Bitilo Kibarohas triumphed over GRTS’ 8 O'clock News to be the most watched news broadcast on Facebook live.

Since Nfally Fadera started live streaming his popular Mandinka news, many Gambians online have turned their backs on the national broadcaster’s flagship news program.

“He reads the news with comfort and clarity and I think that’s what is making him and Bitilo Kibaro very popular. Unlike many news readers, Nfally never gets too excited. He is straightforward, unbiased and fluent,” said one of his fans.

Another fan, Pa Famara Badjie described the young award-winning journalist, who recently completed his Master’s Degree in Communications Policy at the University of Westminster in England, as the “best Gambian news reader.”

Over the past few weeks, the number of people following Bitilo Kibaro has significantly increased.

One of last week’s episodes which featured President Barrow’s response to Halifa Sallah’s criticism against his government attracted more than 800 live viewers –nearly twice as many viewers as GRTS’ 8 O'clock News broadcast on their Facebook page.

For the video from the live stream, it has so far generated over 10,000 views, 83 shares and 550 comments from Gambians in different corners of the world.

Another popular episode of Bitilo Kibaro was the one that featured Fatou Camara’s feud with UDP supporters in the Diaspora.

Why Facebook live?

After seven years of reliable broadcasting on radio, and aware of the power of the Internet, especially social media in connecting people with supersonic speed, Nfally Fadera recently decided to broadcast Bitilo Kibaro live on Facebook to reach members of the Gambian Diaspora.

Bitilo Kibarois also relayed daily on Vibes FM radio for fans of the program in The Gambia who cannot access the Internet.