The BBC World Service is expanding its journalism efforts in Africa, aiming to produce more content closer to the audiences it serves. This initiative is designed to enhance African storytelling and incorporate regional viewpoints into its global news coverage.
Beginning December 1, the program Newsday will implement a new co-hosting format with a team based in Kenya. Anne Soy will be hosting from Nairobi alongside Rob Young and James Copnall, who will report from London. The show will continue its regular weekday airing, featuring live updates, interviews, and correspondent reports.
Expressing her enthusiasm about joining the Nairobi team, Anne Soy highlighted her eagerness to share stories that resonate with audiences throughout the region. With over 20 years of journalistic experience in Africa, she joined the BBC in 2013 and has served as Senior Africa Correspondent and Deputy Africa Editor.
Additionally, the daily podcast Focus on Africa, the flagship Africa-centred program of the World Service, will transition from London to Nairobi. It is set to relaunch on December 2, featuring a special episode recorded for the BBC News Africa YouTube channel and hosted by Nkechi Ogbonna.
Nkechi Ogbonna emphasised that the program has long been a reliable source of news for its listeners and expressed optimism that the shift to Nairobi will enhance audience connection and broaden editorial reach.
The Focus on Africa television program, hosted by Waihiga Mwaura, will also see significant updates as it moves to Nairobi for full production, with Lagos serving as an additional production centre.
Juliet Njeri, the BBC’s Regional Director for Africa, stated that these changes reinforce the organisation’s dedication to regional storytelling and the representation of African voices within the BBC’s international content.
These adjustments are part of broader BBC News operational reforms introduced this year, which include a new organisational structure featuring six regional directors based outside the UK.
