Will festive season ad campaigns ring cash registers?

[Odette van der Haar] Historically, the retail season promises a spike in advertising and naturally consumer spend is not far behind as advertisers pull out all the stops to ensure that their brand makes it onto consumers' festive season shopping lists. In the face of a continued global economic recession, however, this is no simple feat... 14 Dec 2011 11:09

South Africa's YoungGuns excel

NEW YORK, US: The organisers say that 2011 was YoungGuns biggest year since the event started out recognising young talent in 2000, and once again, in an international competition against the world's best, South Africa showed it has what it takes to compete successfully. 13 Dec 2011 13:54

Deck the halls with vinyl reindeer

[Paul Williams] It's silly season once again and I suddenly realised that there are few, if any, Christmas carols which those in the advertising and marketing industries can relate to. So, to all of you involved in this stressful yet wonderful industry and truly wanting to celebrate the joy of Christmas, I present an agency Christmas carol. 12 Dec 2011 09:49

Framing the alcohol advertising regulation debate

[Herman Manson: @marklives] The advertising and media industries are bracing for stricter government regulation of alcohol advertising. It is an incredibly complex and global issue, so here is a framework to help contextualise what is actually going on. 9 Dec 2011 13:48

Newspapers changing to attract younger readers

PARIS, FRANCE / DARMSTADT, GERMANY: While the conventional wisdom holds that newspapers and young people don't mix, newspaper companies and media associations from around the world are finding new ways to attract younger readers, using video, social media, research, education and a "total youth think" attitude. 8 Dec 2011 09:18

Illustrated posters show bank's progress, promotes clothing outlet

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank and clothing outlet Jay Jays both recently made use of informative illustrated posters, the former to show the progress the bank had made in achieving its transformation targets, and the latter to promote its 25% off Freak Out Wednesday's. 6 Dec 2011 09:46

Educational broadcasting in SA: resonance and interactivity

[Matt Rose] South African audiences were shocked and amazed when a previously unseen form of programming hit the small screen between 3 February 1999 and March 2001. The SABC's Yizo Yizo combined gritty documentary with a soap-opera format. What stands out is the combination of its educational format with the explicit depiction of criminal and sexual encounters and use of vulgar language. 5 Dec 2011 11:52

Brands to change marketing to under-12s on websites

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: A group of major food brands[1] have committed to changing how they communicate to children under 12 on their company websites. The EU pledge group (www.eu-pledge.eu) committed in 2007 to only advertise "better for you" products or to move out of children's airtime altogether on TV, print and third party Internet advertising. 29 Nov 2011 08:07

HIP2B² digital radio proves value of smart content, reach

Mark Shuttleworth's HIP2B² brand has added a new touch point to its content offering, its own online radio station, which has reached 18 791 listeners, tuning in for 30 minutes or more a day. This is described as a good reach for a station that is primarily offering maths, science and technology. 24 Nov 2011 11:42

Partners form Line Dynamix for youth market

YDx, a youth consultancy in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa formed ten years ago, and Intshona Investments, a South African based company creating partnerships through businesses, launched Line Dynamix last week to facilitate and create a difference in the lives of the youth through brand connections and empowerment. 14 Nov 2011 12:04

2011 YoungGuns Award Party for SA?

NEW YORK, US: The awards party taking place in SA? Well, it could happen... The 2011 YoungGun of the Year organisers have announced that in 2011 the YoungGuns Award Party will be staged on the winner's home turf... 11 Nov 2011 06:45

Herman Manson on writing for the digital generation

[Jo Barrow] With extensive knowledge and experience in new media, Herman Manson - freelance journalist, media commentator, editor of the popular blog MarkLives.com and now the inaugural Vodacom Social Media Journalist of the Year - is a respected voice in the media and marketing industry. Heavy Chef sat down with Manson as he shared advice for writers navigating the online space and how best to speak to 'The Digital Generation.' 10 Nov 2011 15:05

Rugby magazine to launch for university audience

A free rugby magazine, Varsity Play, launches 30 January 2012 for 18-23 year old student readers at 13 South African universities. It will be distributed on-campus by the company's uniformed teams on Mondays, to fans attending selected university matches and distributed to university rugby club's members. 7 Nov 2011 09:41

Student Village

And the winners of the Student Village Makoya Youth Awards 2011 are...

BlackBerry won the prize for Best 360 Degrees Campaign at the Student Village Makoya Youth Awards this year. 2 Nov 2011 11:03