The basis of journalism as the fourth estate and a watchdog for corruption and injustice brings an unequivocal responsibility for journalists to be equally skilled and hard-working.
Popular for his guts in reporting and ability to access notoriously inaccessible figures, Joel Ssenyonyi has extensively anchored ‘NTV Tonight’, an english news program by NTV Uganda, the most watched station in Kampala, according to a June 2016 survey by research firm Ipsos.
“I subscribe to the adage; “If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” And that’s not to say that I get it right all the time. But even when I goof up, I endeavor to get up and hit the road again.” The 30-year-old said, during an interview with UG Christian News.
For his ethical and outstanding work, Joel has won some major broadcast awards, including The ‘Bbale Francis Best Male TV News Anchor Award 2016’.
Additionally certified and nominated recently as ‘TV Personality of the year 2016’ for the annual Heaven Inspired Triumph (HIT) Awards, Joel says that 2016 has been an incredible year.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth in my career, I went back to school, I’ve seen numerous formerly static situations in my life begin to move. I’ve seen God do amazing things for me this year, and I’m grateful.”
“It was humbling for me to receive ‘The Bbale Francis Best Male TV News Anchor Award 2016.’ Incidentally, Bbale Francis held my hand and mentored me when I had just joined the media in 2006, I pay tribute to him for that,” he told this website. “The award is a source of encouragement, and God being my guide, I will get even better.”
Jeol’s career kicked off at 19, during his S6 vacation. Applying for vacancies with next to nothing, he began to go to several TV stations looking for a Job.
He was first hired by State aided broadcaster UBC, when he challenged his opponents, whose CVs surprisingly included master’s degrees, diploma certificates.
With a dying prevalence of quality journalists, why is Joel considered among the highly influential risk-takers in today’s media industry
The Morning At NTV co-host says that journalists need to have a rare form of intrepidity, courage that will enable them hold our leaders accountable.
“Politicians must stop taking the citizenry for a ride, and journalists have a huge role to play in this quest.” He says.
He says that this festive season has been family time, “Something I always look forward to with bated breath, even as I remember the birth of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Adding: “I am looking forward to 2017 in ernest. 2016 has been great, 2017 will be a notch higher.”
aaron@ugchristiannews.com
