John Marete was one of the casualties when Citizen TV swung the axe during its major destaffing in 2016. But instead of succumbing to the weight of the job loss, Marete chose to rise above it and forge his path to success.
Raised in the heart of Meru County, Marete always had his sights set high, even as a youngster. His ambition was palpable, and it was only a matter of time before he found his niche and pursued his dreams with relentless determination.
After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media and Film Production from Kenyatta University, Marete’s quest for a job as a graduate began. A year after graduating from KU, he found a job opportunity at Citizen TV as part of the Camera detail team.
Marete’s dedication and commitment to his craft saw him quickly climb the ranks and become the Head of Camera at the station in 2014. He held this esteemed position for two years before the unexpected job loss.
Despite facing the axe in 2016 along with several other employees, Marete’s drive to be the best never dwindled.
Launching Weru TV, Weru FM
He was back to square one, jobless. With his knowledge and experience in the media industry, he decided to launch his own TV station, Weru TV.
Through market research and strategic planning, he was able to turn his dream into a reality in just five months.
Launched in December 2016, Marete’s passion for media and desire for success proved to be a winning combination as Weru TV quickly garnered popularity in the Meru region.
Weru TV’s popularity skyrocketed as it quickly surpassed market leaders such as Baite TV and Meru TV. The TV station targeted audiences in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Isiolo and Laikipia Counties.
With the success of Weru TV, John Marete didn’t stop there. In 2017, he continued his entrepreneurial venture by launching Weru FM, a related FM station that airs in the Ameru vernacular language.
The launch of Weru FM not only provided an avenue for those without TV access but also proved to be a game-changer for Marete. It not only widened his audience but also positioned him as a major player in the local media scene.
Weru FM’s popularity grew rapidly, causing major disruptions in the industry and toppling Meru’s traditional media giants.
Launching Mutongoi TV, Mutongoi FM
After a short pause, Marete decided to expand his media empire and launch a Kamba dialect TV, Mutongoi FM in April 2021.
The station, located in Machakos County, targets the local people and those in the lower Eastern Region where Marete’s wife hails from.
Tapping onto the charming allure of speaking and listening to one’s native tongue, Marete’s business became an instant success. The TV station is available on Signet in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni and Taita Taveta Counties.
Marete’s entrepreneurial spirit was on fire and he was unstoppable. In December 2021, he launched Mutongoi FM, another Kamba dialect radio station that aimed to rival established local media firms such as Mbaitu FM, Musyi FM, and Syokimau FM.
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The station has already gained a significant following and is now considered one of the fastest-growing vernacular stations in Eastern Kenya.
The once-fired camera director at the RMS’s Citizen TV forged a plan, with great vision and determination, that helped him become a force to reckon with in the digital media industry.
