Award-winning journalist Alex Chamwada was honored by the Kenyan editor for his remarkable dedication in establishing a successful and independent media venture.
The Kenya Editors Guild bestowed upon the veteran journalist the Pioneer/Trailblazer award on Saturday, December 02.
The Guild also, acknowledged Chamwada’s courage in launching Chams Media despite facing financial uncertainties.
“He stands as a living example that one can walk away from the safety and security of a well-paying job in an established media house, venturing into the uncertainty and risk of media entrepreneurship,” stated the Editors Guild.
The Guild’s statement also commended Chamwada for departing from a secure job and pooling his resources just to ensure his vision for starting a show – Daring Abroad – materializes.
“Ten years ago, this renowned television reporter, anchor, and producer quit his job, pooled his savings, sold his house, and ventured into independent content generation. His communications consultancy firm specializing in TV documentaries and features has since garnered numerous awards,” the statement added.
Chams Media Limited, according to information available on its website, operates as a communication consultancy offering TV content production, features, and media liaison services. Its flagship program, Daring Abroad, showcases the stories of Africans who have ventured within and outside the continent. It also features non-Africans excelling in Africa.
The esteemed journalist expressed his gratitude for the award, coincidentally received just a day after his company’s 10th anniversary celebration.
“Honored this evening in Mombasa to receive the Pioneer/Trail Blazer award by the @KenyaEditors. Really uplifting coming just a day after @ChamsMedia celebrated its 10th birthday. #ChamsMediaAt10,” Chamwada shared on X.
Chamwada made the pivotal decision to resign from Citizen TV, at the peak of his career, to establish his own company. He explained that his passion for certain stories, which weren’t getting enough coverage, drove his entrepreneurial pursuit.
“I had grown in the industry as a reporter, particularly in political reporting. However, I felt restricted by the routine content in the newsroom, which primarily focused on politics and other common subjects,” Chamwada noted.
Feeling the need to have more control over impactful stories, Chamwada left the newsroom to chart his own path in storytelling. His contributions to journalism have also earned him several accolades and recognition in the field.
