Fears for press freedom as billionaire takes control of East Africa's largest media house
Rostam Aziz's purchase raises questions about continued journalistic independence in the region.
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Notable Quotes
"It was a possibility that NMG outlets could align themselves with Kenyan and Tanzanian governments now that Aziz had bought a controlling stake."
— Asha Abinallah , Other
"I backed credible and independent journalism as being essential for the development of our society."
— Rostam Aziz , Executive
"For decades, NMG has not simply been a media company. It has functioned as part of East Africa's democratic infrastructure."
— Churchill Otieno , Other
"That structure gave it a degree of insulation from the political and business pressures that often shape editorial agendas in the region."
— Bernard Mwinzi , Other
Key People
Asha Abinallah is the CEO of Tech and Media Convergency, a tech firm based in Tanzania.
Bernard Mwinzi is a former senior editor at NMG who commented on the implications of the ownership change.
Churchill Otieno is the current president of the Africa Editors Forum and a former senior digital editor at NMG.
Rostam Aziz is a billionaire businessman and former MP in Tanzania known for his investments in gas and telecommunications.
William Ruto is the President of Kenya.
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Rostam Aziz's purchase raises questions about continued journalistic independence in the region.
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