Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Multimedia journalist for The Media Online, The Media. Adrian Ephraim appointed IOL managing editor. Health24 appoints in-house Doctor. Dorota Smaggia appointed chief product officer at Euronews. Shamla Pather joins Garlicke & Bousfield. Euronews becomes the International Media Partner of the IMF-World Bank 2015 Spring Meetings. New look and feel for Schoolmedia website. SMG South Africa launches its Sports Marketing arm. Digital learning initiative Heavy Chef to host strategy event & exclusive magazine launch. NATIVE VML receives two Webby Awards Honorees. MTN Business backs emerging ICT entrepreneurs
Who’s moved where
Multimedia journalist for The Media Online, TMO.live and The Media magazine
Michael Bratt has joined Wag the Dog Publishers has appointed a multimedia journalist who will work on The Media Online and The Media magazine. Bratt graduated from Rhodes University with a Bachelors of Journalism Degree, specialising in radio.
“Michae’ls experience and work ethic, plus his love for words, makes him a great fit for our business. He will be working across The Media, The Media Online and will produce videos for TMO.Live. Not only will his talents enhance our content he will also work with our sales team to offer advertising packages across these platforms,” said CEO of Wag the Dog, Sandra Gordon.
He was part of the 2010 Avusa Internship Programme before joining I-net Bridge as a multimedia producer in his first permanent position. Stints followed at Business Day in the same role and then CNBC Africa as a content producer working on their Open Exchange, Power Lunch and Closing Bell shows. When Bratt is not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, reading, playing X-box and computer games, sleeping and eating.
Adrian Ephraim appointed IOL managing editor
Independent Media has welcomed back Adrian Ephraim who has rejoined the company as managing editor of Independent Online (IOL) news and entertainment site. Ephraim’s appointment is regarded as a statement of intent from Independent Media in terms of revamping the IOL platform, and providing the resources to ensure that the company competes more effectively and aggressively in the digital news arena.
He started his career as a sub-editor at the company’s flagship title The Star, going on to senior production and editorial roles in the news and sports departments. Positions he held included that of night editor and executive editor of The Star, before he decided to specialise in the digital arena and was appointed editor of IOL in 2010.
In 2011 he joined the Mail & Guardian as online news editor, a position he thrived in, leading the M&G’s news team to two consecutive Book Awards for Best Editorial Team.
He has returned to Independent Media to head up the company’s premier IOL online news and entertainment platform, which in March alone had 3.4 million unique browsers.
Health24 appoints in-house Doctor
Health24 has appointed Dr Owen J Wiese as their resident doctor. With degrees in medicine and science, and qualifications in biochemistry and physiology from the University of Stellenbosch, he also boasts experience in both the public and private health sectors. This, combined with a passion for media and publishing, makes Dr Owen perfectly suited to augment Health24’s already substantial healthcare information offering and to bring a human touch to the digital platforms.
“We are excited to have Dr Owen join our team. Aside from reviewing medical content on the site and providing comments for breaking news stories, Dr Owen’s “What’s your diagnosis?” column provides a weekly theoretical medical ‘case’ for readers to try and solve. There is already a high level of engagement with our readers, who are generally proactive about their health,” says Laura van Niekerk, editor of Health24.
Dr Owen also hosts regular live chats on Facebook, where readers are encouraged to ask questions around a specific health issue. “
Shamla Pather joins Garlicke & Bousfield
Shamla Pather has joined Garlicke & Bousfeld as an executive consultant in the litigation department specialising in family law and commercial litigation.
She has acted for various governmental organisations and national clients, including the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the Independent Broadcasting Association (IBA), the South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA), the Standard Bank of South Africa and KPMG.
She attained a B Proc from the University of Durban Westville in 1994 and thereafter served articles with a local law firm until being admitted in 1998. In that same year she joined Sivi Pather Attorneys as a Professional Assistant, becoming a Partner in 2003.
Dorota Smaggia appointed chief product officer at Euronews
Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews, has entrusted Dorota Smaggia with the task of developing product strategy, a role she will carry out as a member of the executive board.
For 25 years, Smaggia has specialised in launching innovative activities from television and themed music channels, to digital platforms and media, open source, and recently social video advertising. She has acquired a very strong, international understanding of the markets for digital content, especially those in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews, said, “I am delighted to welcome Dorota Smaggia, whose career has focused on the exploration of new sectors. Her aspiration to keep ahead of the trends in the distribution of content and services, through traditional channels and new media everywhere in the world, is a great asset for developing the product strategy of Euronews”.
Who’s won what
Euronews becomes the International Media Partner of the IMF-World Bank 2015 Spring Meetings
Euronews is to be the international media partner of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, currently held in Washington D.C. Euronews correspondent in Washington D.C., Stefan Grobe, will provide a comprehensive coverage of this year’s crucial event organised by the World Bank and the IMF. Europe’s number one news channel, with constantly growing audiences in North America where Euronews currently reaches 76 million households out of 420 worldwide, will broadcast special coverage and interviews about the summit.
Grobe will be interviewing a variety of leaders and experts by focusing on the world’s most urgent economic challenges, particularly Greece and the European Union’s economies.
“We are honoured to be for the first time an official International Media Partner of this important rendez-vous”, comments Lucian Sârb, Editorial Director of Euronews. “Decisions made at this extremely high-level event are important to all of us, and Euronews will be there to make sure arguments are heard and decisions analysed from all perspectives for our spectators.”
The reports covering the IMF spring meeting can be seen on TV and Euronews mobile applications, as well as on VOD on Euronews.com.
Who’s making moves
SMG South Africa launches its sports marketing arm
Globally, Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) is continuing to strengthen and roll out its sports marketing capability SPORTS at SMG with offices currently in the UK and US. With client demand growing within the African continent for localised sports marketing expertise, the decision to launch SPORTS at SMG in South Africa was a natural and seamless one.
“Sports transcends boundaries and cultures uniting people of all ages. People treasure the experiences before, during and after any game, across devices, in any environment, be it live in the stadium or in their living rooms. Just like players get ready for a game, fans do too,” says SMG SA’s MD Ravi Bhaya. “However, the cost of a match day experience is inhibiting fans making the physical trip resulting in video screens (TV and mobile) the sports fan’s companion of choice and the new norm.”
“In this new era of velocity marketing, where the pace and purpose of people is accelerating rapidly, attention spans are scarce and content is harder to control. We discover more and more the need to keep fans in the zone and bring the energy to life in real time, all the time. Fans also wish to celebrate a victory or a loss.”
Robin Clarke, MD International for SPORTS at SMG, said, “The globalisation of sports and sports fans continues apace and the African continent and its billion+ people represents huge opportunities for brands and the evolution of sports marketing partnerships.”
By launching SPORTS at SMG here in Africa we will focus on ensuring our SMG African clients understand the landscapes, the opportunities and the routes to high value ROI from investing in sports. As part of a world class media network, we are armed with the best supporting capabilities in digital, content, social, data and media planning/buying to do just that.”
New look and feel for Schoolmedia website
Khethi Ngwenya, owner and Managing Director of SchoolMedia, an in school media placement and advertising company is pleased to announce a newly launched website at www.schoolmedia.co.za. “Our website’s fresh new look, user-friendly routing and probe search functionality are some of the features visitors will enjoy,” says Ngwenya.
The new site has easy to use drop down menus with updated information about our products and services. Ngwenya says, “One of our main goals was to build a user-friendly and simple to use site for clients and media buyers. The design allows the users to quickly find the contents thanks to its easy categorised structure”.
“We will continually be expanding our online content to bring updated and relevant information, he says.
Digital learning initiative Heavy Chef to host strategy event & exclusive magazine launch
On 06 May 2015 at Microsoft in Joburg, Heavy Chef will host an event focused on Digital Strategy, headlined by a digital power duo. Arthur Goldstuck, South Africa’s foremost authority on the digital market and technological trends, will be joined by Chris Rawlinson – creative powerhouse and head of group digital innovations at Ogilvy SA.
Goldstuck’s presentation will look at the latest statistics, reports and graphs that represent the current state of the local digital economy. Rawlinson will supplement this presentation by looking at the latest trends in creativity and digital innovation as well as some examples of remarkable work.
In line with the theme of this event, the first edition of the Heavy Chef Quarterly Review will be launched at the event on 06 May. This online magazine will become an important tool for learning and sharing – a medium that features exclusive, curated content on digital’s most pertinent themes. Get a sneak preview here.
Guests will be treated to eco-friendly wine compliments of Backsberg Winery to celebrate this new step in Heavy Chef’s evolution. Seats fill up quickly, so book here to reserve yours.
Event details
Date: 06 May 2015
Venue: Microsoft Offices, Bryanston (William Nicol Drive)
Time: 18h00 for 18h30
Cost: 1 #iloveheavychef t-shirt of your own design (#justkidding – Heavy Chef events are always free!)
Join the Heavy Chef community by signing up to our newsletter here and following us on Twitter and Facebook. Check out the latest speaker videos on our Youtube channel.
MTN Business backs emerging ICT entrepreneurs
MTN Business has embarked on a long-term supplier development programme that will empower young, black entrepreneurs to take their place at the forefront of South Africa’s evolution to a knowledge-based economy.
“For MTN Business, local supplier development is more than a box-ticking exercise,” says Alpheus Mangale, chief enterprise officer at MTN Business. “It’s true that enterprise and supplier development has taken on a new significance in the revised BBBEE codes, but we’re looking beyond these metrics to make a more tangible impact on the economy.
“Our programme is aligned with the National Development Plan’s goals of addressing poverty alleviation and real empowerment by creating a new class of young, black entrepreneurs. As a leader in the technology sector we’re in a prime position to leverage our technical expertise and national footprint to develop skills and small enterprises that have the potential to grow into larger, sustainable businesses.”
MTN Business has partnered with New Generation Mindset (NGM), a training and skills development provider that specialises in SMME development and mentorship in the ICT sector.
Afrikaans is a very effective advertising language
Die Dagbreek Trust has announced its sponsorship of the Pendoring Awards. “We have to be pro-active to take Afrikaans forward. To support the Pendoring Advertising Awards as a Platinum sponsor is part of the plan,” says Dr Theuns Eloff, chairman of Die Dagbreek Trust.
“A group of concerned Afrikaans institutions brainstormed the Trust’s spending strategy because we believe that Afrikaans is entering a time of crisis that needs serious intervention. This brainstorming brought forth a revised strategy that is aimed at making a drastic change to the future of our language in the next five years. Within this framework, we will support projects with far-reaching effects for Afrikaans. We see Pendoring Advertising Awards as such a project.”
According to Eloff, Afrikaans is a very effective advertising language. “Many Afrikaans advertisements have been made that were even found to be entertaining by other language groups. If we have to use the Pendoring Advertising Awards (the only of its kind in the industry with prize money for the winners) as the proverbial carrot in front of the advertisers and ad agencies’ noses in order to persuade them to keep on making Afrikaans advertisements, so be it. We support the effort.
“Maybe the time has come for Afrikaans people to take a stand. Their buying power is still substantial enough to insist on Afrikaans advertisements without being negative. Afrikaans people are sometimes their own worst enemy.
NATIVE VML receives two Webby Awards Honorees
NATIVE VML has received two Honorees for Jameson Indie Channel at the 19th Annual Webby Awards.
The first nomination is in the Interactive Advertising and Media: Digital Campaign category and the second is an Honoree nomination in the Online Film and Video/Series category.
Jason Xenopoulos, CEO of NATIVE VML, says this is a great achievement, especially considering that the Webby’s had nearly 13 000 entries this year.
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