Shocking ! Why Do Some Media Professionals Earn 500K while Others Make 25K?

By Jane Okoth,
The media industry is perceived by many as one of the most lucrative opportunity that most graduates pray to have.

It is understandable judging from the huge pay check of some media professionals and the glory and prestige of working in such an industry.

One thing most people are not aware is that behind that well paying job and appearing perfect on screen is a life full of pressure, despair and frustrations.

A Journalist at a leading media house spoke on condition of anonymity said that “Most people who see us with huge cameras and recorders think that we earn a lot of money but it is not true.

We are paid peanuts yet we do all the work and end up being frustrated and overworked as usual.

What baffles me is the huge salary difference between me and my other colleagues.

I earn 40,000 shillings a month but I know of a female colleague who is earning 4 times my salary for some reason I do not know.”

I am even thinking of exploring other employment opportunities,” he adds.

“The problem with the media industry is that not all people get treated equally,” says Ezekiel Kirimi, a Writer at an Online Magazine.

“It is a reality that most people in the media industry are being underpaid. They are always subjected to constant harassment and intimidation,” he says.

He tends to think that “The huge salary difference is always as a result of corruption. You see some people did not get the job through the right channel and the so called “connections” are responsible for this,”

He further adds that “the media industry in the country has lost focus and is now focusing on talent rather than skill.”

He concludes by saying that “This just shows how far the Kenyan media is willing to go just to win and retain viewers.”

“This form of discrimination is not happening in TV alone but also in radio,” points out Steven Biko a News Reporter at a popular Radio Station.

“We are all fully aware of radio presenters who are being paid millions just to talk on air whereas a professional reporter who toils and does the donkey work does not get his rightful due,” he says.

He opines that “The perception needs to change otherwise we are losing a whole generation of professionals because everybody will just be focusing on the money and nothing else.”

Journalism is not a lucrative career as everyone thinks it is. I have seen journalists’ quitting their jobs because of frustrations and poor pay and venturing into other professions.”

“It is up to the media owners in Kenya to meet and come up with a lasting solution in reviewing the industry,” he advices.

“When we study media, not all of us want to be news presenters, news readers or do the same in radio. We are just doing the same work but difference is some people are just good in technical work,” concludes Steve Biko.

Which way to go for those aspiring to work in the media industry and what are your views on the topic?