The Creative Director Bridging Media and Marketing
Samuel Otieno Owinyo, known on-air as DJ SAM254, is a pioneer member of Chuka University Radio’s first cohort who has successfully translated his campus media experience into a dynamic career at the intersection of digital media, PR, and marketing. As the Director of Corporate Communications at Actyra, Samuel leverages his extensive background in presentation, production, and technical operations to lead strategic communications in the corporate world. His journey from a versatile radio volunteer—skilled in presenting, producing, technical operations, editing, video and audio production, and graphic design—to a corporate communications director exemplifies how multimedia competencies can open diverse career pathways beyond traditional journalism.
Chuka University Radio Experience
Samuel’s two years at Chuka University Radio provided the foundational experiences that shaped his unique career trajectory. Hosting and producing The Hangout Show while serving as a presenter, producer, technician, editor, video and audio producer, and graphic designer, he developed a rare combination of technical and creative skills. “Chuka University Radio helped me explore the non-traditional approaches to studying journalism and mass communication, which sent me working deeper in the digital marketing and visual production side of things,” he reflects. This multidimensional foundation propelled him to his current role as Director of Corporate Communications at Actyra, where he now applies his production expertise, digital media savvy, and leadership abilities to shape corporate communications strategy across digital media, PR, and marketing domains.
Message to Chuka University Media students
“Don’t only focus on the major pillars of your course for opportunities in the job market. Every pillar has sub sections or intertwining sections that offer a wider scale of opportunities. Think about those and what you need to do or learn to be able to be in such positions. This is not to downgrade what we have learnt but inform you that there is more out there. Last but not least, good grades without proper practical skills might end up being useless in the creative field; make sure you work on both.
