Kenyan Journalist Leads Fight to Save US Community TV

A young Kenyan journalist is leading efforts to save Prince George’s Community Television (CTV) amid ongoing budget cuts.

Noel James Okoth, 24, has become a key advocate for the station, which has served the community for over 40 years. CTV is at risk due to proposed government budget reductions aimed at cost-cutting. Many residents rely on the station for in-depth coverage of local and national issues that affect their daily lives. 

Since joining CTV in August 2024, Okoth has actively worked to rally public backing and engage policymakers. He sees local journalism as an essential part of community infrastructure, saying, “Journalism to me is not just about content. It is a community infrastructure.” His efforts have brought together civic leaders and residents to defend the station’s role in the county.

Before his work at CTV, Okoth gained experience at several media outlets in New York and Virginia, including ABC 7 New York. Tracey Washington Bagley, a producer at ABC 7, praised Okoth’s careful and professional approach to his work. These experiences have shaped his vision for journalism, emphasizing multilingual reporting, cross-platform storytelling, and meaningful impact.

Okoth also plans to return to Kenya to establish a studio that will serve as a creative space and training center for young journalists. He aims to empower a new generation of media professionals who can challenge established powers and amplify marginalized voices. 

“We’re not just teaching technique,” he said. “We’re building courage. Because in Kenya today, asking the right questions can be dangerous. But silence is even more costly.”