Kgomotso Modise has found a way to make news accessible without compromising its seriousness.
A professional journalist within the Primedia ecosystem, she has become a familiar and trusted presence in radio news while building an equally strong relationship with people on digital platforms.
At the heart of Kgomotso’s approach is a deep respect for the audience.
Nowadays, speed can easily compete with accuracy, however, she is clear about what matters most: getting the facts right and communicating them in a way people can understand.
As we continue with the TJR 100 Creators campaign, Modise’s journey reflects the changing face of journalism; one where journalists can work within established media institutions while also building direct, authentic relationships with audiences online.
This, is Kgomotso Modise’s story.
Who is Kgomotso Modise at her core, when the microphone is off, the camera is off and you’re no longer the journalist everyone knows?
Kgomotso is just a quirky, energetic girl who loves Jesus and loves to have a good time. Jokes and banter are my thing and I love good conversation, great food and when I am not talking best believe I am singing out loud!
You’ve built a reputation as someone people trust when breaking news happens. When you’re delivering a developing story on TikTok or Instagram, how do you balance the pressure to be first with the responsibility of being accurate?
While some of what I do involves breaking news, my content is mainly explainers which do not come with the pressure of being first but are mainly based on being accurate. So generally I don’t feel the pressure of breaking the story first. My real task daily is getting the facts correct and communicating them simply in a way that my audiences can understand and make sense of.
Have you ever felt that pressure to beat everyone else to a story?
Not really. When I cover breaking news the pressure is to make it in time before its old news. So It’s not really about beating another creator or platform, but it’s about making sure my audience knows what has just happened as soon as possible. I always remember that there are many people who follow only me for their news and nobody else. That means if I don’t cover the story, they may never know about it.
Journalists are expected to be objective, but journalists are also human beings with their own views. How do you navigate that thin line between subjectivity and objectivity?
I believe in allowing the story to be determined by the facts not my views. It’s not always easy because we can’t always insulate ourselves from what happens in the world around us, but I have had to keep remembering that the story is never about me. The facts MUST always dictate what I record and publish.
You’re wearing two hats very well: you’re part of the traditional/legacy media ecosystem, while also building a direct relationship with audiences through social media. What do you think legacy media gets right, what does it get wrong, and what can news content creators learn from traditional journalism?
Legacy media is far more resourced than any news creator in the country. That allows them to tell stories that digital creators can only dream of covering. I think because of the muscle that those institutions have, they can tell stories a lot more comprehensively, even doing entire investigations and they get that right most of the time.
I think what they can improve on is establishing a voice for digital storytelling. Newsrooms have not been able to consistently produce content on TikTok or Instagram that resonates with the people. This is something that many news creators are doing exceptionally well. I think traditional media needs to understand that if they are going to tell stories online and have their journalists tell the stories, they must allow them to find their voices as news creators.
There is a growing conversation about journalists becoming brands in their own right. Have you received offers from brands wanting to collaborate with you because of your following and credibility? And where do you draw the line between building your personal brand and protecting your credibility as a journalist?
I have received several offers. It’s all about alignment for me. While I am cautious about who I partner with, and I tend to be incredibly critical of what story they would like me to tell, I am not closed off to partnerships.
I have been part of some dynamic, educational campaigns which align well with what I am already doing. My approach is whether the campaign wants me to tell a story or cover an issue that I would have ordinarily told anyway on my platforms without an incentive.
You’ve covered some incredibly difficult and high-profile stories, particularly around crime, courts and justice. What has journalism taught you about people, and has anything you’ve covered fundamentally changed the way you see the world?
The stories I cover constantly change my perspective and views of the world. Whenever I cover stories about poverty and government failures I leave those stories touched, scarred and sometimes angry. Whenever I cover stories about South Africans making groundbreaking moves in their corners, I am left inspired and excited for the future. I have accepted that the work that I do will always inform my outlook on the world.
You’ve also become a familiar voice on 702. Do you see yourself eventually becoming a full-time radio show anchor?
LOL! I have been having so much fun standing in on the radio that the idea of being a host has started to be more and more appealing. I know that I am very blessed to be afforded the opportunity. If that’s where God wants me to be, I will go!
When you look at the career you’ve built so far, what still excites you? What keeps Kgomotso curious?
I am excited by the amazing young journalists around me who keep finding creative ways of storytelling. It’s exciting to see more South Africans believing in journalism through the work of digital content creators.
What keeps me curious is my love of South Africa and my love for truth. The story of South Africa is still being written and I am privileged to be at the forefront, among those who get to write the first draft.
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