Beneath the Fame - Caleb Korir (Founder JEDCA media)

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?

My name is Caleb Korir. I am a 360° journalist and entrepreneur. I was born in Bomet and schooled in Narok. I have always been a dreamer, looking at the world in a different perspective is plainly the reason why I am here as journalist.

How did you get started in your career?

I started journalism while in secondary school, that is at Sagamiam Secondary School. When I was in form on I founded NBC, that's, News Broadcasting Club. I brought together students who liked journalism and we started a new club in school. I used to lead my fellow students to write and broadcast news during parades on Mondays and Fridays. We would write stories about the happenings in school and read in parade. I lead that club until I completed form four that's in 2019. Fast forward, I joined Kenya Methodist University to study journalism. With my passion in journalism, I started writing opinion articles for The Standard and within weeks I got published. I then switched gears to Daily Nation. I published more than 30 opinion articles for the two newspapers. While doing that, I was shooting and editing news packages for JEDCA TV and thereafter I joined People Daily newspaper as a feature writer as well as working at JEDCA MEDIA as Editorial Director.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The time I got stories published in The Standard, and Daily Nation. However, I must say the first time I stood in front of my teachers and fellow students in high school reading news is unforgettable. Founding JEDCA MEDIA is another remarkable thing for me.

What are some of the challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them? The biggest challenge is lack of resources to do ground breaking stories. It's easier to judge a person from what one has done but we overlook the setbacks that puts them in straitjacket situation. But again we are who we design ourselves to be. That said, I have to move forward nevertheless. Overcoming such situation has taken a lot of hard work. Sometimes postponing stories but never forgetting them until I get resources to do it and thankfully I have managed to do good stories especially for People Daily newspaper and JEDCA MEDIA.

Are there any particular projects or roles that have been especially meaningful to you?

Becoming a writer for People Daily newspaper.

What is your biggest accomplishment that you're most proud of?

Founding JEDCA MEDIA and doubling as the Editorial Director.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?

I am my own biggest inspiration. Every day I wake up I look at what I have achieved and make it as a baseline to move forward. I realized I can't become the best version of myself if I try copying anyone. Sometimes I take time to read my own stories and from it I feel a burning desire to do more. Even the video that I make, I take time to watch them.

What keeps you motivated in your work?

I would love to see the world becoming a better place. With the world facing uncertainties, I know responsible journalism can make the world a better place. This gives me the driving force to keep going.

How do you handle criticism and setbacks?

I get a lot of motivation when criticized. It sounds ironical but that is true for me. If you want me to produce the best results, then subject me to extreme criticism.

How do you balance your personal life with your career?

Balancing is the toughest thing for me. I believe the best results are achieved in great imbalances. You can't achieve a balanced work life doing two or three different things, one or two has to suffer. That said, I take one thing at a time. If I am writing for the newspaper, I take time to do it. And the same applies to working for JEDCA MEDIA. Writing "a to do list" also enables me to plan my day with precision.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Watching documentaries and reading novels.

Is there a particular hobby or interest that you enjoy outside of your work?

Playing football and swimming

What advice would you give to aspiring individuals who want to pursue a career similar to yours?

Start now. Tomorrow never come. If I had waited for graduation to get started, I wouldn't have been where I am. Also try new things. Before doing anything I would ask myself "what's the worst that can happen?" And for sure nothing bad can happen. Just do it. Be open minded and be "3D thinker." As a journalist you must never view from events and occurrences in layman's perspective.

What upcoming projects or ventures are you excited about?

I am excited about JEDCA MEDIA. Being the CEO comes with a lot to do but the goal of building the biggest media company in Africa cannot be substituted for anything. Some of our viewers have dubbed it as "the African Al Jazeera".

Where do you see yourself in the future, both personally and professionally?

As one of the best journalist in the world and the founder of the world-class media company and philanthropist.

Favorite book/movie/song?

Book - Unscripted by MJ Dermaco

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

Be skeptical on everything to uncover what's no readily visible cause the world is punctuated by scams.

One thing you can't live without?

I can't LIVE WITHOUT JESUS CHRIST

Any hidden talents or surprising facts about yourself?

Everything I have achieved is through Christ Jesus.

Your Social Media handles and platforms?

Twitter: @calebkorir_254 Instagram: Caleb_journalist Facebook: Caleb Korir Website: www.jedcamedia.com YouTube: JEDCA MEDIA :www.youtube.com/@jedcamedia

Duke Entertainment & Info Desk