Transcript Media & Public Relations In Africa

Media and Public Relations In Africa
All Africa Public Relations & Strategic Communication
Summit
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
9th May 2013
Africa Rising: Imperative of Communication
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Re-alignment in the global geopolitics.
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Relationship with the world is now more about trade than aid.
◦ Africa’s resilience in the face of global crises.
◦ Optimism about Africa’s economic fortunes is growing
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The central challenge media and PR is good communications
“Bad human communication leaves us less room to grow”.
Archbishop Rowan Williams
The Media of Africa for Africa: To effectively tell the
African story is our passion
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A key objective for the Nation Media Group.
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Largest media house in East and Central Africa in print, radio television
and digital platforms.
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A news gathering network across Africa
◦ Analysis of Africa’s prospects in international media coverage
◦ Correspondent and writer network in 38 African countries.
PR & Media similar challenges…
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PR
◦ Media is the conduit of its messages.
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Media
◦ Needs PR to assist in supplying content and connections to news
sources.
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Both have to adapt to technological advancements
◦ Emergence of digital PR, digital journalism and citizen journalists.
◦ Shortened news cycles
 Competition against wire services(Reuters, Bloomberg)
◦ Live event coverage.
Media has to adapt to audience needs.
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Light consumers
◦ Text alerts
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Heavy consumers
◦ Multimedia content requiring continuous update.
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Business:
◦ Real-time information that moves markets and prices.
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Globalization and Africa’s integration with the world economy
◦ Demand for high quality analytical news that connects the dots.
The new world needs a different kind of PR
practitioner…
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Help journalists connect the dots.
◦ Understand the workings of business, government
◦ Train PR and Media professionals
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Understand the ramification of technological advancement
◦ Citizen journalism
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Nurture relationships the media.
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Help our clients and employers understand that what is said or done is
not only is seen but also is perceived as reality by your publics.
Thank You