Kayode Okikiolu: Revolutionizing Digital Journalism with an Innovative Storytelling Technique.

Beginnings: From Traditional to Digital.

Kayode Okikiolu began his career before TV, as a Radio Presenter at The Beat 97.9FM & Salt 98.1FM for 4 years. a time when journalism was still primarily a print medium. His early work was marked by in-depth, factual TV Anchoring with Africa's News leader Channels Television. which marked to the highest standards of traditional journalism. However, With the rise of the digital age, Okikiolu quickly recognized the potential for a transformation within the field.

Rather than resisting the changes brought by technology, he embraced them, shifting from TV to online platforms. He became one of the first journalists to explore multimedia storytelling, combining text with videos, images, and interactive elements to create a more immersive experience for his readers.

Digital Storytelling Techniques.

What truly sets Kayode Okikiolu apart is his innovative approach to digital storytelling. Unlike conventional journalism, which often focuses on linearly reporting facts and events, Okikiolu understands that storytelling in the digital age is about engagement and immersion. His work incorporates a variety of elements, such as interactive graphics, data visualization, and video reports, to make stories come alive in new and exciting ways.

He was also an early adopter of social media platforms as tools for storytelling. Recognizing the growing influence of platforms like Twitter, Instagram, tik tok and YouTube, Okikiolu has used these channels to share stories in real-time, providing live updates, instant reactions, and behind-the-scenes insights.

He launched a blog called “Gentleman of the Press,” where he shared videos shot just 30 minutes before his morning show at the studio’s front door. This interactive approach allows readers to not just consume news but to engage with it, creating a more dynamic relationship between journalists and their audience.

Okikiolu’s approach greatly boosted audience engagement, especially among younger people who prefer getting news online. His blog, "Gentleman of the Press," saw a 45% jump in social media activity in its first year, thanks to real-time video sharing and live updates. By giving behind-the-scenes access and timely, clear news, he helped build more trust in journalism. His efforts made complex topics like government, elections, and policies easier to understand through visuals and discussions on social media.

Kayode's new way of doing things was a hit. “Gentleman of the Press” became a popular place for news and information, and more and more people followed him on social media. Kayode realized that digital journalism was the way forward, offering him the ability to reach a wider audience and tell stories with real impact.

Creating a Legacy of Mentorship and Leadership

Beyond his contributions to journalism, Kayode Okikiolu has also been instrumental in shaping the next generation of digital storytellers and media Innovators. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and online courses, he has shared his knowledge and expertise with aspiring journalists, empowering them to harness the power of digital media. His commitment to Supporting new talent ensures that his revolutionary methods will continue to influence journalism for years to come.

Conclusion

Kayode's journey through digital journalism demonstrates his ability to blend technology with storytelling to create compelling narratives. His work has pushed the boundaries of what journalism can be, proving that in a world where attention spans are shrinking, there is still room for meaningful, impactful stories. As a true Innovator, his insistence on truth, accuracy, and accountability has made him a respected figure in the media industry, earning him numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions. His influence will continue to inspire journalists and storytellers for years to come.