Cannes Lions 2012 entries open

CANNES, FRANCE: The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is now accepting entries across all 15 categories for its 2012 awards - Film, Press, Outdoor, Direct, Media, Cyber, Radio, Promo & Activation, Titanium & Integrated, Design, PR, Film Craft, Creative Effectiveness, Mobile and Branded Content & Entertainment. 30 Jan 2012 10:16

[2012 trends] Getting found in 2012

[Lana Hindmarch] In 2012, businesses will take a more aggressive approach to transforming their marketing efforts and reducing their cost per lead, by focusing more on permission-based, inbound marketing programmes that allow customers to find them. 27 Jan 2012 13:01

Non-censoring of weather reporting welcomed by SANEF

The statement by Water and Environmental Affairs Portfolio Committee chair Johnny de Lange that amendments to the South African Weather Services Amendment Bill will not result in the media being censored by the Weather Service, has been welcomed by the SA National Editors' Forum (SANEF). 27 Jan 2012 07:07

[2012 trends] The year of the phoenix

[Joanna Oosthuizen] Twenty Twelve, year of the dragon, a leap year and the year the world as we know it is meant to end. I believe it will, not in a dooms-day fill-my-bunker-with-canned-food kind of way but in a thinking, progressive, collaborative and connective way. It's a phoenix year, where great ideas and people will rise from the economic ashes and drive informed action. 26 Jan 2012 12:37

2012 Tabbie Awards open for nominations

CLEVELAND, US: The 2012 Tabbies call for entries is now available at the TABPI website, allowing all B2B magazine editors, publishers and art directors the opportunity to have their best work judged by their peers. Tabbies' partners include South Africa's SAFREA, and MPASA. [video] 26 Jan 2012 11:40

Avon, Jay Jays launch advertising campaigns

Avon, the direct seller of beauty related products, recently launched an advertising campaign to illustrate its self-employed earnings opportunity featuring a South African rags-to-riches example, while Jay Jays, the fashion retail chain, has launched its interactive virtual First Kiss campaign ahead of Valentine's Day. [video] 26 Jan 2012 10:36

[2012 trends] Convergence, content key themes for media, advertising

[Tanya Schreuder & Richard Procter] Consumers hold the upper hand in how we advertise: they are the ones who are more empowered, are demanding more and are less loyal. The challenge is to get to know your consumer! 2012 will see various trends being built upon where there is a convergence of media platforms, a need to share information in real time and a demand for cross-platform content and messaging that can simultaneously reach numerous audiences. 25 Jan 2012 14:48

Press Freedom Commission hearings humbling, thought-provoking

[Gill Moodie: @grubstreetSA] As the Press Freedom Commission is in the midst of its "Listening to SA Campaign" - a series of public hearings in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg - one has to wonder: Will the ANC reject its findings just as it has managed to cast doubt on the independence and efficacy of the press ombudsman? 25 Jan 2012 10:21

MMA reviews minister of communication's speech

Following the media briefing held by the minister of communications Dina Pule on 24 January 2012, Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) commented that though there was much to be pleased about in the minister's plans, there is one area of concern. 25 Jan 2012 09:34

SA to postpone launch of digital TV

[Duncan McLeod: @mcleodd] Government will not meet its self-imposed deadline of April 2012 to switch on digital terrestrial television, says communications minister Dina Pule, who now expects services will be only be launched commercially in the third quarter of the year. 24 Jan 2012 13:25

Close of Citadel journalism award next week

Entries for the 2012 Citadel Words on Money journalism award close on 31 January 2012, with the awards being presented in Johannesburg in May. It recognizes excellence in reporting on investment and personal finance. 24 Jan 2012 08:16

[2012 trends] The year of short-term commitments

[Agnes Barnard] As the world gets hotter and we become more connected, and brand interaction is now a conversation and no longer a monologue, the trend we are seeing coming through loud and clear are those of "short-term" commitments. 23 Jan 2012 15:17

Big Break Legacy attracts big guns

The Big Break Legacy is a proudly South African reality TV programme that intends to identify, build competence and empower entrepreneurs to venture into creating new industries in a sustainable manner. Ahead of its debut on SABC2 on 2 February 2012 at 7.30pm, a launch will be held on 1 February, with celebrities, industry captains, local and international media in attendance. 23 Jan 2012 10:18

Catholic Archbishop makes strong statement against Information Bill

In a statement released by archbishop Stephen Brislin, Roman Catholic archbishop of Cape Town, he states that South Africans are morally justified in opposing the Protection of State Information Bill because does it not serve the common good. 20 Jan 2012 10:16