Future Media Namibia has appointed veteran journalist Yanna Smith as its new Head of News and Editor-in-Chief, signaling a strategic effort to strengthen credible journalism and adapt its newsroom to evolving audience habits.
In her new role, Smith will oversee the media group’s editorial direction, shaping the delivery of independent and accurate news across its radio and television networks.
In a statement, Future Media said that in her new role, Smith will lead their editorial policy and help shape how Future Media delivers accurate, relevant and independent news across its radio and television platforms.
“The appointment comes as audiences change how and where they consume news. By bringing an accomplished senior editor into the business, we are investing in the leadership, standards and newsroom capacities needed to meet the shift while protecting the fundamentals of responsible journalism, accuracy, fairness, context and public value.”
They said that Smith brings more than three decades of newsroom experience across reporting, niche stories and investigative journalism, including digital publishing, social media, editing and sub-editing. “Smith started her journalism career at the Windhoek Observer in 1993 and has spent more than three decades working across the full spectrum of journalism. Her career has taken her through reporting, writing, editing and newsroom leadership, with experiences across virtually every aspect of the news business.”
Chief Executive at Future Media, Gary Stoebel, said Smith’s appointment is an important step in their continued investment in trusted, forward-looking journalism. “Her extensive newsroom experience, sound editorial judgment and understanding of how audiences engage with news across platforms position her well to lead Future Media News, strengthen our editorial standards and shape a newsroom that is ready for the future.”
Smith said she is both humbled and excited to take on the role of Head of News and Editor-in-Chief at Future Media. She added that after more than 30 years in journalism, she has never lost sight of why she does this work: to tell stories that matter, to hold power to account, and to give people accurate, meaningful information they can trust. “I look forward to working with talented teams across Future Media to strengthen our journalism, embrace new ways of telling stories, and ensure that the people we serve remain at the heart of everything we do.”
