Media Moves…TheMediaOnline’s weekly wrap on news about who in the media is moving where, and what companies have won which accounts.
New editor at the Independent on Saturday
Newly-appointed editor of The Independent on Saturday (IOS) in Durban, Deon Delport, cut his teeth in journalism at The Friend newspaper in the Free State where he became the provincial council reporter, crime reporter, general reporter and deputy news editor – all at the same time!
An ardent Sharks supporter, Delport (57) said he was excited about the challenges that lay ahead for him as editor of the IOS. “I aim to build on the success achieved so far by adding ingredients which appeal to our existing – and future – readers.
“Obviously a big challenge is growing circulation, currently at 47 564, and attracting more advertisers. We want to make the IOS a newspaper people notice and which has the sort of content everyone talks about.”
He said leisure time was precious to people and reading habits were changing. “Elsewhere in the world Saturday titles are achieving great success by offering people interesting reads and lots of information on what to do with their leisure time. Of course, we also need to keep readers abreast of the latest happenings in news, sport and entertainment. The IOS is a good mix of news, entertainment, sport and personal finance. All these areas will be approached with fresh eyes and given attention to improve our offering to readers and advertisers.”
Delport, who is married to online media writer, Sally, said he felt journalists still had the respect of the public and were seen as watchdogs over bureaucrats, lazy and corrupt officials and crooked businesses.
Top media man to lead marcusbrewster
Veteran etv newscaster and corporate communication heavyweight San Reddy is the new MD of award-winning PR firm marcusbrewster. Reddy was formerly manager, communication: corporate and regulatory affairs for British American Tobacco and for the past three years has been a consultant to the group managing communication strategy and media relations for nine countries in Southern Africa including Angola, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Reddy’s public relations background includes stints in Financial PR at Brunswick and as account director at Bairds amassing experience on accounts such as Unilever, Coca Cola (Pan-African campaign), the Hospital Association of SA, Soekor, Statistics SA and helping win two defence contracts for British Aerospace.
During his seven years at etv, Reddy, one of the ten core station start-up team members, created the channel’s first corporate communication division and coordinated all publicity and crisis communication for the CEO and management as well as the channel’s international shareholders (Warner Bros).
“The excitement in the firm is palpable” says chairman Marcus Brewster. “It’s widely acknowledged that we employ the best people in the industry with the happy consequence that we raise the bar with each new appointment. All the staff in our Johannesburg and Cape Town offices keenly anticipate the incredible learnings they will enjoy under San’s tutelage.
“Reddy’s CV comes straight from central casting – it ticks all the boxes: corporate and crisis communication, reputation management, investor and financial journalism, media training, lobbying and public affairs, as well as consumer PR outreach. His not-so-little black book of media contacts bulges with virtually every news organisation in sub-Saharan Africa and he is extremely well networked and connected. I am happy that San recognises in marcusbrewster an opportunity to further his own career at South Africa’s most-awarded PR firm.”
Reddy’s appointment, based in Johannesburg, is with effect August 1.
Kagiso Broadcasting appoints new COO
Nick Grubb, media and content consultant and former programme manager at 5FM, has joined Kagiso Broadcasting as chief operating officer.
Grubb will be directly responsible for the two key radio assets in the group – Jacaranda 94.2 and East Coast Radio. He has been tasked with focusing on developing strong content and building quality audiences in a way that creates opportunities for clients and strategic partners.
“I am really excited about the opportunity of creating even more synergies between the radio stations within the group and building on the strong performance they have shown over the last few years. I look forward to working alongside Omar Essack in developing new and effective non-FM opportunities,” says Grubb.
“We are delighted that Nick has agreed to take up this position. His experience and wealth of media knowledge will ensure that we continue making our regional media businesses, which include the radio stations, brand leaders in their marketplaces while offering innovative and effective solutions to our clients and customers across South Africa,” said Omar Essack, Kagiso Broadcasting CEO.
MD appointment at Source
Unlimited has announced that it has appointed Lee Saunders as the MD of the new Customer Relationship Management offering, Source.
Source’s CRM software enterprise solution gives businesses new and innovative ways to communicate and interact with customers. It provides a flexible platform to deliver interactive digital content in retail, property management and entertainment environments. Source’s CRM solutions will help drive sales, cut costs and differentiate brands.
“I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to take Source forward as MD and grow this company into a successful technology enterprise. It has been incredible meeting and working with Primedia’s very talented and creative team and I look forward to creating cutting edge solutions on new and inspiring levels,” said Saunders.
Doug Mayne, Primedia Lifestyle’s MD says “I have absolute faith that Lee will drive the Source business to great heights and be instrumental in ensuring that Primedia Lifestyle offers its portfolio of clients not only outstanding marketing strategy, but campaigns encompassing fully integrated, market-leading CRM.”
New sales manager at Campus Media
Krista Moore has taken up the role of sales manager at Campus Media. With a BA Degree in Business Communications under her belt, this bright young star is set to outshine the competition in the student marketing arena.
Having gathered international experience in-between annual sales stints at both Campus Media and ComutaNet Krista’s returned to a new role which will enable her to utilise her strategic and creative mind to the fullest. Tenacious, persuasive and professional Moore is eager to lead the Campus Media sales team, under the guidance of group executive sales, Adrian Goosen, to ongoing victory.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed to lead such a dedicated team. I look forward to amplifying our combined talents so that we will constantly produce outstanding, impactful and high-energy campaigns in the student space. I don’t want to be ‘just another “activations” company’, it is imperative that we use ALL our fantastic platforms to create meaningful brand experiences for the student market and really get the brands into their lives,” said Moore.
