Media Moves… TheMediaOnline’s weekly round up. Louise Marsland joins The New Age. Sarel du Plessis resigns from MA(SA). MA(SA) looks for new CEO. RAB appoints new general manager. marcusbrewster signs technology client. Will Smith moves to Caxton. All the moves in media.
This week’s BIG move
The New Age newspaper launched it’s media and marketing pages this week, with industry veteran Louise Marsland at the helm. TheMediaOnline asked her all about it.
What do you think of how the media is reported on in South Africa and how do you propose to add to the mix with TNA’s media and marketing page?
I don’t think that the many different types of media and how it works and the benefit to business, as well as its critical role in a democratic society, is reported on enough in the mainstream. Our trade journals are doing an amazing job, but we are talking to the converted. I hope I’ll be able to unpack some of the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ of all our many different media types and their role.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest challenges facing the advertising and marketing industry right now?
It is still digital integration and the lack of high-speed affordable broadband to enable true digital innovation for business and the broader populace. And there aren’t enough industry people playing in the social media field or online as individuals or with their brands. You can’t really understand the medium and the benefit or danger to your brand, in this case, unless you use it. It’s all very well to ‘outsource’ or ‘buy-in’ solutions, but you’re going to have to own your knowledge IP at some stage and understand how it works. Be brave.
If you were minister of marketing and advertising, what would you do to fix those problems?
Give free broadband to every registered educational institution, from crèches to schools to colleges to universities, as well as libraries and community centres. And then allocate funding and get business involved in setting up ‘Silicon Cape’ type initiatives mashed up with ‘creative indabas’ in every major urban and secondary urban centre; and give tax breaks or incentives to anyone starting a digital business which uplifts a community or transfers skills.
What is your favourite ad so far this year, and the one that completely missed the point?
Anything by Nando’s that makes me laugh, they really get the South African funny bone, how to use social media effectively in seeding campaigns and are brave enough to comment on the national discourse. I hate how DStv repeats, ad nauseum all its series promos over and over again at a decibel level high enough to wake my new baby. Not cool. It makes me PVR all my series.
Who would you most like to debate over the media in South Africa?
The journalism professors at our top schools who don’t give enough focus to less ‘sexy’, but no less important media disciplines like community media (print and broadcast) and business-to-business media – which ironically, is where many journalism students get their start in their careers, and learn the power and influence of the media and how to wield it with reverence and respect for the communities they serve. It is the most rewarding media space to be in, in my opinion.
Who’s making moves
Sarel du Plessis resigns as CEO of MA(SA)
The Marketing Association of South Africa, MA(SA), announced on Wednesday that its CEO, Sarel du Plessis, would be stepping down at the end of June 2012 in order to pursue personal entrepreneurial ventures.
“Sarel has played an integral role during the past nine months having led the Association with integrity, offering invaluable guidance and strong support in order to grow and heighten the role MA(SA) plays in the marketing industry. We will miss his keen insight and wish him well in his future endeavours,” commented MA(SA) chairperson, Brenda Koornneef.
MA(SA) is in the process of seeking an experienced marketing person to take on the role of CEO to guide the Association. Should any candidates fit the below criteria, please send an email to Bonny at info@marketingsa.co.za
· Strong network with marketing organisations at a senior level
· Good selling / people skills for membership recruitment
· Good organisational skills
· Self starter, ability to work on a self-drive work programme
· Strong business / financial understanding
AMASA congratulates AAA media management student
The student who showed the best attitude, aptitude and enthusiasm for entering the world of media according to the AAA was Sadhvi Rampersad, and chairperson Lyn Jones was at her graduation to congratulate her. Each year, the Johannesburg chapter of the Advertising and Media Association of South Africa (AMASA) works closely with the AAA School of Advertising to manage and run its six-month media module course. The organisation also acknowledges and rewards one student with the annual AMASA trophy.
Together with the AAA, AMASA committee members are responsible for setting exam papers, monitoring course material and for arranging top class lecturers who give freely of their time to impart their knowledge to learners.
Out of a total of 31 Johannesburg and 18 Cape Town students who took part in the 2011 course, Sadhvi and her colleagues will no doubt be assets to whichever companies take the opportunity to employ them,” says Jones.
Chillibush Communications supports Kasparov Chess Foundation in development of local chapter
It’s not often that one gets the opportunity to assist an international legend, so when the creative team at Chillibush Communications was asked to develop the Corporate Identity (CI) for the African chapter of a foundation formed by Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, there was no hesitation.
Chillibush’s involvement came through local client, Old Mutual iWYZE, who decided to sponsor three significant events during Garry Kasparov’s visit to South Africa in March 2012. Two of these events (one in Khayelitsha and one in Johannesburg) involved Kasparov playing simultaneous chess matches against up to 26 young people, but the highlight of his visit was the Table Mountain rapid match between Kasparov and local SA under-16 chess champion, Marcel Roberts, who is also an ambassador for Moves for Life (MFL), a chess-based educational NGO.
“When our clients at iWYZE approached us for assistance, our creative team was delighted to apply our skills to the task of developing the CI,” said Chillibush MD, Dale Hefer. “At Chillibush, we have a strong philosophy in terms of supporting upliftment and the opportunity for people to better themselves. What the Kasparov Chess Foundation does for education is very much in line with our values. There was no hesitation whatsoever in lending our time and expertise.”
Who’s moved where
RAB appoints new GM
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) has appointed Matona Sakupwanya as its new general manager. With an extensive background within the marketing, media and advertising industries, most recently as general manager of Mallworx, a mall media company, Sakupwanya’s 18-year career spans radio sales management experience as well as station management at the largest commercial radio station in SA, MetroFM.
“Radio has always been my first love and with the current media landscape being quite ripe with opportunity – and the RAB strategy solid, my sleeves are firmly rolled up,” says Sakupwanya.
Sakupwanya joins the RAB at a time when the South African radio landscape today is immeasurably more exciting than it’s been in years.
Will Smith joins Caxton Printing & Publishing
Will Smith has been appointed general manager of Caxton’s digital media division. One of Smith’s duties will be to work closely with NAB (the Newspaper Advertising Bureau) to oversee Caxton’s online LookLocal division. In addition, he is responsible for the overall digital strategy for Caxton Community Newspapers.
“The LookLocal portfolio is growing in leaps and bounds,” says NAB’s Marc du Plessis. “We currently have 42 LookLocal sites serving their communities with plans to roll out another seven in the short term.”
Smith, whose previous experience ranges from online casinos and poker rooms to working at BDFM on Business Day and Financial Mail, said he was “pleased to be part of the team and all I can say is watch this space, there are loads of exciting developments on the horizon”.
Who’s won what
New technology client for marcusbrewster
Video Conferencing and Home Automation specialist 4ward-design has appointed marcusbrewster as its PR agency of record. Handling full-service PR strategy and media liaison, marcusbrewster will help position 4ward as industry leaders for bespoke integration systems in the commercial and residential sectors to drive deal flow.
Comments 4ward founder Darryl Katz: “Over 15 years, we have built up a name for ourselves through practical and user-friendly solutions showcasing some of the most exciting technology available. We’re on the speed dial of virtually every major captain of industry in this country – especially if he’s a gadget freak.”
Says company chairman Marcus Brewster: “4ward was one of our earliest suppliers when they were just a start-up themselves. We are delighted to take our vendor relationship with them to the next level”.
The account will be managed out of marcusbrewster’s Cape Town office.
Protea Hospitality Group takes Base2 as digital partner
The Protea Hospitality Group has after a strenuous selection process of several full service digital companies, chosen Base2 as their online development partner.
Protea Hospitality Group director of sales, marketing and revenue, Danny Bryer said Base2 was the right company for a strategic partnership that would solidify the hotel group’s online industry leadership.
“The way the consumer interacts with companies in the digital space is rapidly evolving and you have to stay ahead of the curve,” Bryer said. “We have exciting development plans in this area and we look forward to working with Base2.”
Base2 Managing Director Adam Oberem said the company was one of a handful of true full service digital agencies in South Africa, ranging from usability & interface design, analytics & insights, strategy, creative, development & technical as well as social, search and display media.
Fivestar PR appointed to launch La Clé des Montagnes in Franschhoek
Luxury travel and hospitality specialist, Fivestar PR has been appointed to launch La Clé des Montagnes in Franschhoek. Comprising four individually designed and decorated villas with private gardens and swimming pools, the stylish new hospitality product offers personalised hotel services that include concierge, butler and chef services.
Owner-managed by Janie van der Spuy, Fivestar PR is a boutique agency based in Cape Town, representing a select number of premier clients including Singita Game Reserves, Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards, Steenberg Hotel & Vineyards, and Fancourt.
Posterscope takes charge of Vodacom with innovation
Out of Home agency Posterscope and CK Outdoor have taken innovation to the next level in a new Vodacom campaign that engages customers with a service that they need. Aimed at the higher LSM business and leisure traveler, the cellular giant will be providing 40 branded cellular phone charging stations as of today in the three major International Airports – Cape Town International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport and King Shaka International Airport.
“Travelers, especially on business, are constantly using their cellphones or laptops whilst at the airport and it’s often been a problem when either run out of power,” said Craig Page-Lee, MD of Posterscope South Africa. “Vodacom was looking for a new, exciting way to target the airports and this was the perfect opportunity for them to not only increase their awareness and dominate the departure terminals, but also to engage with the consumer by providing a service.”
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