Dr. John Baptist Imokola is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University. citeturn0search0 He is also an Andrew Mellon PhD Fellow in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, focusing his doctoral research on the regulation of television programming in Uganda, with a particular emphasis on local content quotas.
With a journalism training career that began in 2008, Dr. Imokola has taught at institutions such as the International Institute of Business and Media Studies, Nkumba University, and Muteesa I Royal University. citeturn0search0 He has delivered motivational talks to aspiring journalists and has contributed scholarly papers on Ugandan media.
Dr. Imokola's extensive experience in journalism includes roles ranging from News Reporter and Anchor to News Editor and Producer, culminating in leadership positions at two national television newsrooms in Uganda. citeturn0search0 His professional journey encompasses work with Uganda Television (now Uganda Broadcasting Corporation), Record TV Network - Uganda, WBS Television, NBS Television, and contributions to international networks. He also served as News Editor at Uganda Radio Network and as a training editor at both Record Television Network - Uganda and WBS Television.
His expertise spans various aspects of television production, including scriptwriting and editing, camera work, video and audio editing, control room operations, online broadcasting, live broadcasts, and media management within a television context. citeturn0search0
Dr. Imokola holds a Master of Arts in Journalism and Communication and an Honours Bachelor's Degree from Makerere University. citeturn0search0 Additionally, he has earned several certificates in diverse fields to enhance his experience and training.
As a researcher, his interests include journalism practice, media management, media and culture (with a focus on television), and audience studies. citeturn0search0 He has been a member of the academic staff in the Department since February 2012.
In 2024, Dr. Imokola completed an Executive Master's in Media Leadership and Innovation at Aga Khan University. citeturn0search4 His dissertation, titled "Universities as Innovation Hubs for Television Stations in Uganda," explores the potential of utilizing journalism schools as innovation centers for the television industry.
- Imokola, J.B., Semujju, B. R., Nassanga, G.L. (2024). Contestations in Programming Regulation – Stakeholder Perspectives on Television local content quotas in Uganda. In Jua Kali Discourse – Reflections on the banal and the profound in regional debates. Pg 282-316. Fountain Publishers. (In Print).
- Imokola, J.B. (2024). What local content? The Ugandan Perspectives to Television local Content. In Perspectives in Social Sciences – Insights from Social Science Scholars. Pg. 158-182. Nkumba University Publishing.
- Imokola, J.B., Semujju, B., Nassanga, G.L. (2023). (Re)Defining Local Content: How VJs are Changing the Concept and Appreciation of Television Local Content in Uganda. Mawazo, Makerere University. Pg. 98-113.
- Tukahirwa, P., Imokola, J. (2023). Youth Aggressive Communication Behaviour During Elections in Uganda: A Case of 2021 Presidential Election. Bishop Stuart University Journal of Development, Education & Technology. 51-64. 10.59472/jodet.v1i3.42.
