Investigative Journalism, Docu-Series and Podcasts. Cheers to 2024!
The Deep Dive 46th Edition
Hello and a happy new year to all our esteemed audiences! With the arrival of 2024, we have more exciting productions in store for you. As we move forward, it's important to remember that the role of media as a watchdog is crucial for democracy. In today's ever-expanding communications ecosystem, journalism needs to clearly demonstrate its value-add to the public interest. Investigative journalism plays a vital role in unveiling matters that are deliberately concealed by those in power or accidentally hidden behind a chaotic mass of facts and circumstances. By analyzing and exposing all relevant facts to the public, investigative journalism contributes significantly to freedom of expression and media development.
We are excited to announce the arrival of The Last Door Season 2, hosted by John Allan Namu. Kenya's first local true-crime documentary series, #TheLastDoor, explores and reveals hidden or unacknowledged truths about infamous crimes committed in Kenya. We are also thrilled to introduce #GingerGarlic, a new podcast from Africa Uncensored hosted by Cynthia Gichiri and Linda Ngari. The podcast seeks to demystify and explore the various ways indigenous plants found in Africa can serve as remedies for common ailments.
John-Allan Namu on making #TheLastDoor Season 2
Producing the second season of The Last door has been an incredible experience, and not always in a good way. It has been instance after instance of asking the families of victims to open to us, and what we have found is the aftermath of the most brutal crimes perpetrated on the bodies of loved ones. It is never easy telling their stories, but our hope is that in every episode, the subtext of wider, more systemic problems with violent crime can be uncovered. My thanks go to our team for constantly pushing us to make our storytelling better.
#TheLastDoor is Kenya's first local true-crime documentary series. The objective of this series is to reveal hidden or unacknowledged truths about infamous crimes perpetrated in Kenya. Through powerful, character and interview driven storytelling, the series will take audiences on journeys of discovery, testing what they know about crimes they all saw unfold.
Thomas Mukhwana on the launch of #ThelastDoor season 2
The Last Door Season 2, Kenya's first true crime series, has made a grand entrance into the TV scene with its pomp and color during its launch. The first episode of the series follows the life and tragic murder of Edwin 'Chiloba' Kiprotich, a talented and charismatic fashion designer whose death made global headlines.
The series promises to showcase 12 more unique lives through personal stories told by people close to them, taking the viewers on an emotional journey and asking the deepest questions of humanity. If you've watched the series, feel free to share your thoughts on the first episode in the comment section of the newsletter. Don't forget to tune in every Sunday at 8 pm on Maisha Magic Plus DSTV channel 163 and GOTV channel 3 to catch John-Allan Namu.
Cynthia Gichiri on the #GingerGarlic Podcast
Looking to explore the world of natural medicine and discover the healing properties of indigenous plants? If so, the Ginger Garlic podcast is your go-to resource! In Season One, we covered men's health and the ways local foods can prevent various ailments and promote good health.
Now, in Season Two, we're excited to delve into issues facing women and show how they can take charge of their health and well-being. Empower yourself with the knowledge of natural remedies and learn how to easily integrate them into your daily routine. Tune in to the Ginger Garlic podcast and discover the power of nature's remedies!
Nyakerario Omari on Factchecking for Journalism
Information disorders have become a serious threat to the integrity of information. Journalists are responsible for providing factual and reliable information, but in reality, it is a responsibility that falls on all of us. The disruptive nature of mis/disinformation undermines the credibility of trustworthy information sources while creating an environment where falsehoods thrive.
A thought to break that down is: who fact-checks fact-checkers? Thanks to constant innovations, open-source tools have become one of a journalist’s invaluable resources. It is critical to monitor trends in these innovations and tap into them. Open-source skills make it easier to navigate the complex information landscape. To stop and verify a piece of information in the digital world is to take a stand.
A quick check is enough to establish the intent of a source of information. In this respect, any source of information is a journalist’s first enemy until proven otherwise, regardless of the amount of information provided towards an investigation. In reality, any kind of information is more complex than the emotions it presents. Now is the time to unlearn, learn, and relearn the trends in the media landscape. To get started, consider stopping by Piga Firimbi for comprehensive and in-depth digital investigations.
What’s next after #TitleDeals
Investigative journalism is a powerful tool to uncover issues and hold those in power accountable. Investigating land cartels is especially important as it can greatly impact people's lives and the development of a country. We hope that Africa Uncensored's efforts in #TitleDeals season 2 and other public interest documentaries will lead to positive change and greater transparency in land ownership in Kenya.
Cheers to another great year of investigative stories, documentaries and Podcasts.