The Media Online’s weekly round up of who’s doing what in the media. BusinessLIVE launches as SA’s leading portal for local and international business news. Burson-Marsteller adds branded strategic partnerships in Africa. VIMN Africa appoints Dillon Khan as senior channel director. In growth mode, research firm Open Mind Strategy promotes, hires. IDC retains FCB Africa as marketing and communication partner. RCC appoint Darryl Gouws. Yellowwood welcomes new staff. C.S.A. awarded communications account for Kalido. Johnnie Walker joins Leaders on the Move in October. DUO Marketing and Communications scoops 2016 Veeam agency of the year award. Red Carpet Concepts expands with four new clients. Stratitude wins PR crown for Miss Mamelodi Sundowns. KIA partners with Butterfly Products as The World’s Longest Test Drive gives wings to education. Gautrain partners with Business Day Dialogues to debate SA’s infrastructure investment challenges
This week’s BIG move: BusinessLIVE launches as SA’s leading portal for local and international business news
Times Media is launching BusinessLIVE today. The website consolidates content for South Africa’s business and financial audiences and incorporates Business Day, Financial Mail, Business Times, Investors Monthly, Rand Daily Mail, BDTV and Wanted Online. BusinessLIVE also delivers exclusive syndicated content from the Financial Times, gives access to the Morningstar financial tools and data platform, and full access to the The Wall Street Journal website WSJ.com, via the paid-content section of the site, BL Premium. The launch of BusinessLIVE coincides with the redesign of the Business Day and Financial Mail newspapers.
“While the individual websites will remain and retain their identities, the publication of leading stories from these sites on the BusinessLIVE portal will support the availability of richer data, and wider opportunities for advertisers. There is a 360˚ continuity for brands looking to reach readers wherever they may be during the course of their day,” says Trevor Ormerod, GM group sales and advertising at Times Media.
The majority of content on BusinessLIVE will remain free, while the best comment, opinion and analysis writing from Times Media’s titles will be placed in the paid-content section of the site, BL Premium. The BL Premium will also house the exclusive content from FT.com, Morningstar and WSJ.com. Ray Hartley, former Sunday Times and RDM.co.za editor, edits BusinessLIVE.
“BusinessLIVE has been designed to provide numerous opportunities for advertisers: from display and CPM, sponsorship, bespoke advertising campaigns, to rich media inserts that can do justice to the marketing of high-end brands. BusinessLIVE also provides a solid vehicle for native campaigns.” The website has been optimised for mobile devices,” says Lisa MacLeod, head of digital at Times Media.
Another BIG move: Burson-Marsteller adds branded strategic partnerships in Africa
Burson-Marsteller, a global strategic communications and public relations firm, has announced the continued expansion of its presence in Africa with the launch of Blast Burson-Marsteller in the Indian Ocean Islands (Mauritius, Reunion, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comores) and MO Burson-Marsteller in Angola. The firm also extended its existing partnership with Icon Burson-Marsteller in Cameroon into two new territories – Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon. The award-winning Burson-Marsteller Africa network covers 53 of the 55 countries on the continent.
“Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to ensuring we have a strong presence in every region where our clients need strategic counsel and cutting-edge integrated communications services,” said Don Baer, Worldwide chairperson and CEO, Burson-Marsteller.
“Africa is one of the world’s most important emerging markets and a vital region for our clients’ global growth strategies. With the most highly developed and expansive footprint on the continent, we have the reach and depth of resources to serve clients currently operating in Africa as well as those planning expansion into the region.”
“Our African network has been in operation for more than 20 years and has been recognized both locally and internationally as the preeminent network across the continent,” said Jeremy Galbraith, CEO, Burson-Marsteller Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and global chief strategy officer. “Our approach to Africa involves building relationships over time with partners that progress from being non-exclusive affiliates to exclusive affiliates and then to branded partner agencies. Each step in the process brings the partner agencies closer to us and provides them and our clients with even greater benefits. With these new partner relationships, Burson-Marsteller is now well-positioned in the Indian Ocean Islands, Angola, Congo and Gabon.”
The Burson-Marsteller Africa network is headquartered in Johannesburg and continues to be run by Robyn de Villiers, who founded the network over 25 years ago.
Who’s moved where
VIMN Africa appoints Dillon Khan as senior channel director
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa has appointed TV veteran, Dillon Khan, to the role of senior channel director of Comedy Central Africa & Creative Services VIMN Africa, effective from 1 October 2016.
Tasked with driving the growth of Comedy Central Africa, Africa’s only 24-hour comedy channel, Khan will be leveraging and applying the extensive production expertise and channel/brand management skills he has acquired over the years as part of the UK and Africa Viacom brand teams. A key member of the VIMN Africa senior management team since 2013, Khan’s remit will continue to include the creative direction for the whole network.
Khan’s most significant achievements at VIMN Africa to date include overseeing the growth of the MTV brand and playing an integral part in the creative direction for the MTV Africa Music Awards, developing and franchising of the “#YouGotGot” prank show across MTV channels in Europe, and localising Viacom formats such as Lip Sync Battle Africa and Ridiculousness Africa.
Prior to joining VIMN Africa, Khan worked on MTV and MTV Base in the UK as a content creator and was part of the team that worked on MTV’s longest flagship show, The Lick with Trevor Nelson.
In growth mode, research firm Open Mind Strategy promotes, hires
Allison O’Keefe Wright has been named executive vice president, managing director of research and strategy, a promotion from senior vice president, and David Dyte has joined as director of research and strategy for Open Mind Strategy, a company that specialises in “deeper, more human insights that drive actionable outcomes.”
“Allison is an expert in consumer culture and media,” said Robin Hafitz, founder and president of Open Mind Strategy. “She brings extensive experience to our practice, having spent her career consulting major brands on strategy and positioning, product development, and marketing and communications geared at various consumer groups, especially emerging youth demos.”
David Dyte holds a masters degree in probability theory backed by two decades of research experience in such diverse fields as road safety, sports, advertising, retailing, music and children’s television. “We welcome David’s statistical mastery, which will elevate and expand our research offerings,” added Ms. Hafitz.
Appointments in short
Yellowwood welcomes new staff
Marketing strategy consultancy, Yellowwood has welcomed Robyn Lewis to its team as a strategy director and is celebrating the promotion of Amanda Murray to strategy director, Tumisang Matubatuba to strategist and Shannon Sandilands to junior strategist. Yellowwood has offices in Joburg and Cape Town and is focused on helping clients find top line growth for their businesses by offering strategic focus and insight into customers.
RCC appoints Darryl Gouws
Red Carpet Concepts has announced the appointment of marketing and events manager, Darryl Gouws, who will be heading up the Red Carpet Events division of RCC.
Who’s won what
IDC retains FCB Africa as marketing and communication partner
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has retained FCB Africa as its marketing and communication partner.
It had first awarded the agency the three-year account in 2013. This contract ran to full term at the end September 2016, and the business was put out to tender. FCB Africa participated in the tender process, was short-listed and finally reappointed after a comprehensive pitch.
The current appointment is for a calendar year, with an option to renew.
In terms of the new contract, FCB Africa’s responsibilities have been increased. In addition to providing a full agency service, digital has been added to above- and below-the-line campaign strategy and creative execution, through-the-line production, media planning and buying, internal communication and change management, and consumer behaviour change.
FCB’s behavioural and brand insights, deep knowledge and understanding of the politics and policies of the sector in which the IDC operates, as well as its strong creative skills, ensured it was able to develop, design, produce and execute the innovative campaigns for the company.
C.S.A. awarded communications account for Kalido
Cape Town-based communications agency, Communications Services Africa, a division of Celebrity Services Africa (C.S.A.), has been awarded the account to launch and create on-going communications for Kalido, a South African developed skills and services marketplace app. C.S.A. will handle all communications for Kalido, from strategy development and content creation to promotions for Kalido, along with a strong social media campaign inclusive of community engagement, analytics, content and influencer marketing.
Launched as a global platform for individuals to connect and exchange services, Kalido’s innovative personalised matching system matches users with the professionals and clients they need, according to set goals, allowing common contacts to make secure introductions and trusted referrals.
Upon launch, C.S.A.’s media approach has been towards business, consumer and tech, already resulting in features in top tier media including Sunday Times Business Times, CNBC Africa, CNN Marketplace and eNCA’s Maggs on Media.
Johnnie Walker joins Leaders on the Move in October
Johnnie Walker has stepped on board as partner of the October leg of the 2016 Sunday Times Top 100 Companies Leaders on the Move series that will see Willem Roos (CEO, OUTsurance), Thabo Dloti (CEO, Liberty Holdings) and Norbert Sasse (CEO, Growthpoint Properties) inviting Leaders on the Move to Keep Walking into their offices. The business leaders will share their professional experience, insights, and leadership philosophies with the group in meetings facilitated by respected media personality, Jeremy Maggs. Tour guests will also be treated to an exclusive whisky and food pairing hosted by Johnnie Walker over lunch.
Johnnie Walker’s participation in this leg of the Leaders of the Move series is in the lead-up to the annual, much anticipated announcement of the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies on 8 November in Sandton. The Awards are being presented in association with Johnnie Walker. Not only are the top performing companies on the JSE acknowledged, but accolades are also given to the Business Leader of the Year, and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, Dr Christo Wiese was the first person to be awarded both on the same occasion.
DUO Marketing and Communications scoops 2016 Veeam agency of the year award
Specialist Tech PR agency, DUO Marketing + Communications, has been awarded 2016 Veeam Agency of the Year at the company’s annual PR summit held in Amsterdam.
More than 30 agencies worldwide deliver PR services for Veeam and were in the running for the award. DUO won the award for its consistent delivery of quality content, fresh ideas and excellent results.
“We are delighted to have won an award that we believe highlights the value we offer our customers. We believe that our focus on understanding the influence technology has on business and our ability to unravel the business value of technology, simply and effectively, makes us a valuable partner to clients such as Veeam,” says Dominique Pienaar, Gauteng regional manager at DUO Marketing + Communications.
This is the second time that the agency has been recognised by Veeam – at the inaugural PR Summit in 2014 in Barcelona, DUO was named Collaborative Agency of the Year.
Red Carpet Concepts expands with four new clients
Bespoke Cape Town based communications agency, Red Carpet Concepts (RCC) has acquired four new clients, each with their own portfolio of PR, marketing, social media and event requirements. The accounts are The Grey Boutique Hotel, Deetlefs Winery, Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wines Roadshow and Lazercor Developments.
A collection of hospitality spaces in De Waterkant, The Grey has appointed RCC to implement comprehensive PR, social media, marketing and events. RCC has taken on the task of web developer for leading wine estate in Rawsonville, Deetlefs. The new website user interface will boast a fresh updated look and feel, still integrating Deetlef’s history and old world charm.
Gambero Rosso, hosting the Top Italian Wines Roadshows worldwide, has appointed RCC to oversee the roll-out of PR, social media and event management as they bring the first roadshow to Africa, debuting in Cape Town, South Africa.
Property leaders in innovation and sustainable solutions, Lazercor Developments are running a series of announcements pertaining to four of their premium property developments – Cecilia Square, Monte Christo, De Tijger Business Park, and Wellness Crossing. RCC will man the PR and communications for each respective portfolio.
Stratitude wins PR crown for Miss Mamelodi Sundowns
Miss Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the most prestigious pageants in South Africa has, for the first time in its history, appointed an agency for its PR requirements. Integrated agency Stratitude will be managing all PR for the pageant, which begins in September when entries open, and culminates in December 2016 when a new winner will be crowned.
“Miss Mamelodi Sundowns is more than just a beauty pageant, it also has a strong focus on empowering women and this is what makes us excited about winning this account,” says Sylvia Schutte, managing director at Stratitude. “We get to build the profile of one of the most popular pageants in the country and we get to champion the message of women empowerment.”
Sport and beauty combine in the Miss Mamelodi Sundowns pageant, which is a CSI initiative of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club. With over R2-million in prizes, it boasts the largest prize package in the country. This includes nine provincial pageants where 18 finalists receive R60 000 each and go on to compete for the national title.
Who’s making moves
If you can dream it, 3D Milling can do it!
The out of home market has changed dramatically in the last few years, and more so in the last 12 months – and that’s not including the digital applications that are currently available. One of the coolest kids on the block right now is 3D Milling and it’s bringing a massive visual impact to the out of home space like no other.
“Wideopen 3D is the first company in South Africa to offer, with little limitation on size, detailed 3D sculptures that can be custom designed and built to fit a specific location and theme,” says the company’s Mike Rasmussen. “We’re out to create massive advertising impact for clients! Literally, if you can think it – we can do it. From giant beer bottles, ice cream cones, cars, shoes or just giant lettering. It’s all possible, and with the most intricate detail and scale.”
Using a high-tech 3D sculpting machine, Wideopen 3D creates foam sculptures, covered in weatherproof, impact-resistant polyurethane or epoxy resin finished with either air brush paint or self adhesive vinyl prints for stunning, eye-catching indoor and outdoor graphic or architectural executions. Add a few lighting effects or smoke machines and the out of home environment becomes a lot more dynamic and entertaining.
Gautrain partners with Business Day Dialogues to debate SA’s infrastructure investment challenges
Ahead of the upcoming Business Day Dialogues to be presented in partnership with the Gautrain Management Agency, the transport company’s CEO Jack van der Merwe has said, “weak and unstable investment and regulatory environments, and a lack of transparency are important hurdles to overcome when it comes to infrastructure development. Such issues not only deter investment, but they also make it more expensive to deliver infrastructure projects”.
Tim Cohen, editor of Business Day will deliver the welcome at the Business Day Dialogues and introduce the issues of the day. Thereafter Jack Van der Merwe will join in a panel discussion alongside Laverne Dimitrov (Transport Specialist, DBSA), and Lebo Leshabane (CEO, IX Engineering/Black Jills Engineers) to debate the economic impact of urban infrastructure investments in South Africa.
The Business Day Dialogues in association with the Gautrain Management Agency is a morning event with registration starting at 07h00, and the main event running from 08h00 to 09h30 at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton on 14 October 2016. Tickets can be purchased at R250 per person. For more information, Lucy Johnson can be contacted on | johnsonl@timesmedia.co.za | 011 280 5504
KIA partners with Butterfly Products as The World’s Longest Test Drive gives wings to education
As final preparations are made for The World’s Longest Test Drive, which kicks off in Durban this Friday, 14 October 2016, KIA Motors South Africa has announced yet another important partnership for their record-setting launch of the all-new KIA Sportage. Joining the adventure is leading education and stationery manufacturers, Butterfly Products, who will join KIA for a charity school drop on Day 3 of The World’s Longest Test Drive.
“KIA Motors South Africa has a longstanding association with education as the primary form of empowerment,” says David Sieff, marketing director for KIA Motors South Africa. “We partnered with the SHOUT Foundation for many years, and have participated in the both of the annual CEO SleepOut events. It was a no-brainer to include an element of upliftment in The World’s Longest Test Drive, and we are excited about making a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of learners, something we could not have achieved without the tremendous support of Butterfly Products.”
