Leon Lidigu

Experienced Global Health and Climate Journalist with a strong background in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. Expertise in analyzing global health policies, investigating environmental health risks, and covering climate adaptation strategies. Skilled in data-driven storytelling and delivering impactful narratives on sustainability, health equity, and climate-related crises.

Proven ability to report on complex health systems and climate issues with clarity and insight, engaging diverse audiences through in-depth research and compelling journalism.

Science Journalist - Nation Media Group - Nairobi, Kenya

(2017-06)

• Lead award-winning coverage on climate change, health, food security, and environmental issues in Africa.
• Investigate global health crises, with a focus on infectious diseases and healthcare access.
• Produce in-depth reports on COVID-19, vaccine distribution, and public health systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Utilize multimedia and data journalism to enhance storytelling and audience engagement.
• Mentor and guide junior reporters, ensuring quality and accuracy in science and health coverage.
• Collaborate with global outlets on cross-border reporting projects and investigative features.
• Advocate for digital innovation, helping to modernize reporting practices in the newsroom.
• Conduct interviews with global health experts, policymakers, and environmental leaders to provide authoritative analysis.
• Cover the intersection of geopolitics and global health, exploring how political decisions affect health outcomes.
• Participate in international journalism conferences and panels on climate, health, and the future of journalism.
• Provide expert commentary and insights for broadcast media and online platforms on climate and health-related topics.

Contributor / Bylines - Multiple Publications (Dainik Bhaskar, The Continent, Daily Nation Newspaper, The East African Newspaper, Nairobi News)

(2018-08)

• Write in-depth articles, opinion pieces, and feature stories on a wide range of topics including politics, economics, and lifestyle.
• Regularly cover breaking news, ensuring stories are researched and published quickly to meet deadlines.
• Contribute content that has been picked up by national and international media outlets, increasing visibility.
• Collaborate with editorial teams to brainstorm story ideas and refine content for different audiences.
• Conduct interviews with public figures, experts, and citizens to add depth and credibility to stories.
• Analyze trends and societal issues to create compelling long-form pieces with a focus on impact and relevance.
• Provide editorial feedback to fellow contributors, helping to improve overall content quality.
• Engage in cross-platform storytelling, adapting content for print, digital, and social media formats.

Head of Digital News / Co-host (Table Talk) - Ebru Television Kenya

(2016-05 - 2017-04)

• Led the digital team, ensuring daily coverage of news across Ebru TV's online platforms, including social media, website, and apps.
• Developed new digital content strategies, increasing audience interaction and online engagement.
• Created and maintained partnerships with digital influencers and bloggers to expand the station's reach.
• Supervised content creation from ideation to publication, ensuring relevance and accuracy.
• Managed live streaming of news events, providing real-time updates and interactive discussions with the audience.
• Analyzed audience feedback and metrics to continuously refine content and digital strategies.
• Directed the integration of multimedia elements (videos, images, infographics) to enhance digital storytelling.
• Co-hosted Table Talk, moderating thought-provoking discussions on politics, culture, and current affairs.

News Gathering/Reporting / Show Presenter / Producer - Nation Media Group (96.3 Nation FM, Q FM, and QTV)

(2013-06 - 2016-04)

• Conducted field reporting on national and international news, delivering live updates from various locations.
• Wrote compelling news stories and features for both radio and television, maintaining objectivity and clarity.
• Managed all aspects of The Fix show, from researching topics and guest coordination to live broadcasting.
• Pioneered new segments for Nation FM, tapping into youth culture and trending issues, increasing listenership.
• Produced and edited news packages, ensuring high-quality content for air and online distribution.
• Trained junior reporters and presenters on effective communication, interview techniques, and broadcast ethics.
• Coordinated with marketing teams to promote shows, leveraging social media to drive audience interaction.
• Covered major events such as political rallies, national holidays, and live sports, ensuring up-to-date reporting.

Head of Radio / Show Producer / Audio Editor / Technical Manager / News Announcer - Multimedia University Radio 99.9 FM

(2012-09 - 2013-04)

• Directed station operations, ensuring smooth coordination between programming, technical, and creative teams.
• Produced and presented MMU FM Breakfast, a popular morning show combining campus news, entertainment, and music.
• Managed the technical setup for live shows, ensuring all audio equipment worked seamlessly during broadcasts.
• Edited and produced high-quality audio for news and entertainment segments, maintaining sound clarity and engagement.
• Trained and mentored new team members, guiding them in technical skills, content production, and on-air presentation.
• Developed creative content formats for both news and entertainment, keeping the station fresh and innovative.
• Coordinated live broadcasts from campus events, providing real-time coverage for students and staff.
• Worked with the promotions team to boost listenership through contests, events, and live interviews.

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication - Journalism - Pacific University, India (2017 - 2020)

Diploma in Mass Communication - Mass Communication - Multimedia University of Kenya (2012 - 2015)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - Booker Academy (2008 - 2011)

Kenya Certificate of Primary Education - Kakamega Hill School Junior (2001 - 2008)