NTV’s esteemed news anchor and senior editor, Smriti Vidyarthi, has bid farewell to the station after an illustrious 16½-year tenure. The announcement came moments before she concluded her final bulletin, with NTV tweeting, “Thank you for your 16½ years of service, Smriti Vidyarthi.”
Smriti’s departure marks the end of an era for NTV, where she has been a prominent figure since joining in 2008. Throughout her career, she has been celebrated for her professionalism, in-depth storytelling, and commitment to journalistic excellence. Notably, in 2013, she was honored with the Television & News Bulletin Award at the Media Council’s Annual Journalism Excellence Awards.
Beyond the news desk, Smriti has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation awareness through her show, “NTV Wild Talk.” The program engaged audiences on pressing environmental issues, with one of its most remarkable moments being her interview with former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta about the Hands Off Our Elephants campaign.
As the granddaughter of Girdhari Lal Vidyarthi, a pioneer of Kenya’s free press, Smriti continued her family’s legacy in journalism with distinction. Her departure leaves a notable void at NTV, and viewers across the nation are reflecting on her impactful career.
While the reasons behind her exit remain private, Smriti’s influence on Kenyan journalism is undeniable. As the media landscape evolves, her absence will be deeply felt by colleagues and viewers alike.
