Veteran journalist Alex Chamwada embarked on a courageous journey to establish his own company, Chams Media, after making the difficult decision to sell his house and leave his well-paying job. The Kenya Editors Guild acknowledged Chamwada’s boldness by presenting him with the Pioneer/Trailblazer award in recognition of his contributions to media entrepreneurship, particularly for the creation of the widely acclaimed Daring Abroad TV show.
In a statement released by the Kenya Editors Guild, they commended Chamwada for demonstrating that one can step away from the security of a stable job in an established media house and embrace the uncertainties and risks of media entrepreneurship. The Guild emphasized the financial sacrifice Chamwada made, noting that he sold his house to fund the establishment of Chams Media and the production of Daring Abroad.
A decade since its inception, Chams Media, Chamwada’s communications consultancy firm specializing in TV documentaries and features, has garnered numerous awards. Chamwada, serving as the Chief Executive of the firm, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
In a candid interview, Chamwada disclosed that his decision to leave Citizen TV in 2014, where he held the position of associate editor and senior reporter, was driven by a desire for creative freedom. He expressed discontent with the limitations imposed on the stories he wanted to tell, citing insufficient airtime for the impactful narratives he sought to share. Chamwada explained that he no longer felt comfortable with censorship and confinement to conventional newsroom content.
Reflecting on his journey, Chamwada highlighted the need to take control of his stories and pursue independent content production. Since establishing Chams Media, he has successfully collaborated with local media outlets such as KTN News and NTV, providing them with compelling content for broadcast. Chamwada’s resilience and commitment to storytelling have not only earned him accolades but also positioned him as a trailblazer in the realm of independent media entrepreneurship.
