By Clarence Kiragu.

As part of our Introduction to Broadcasting course, we recently visited the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Nairobi, which was a unique opportunity to see how one of the world's most reputable media organizations functions in Africa. It provided us with an insight into an active newsroom environment that brings together accuracy, balance, and storytelling in the production of credible journalism.

We had the pleasure of meeting some key players in BBC Africa, such as Waihiga Mwaura, Maryam Abdalla, and Juliet Njeri, who shared their insights on the newsroom’s work and the evolving role of African journalism in a global media landscape.

The team spoke with us about their roles as producers, editors, and technical staff and reiterated the value of ethical reporting and impartiality, which are fundamental values of the BBC’s established reputation globally. We were struck by the process of editorial decision-making, which involved a collective discussion, with a keen sense of the need for stories that would fit both the African audience and BBC standards.

The team also reflected on how technology has changed journalism. The BBC studio had various digital editing suites and multimedia storytelling platforms, and it was evident that it was constantly changing to respond to changing audience behavior. The BBC has and continues to showcase value for its younger, mobile audience with increased emphasis on online content and social media.

The most remarkable aspect was the variety of the newsroom, and that a common commitment among journalists was to tell African stories with authenticity and depth. Beyond the advanced technology and infrastructure, the visit also reminded us that good journalism is about curiosity, accuracy, and public trust.

For us students, the BBC visit was not simply an academic experience; it was an inspiring window into the real world of broadcasting. That world displayed how professionalism, collaboration, and integrity ultimately lead to the stories that keep millions informed every day.