Manyi vs the media: the ad budget battle begins

[Mandy de Waal: @mandyldewaal] Media people shook their heads in disbelief when government spokesman Jimmy Manyi laid out his rules for media outlets to receive slices of government's advertising cake. But not many are surprised to hear that Manyi wants to convert free, independent media into government marketers. That would be the same government that is funded by taxpayers. 13 Jun 2011 10:21

The vanishing art of SA government communications

[Chris Vick] Chief of government communications Jimmy Manyi's new "centralisation" policy is ill-conceived in every respect - from the professional incompetence of staff through lack of essential understanding of what communication is all about right down to the very raison d'être of its conception. 10 Jun 2011 11:35

Ignoring the press is not productive, says spin-doctor supremo Alastair Campbell

[Gill Moodie: @grubstreetSA] But until the press accepts that it has a vested interest in there being good, strong government communications, neither side will get a good deal, media-relations expert Alastair Campbell (@campbellclaret), who was former British prime minister Tony Blair's press secretary, tells Bizcommunity.com. 30 Mar 2011 10:29

Spin doctors, CEOs and snipers

[Angelo Coppola] Sitting at dinner with several heavyweight CEOs can be intimidating, if you don't have the confidence to voice an opinion, or hold a strong view on anything. I was in that situation recently, and, as is my wont, I eavesdropped wherever I could, and threw in my 10 cents' worth - almost like a sniper, I stepped in, took aim, fired and retreated behind my dinner plate and wine glass. 2 Nov 2010 12:01

Ncube crosses the Jordan

NEWSWATCH: Former KwaZulu-Natal government spin doctor and former journalist Bheki Ncube irked Pallo Jordan by suggesting the latter had been sent to a debate in Durban over the Protection of Information Bill in order to pacify the intellectuals; during the debate Jordan said that the proposed bill has a purpose, reports IOL. 27 Oct 2010 08:34

Perceptions of SA media could be compromised - FXI

The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has condemned the corruption inherent in former Cape Argus journalist Ashley Smith's confession of brown envelope journalism, saying in a statement released Monday evening, 5 July 2010, that the allegations compromise perceptions of South African media independence and raise serious questions about journalistic integrity. 6 Jul 2010 11:10

Do spin doctors have a role in democratic society?

[Thabani Khumalo] The profession of spin doctors is as old as the practice of the cult of the personality by dictators and powerful characters. Throughout history, there had always been leaders who had fostered adulation through trusted lieutenants and assistants. Spin doctors are more than just propagandists or publicists, acting as advisers, counselors and trusted employees to their masters. 20 Nov 2008 10:50

Spin doctors tell tales

The British Royal family's former spokesperson, Dickie Arbiter, is travelling to South Africa to address the communications fraternity on “Spin and the Media” in a conference taking place in Sandton, Johannesburg this week. Arbiter, together with South African media trainer, Malcolm Russell, tells Bizcommunity.com readers in an exclusive Q&A how to spin a tale. 16 Jul 2007 10:03

Doctoring the spin

[Ramotena Mabote] Caught subtly in the unfolding and messy so-called Ngcuka-Zuma fight, is the profession of spin doctoring. It's the season of scoundrels and social rejects, isn't it? There seems to be a race for taking insults. Take your pick. You have a choice. You can be a plagiarist, a corrupt politician, a former apartheid spy, an unscrupulous editor, an arms dealer or even a fisher of men. 18 Nov 2003 08:33