news statement clarifying more on the upcoming Amasengejje campaign that will see viewers engage directly with their favorite news personalities while winning valuable prizes. (For comments, call, text or whatsapp us on 0703164755 or email us at mulengera2040@gmail.com).
