| No Comment |  In the past couple of years, the media, particularly in South Africa since we're a little restricted by a lack of broadband, have been debating online media, new media, digital media and now social media and how to capitalise on it. And through all this, we, particularly in the online media, have been trying to persuade marketers, ad agencies and media buyers to invest in online, create campaigns for brands online and basically just get online. So it's great to be asked to media partner a conference on Digital Branding, hosted by Knowledge Resources www.kr.co.za, this week in Johannesburg. The aptly entitled ‘Your brand is already there… are you?' covers marketing in the Web 2.0 era, thinking viral, guidelines for joining in on the social media conversation and the future of ideas and the new consumer. As important this week is the annual conference for retailers and marketers in the consumer goods market: ECR, email: ecr@precisionconferences.co.za, in Sandton. ECR is very well-attended, usually 700 – 900 key marketers and FMCG retailers, one of the best audiences in this industry annually. This year it will focus on ‘Partnering for Growth', including future retail scenarios and trends in South Africa. Bizcommunity will also have a stand there to publicise our partnership with ActivRetail which will be providing a secure interface for brands advertising directly to retailers on our retail portal: https://www.bizcommunity.com (see our headlines for more).
Enjoy! Louise Marsland, editor@bizcommunity.com. Marketing news: marketingnews@bizcommunity.com. Responses to this column welcomed on our blog.
| | | Headlines | Celebrating the anniversary of the press release
Facelift for The Herald
Innovation talk series launches with Jimmy Wales
Bizcommunity.com launches expanded retail offering
Scholtemeyer to lead MPASA ABC conf session
Global mobile penetration 75% by 2011
Nielsen, Google team up
Andrew Human to judge Epica Awards
ICASA dismisses FXI subpoena application
ANC media policy under scrutiny
Bob Courtney – 60 years behind the mic
Tanya Kovarsky new Essentials editor
Paying attention
If u wnt me 2 luv u, thn txt me
Internet banking fraud on the increase
'We did it in Paris, let's do it in SA'
Mobile campaigns missing the mark?
The haunted America
Loeries flies back to Margate July 2008
Consumer: interrupted
Captivity Headwear caps 2010 licence
SA's most expensive world cup TV ad
CNBC Africa Kenya deal
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Marketing | | Bizcommunity.com launches expanded retail offering
Bizcommunity.com has entered into a strategic partnership with ActivRetail, online resource hub to the fast moving grocery industry, to boost the offering of its online FMCG retail news and product information daily news service launched to the industry in Africa in July this year.
If u wnt me 2 luv u, thn txt me
[Harry Trisos] A recent survey in America has indicated that the mobile activity most used by students is texting, or what we refer to as SMSing in South Africa. There is no reason to expect a different situation locally. So what kind of mobile marketing activity can be undertaken to draw in this market segment?
'We did it in Paris, let's do it in SA'
“As custodians of Brand South Africa we rejoice in the national flood of patriotism sweeping the country,” said the International Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC) in a press statement earlier this week, sharing in the joy of all South Africans in winning the Rugby World Cup in Paris.
Consumer: interrupted
A new consumer has entered the market and he's showing an alarming tendency to ignore traditional media messages. Which is why two young marketing mavericks from Re:Act Ideas Agency 2.0 paid a visit to the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in June 2007. “We knew that the consumer was evolving and went in search of clearer confirmation that we were not the only ad-guys who were on this bus,” explained Theo Ferreira at a recent presentation to the marketing industry.
Strats Inc sizzles with more account wins - Strats Inc.
Strats Inc, the Rivonia-based strategic marketing consultancy headed by Philip Hendrickse, is celebrating a number of new account wins that it believes are indicative of a shift in the industry.
It's survival of the fittest for digital media suppliers... - Digital Supplier
Poor quality service is fast becoming an extinct concept in the world of digital media. Digital Supplier's online supplier system is based on the Darwinian concept of ‘natural selection', where the best-suited mutations within a species adapt to change and become dominant.
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2010 FIFA World Cup | | Captivity Headwear caps 2010 licence
Global Brands Group announced today, Tuesday, 23 October 2007, that it has selected Cape Town-based Captivity Headwear to distribute official 2010 FIFA World Cup licensed caps, hats and beanies and other headwear products.
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Advertising | | Zim media houses call for shorter ad payment terms as haemorrhage persists
[Dumisani Ndlela] Zimbabwe's Advertising Media Association (Adma) says it is negotiating fresh payment terms for newspaper and broadcast advertisements, as Zimbabwe's economic crisis appeared unrelenting after inflation climbed to a record high of close to 8000% in September.
Andrew Human to judge Epica Awards
Messieur Andrew Human is jetting off to Paris, a city the Springboks will not forget in a hurry, to judge the Epica Awards, the largest advertising awards on the European and EMAE region's annual calendar.
Wrigley's Airwaves goes to DDB SA
DDB SA has been awarded the Wrigley's Airwaves business in South Africa and is looking to take a leading role in growing some of its other regional brands such as PK, it was announced yesterday, Wednesday, 24 October 2007. The Airwaves business, currently at Net#work BBDO, will move officially in the New Year, although DDB is already working on new campaigns.
Loeries flies back to Margate July 2008
Next year is a special year for the Loerie Awards as it is the 30th anniversary, so a bumper festival and awards are promised. So diarise now: the 30th Loerie Awards Festival weekend will be held from Friday 25 July until Sunday 27 July 2008, in Margate on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
AMASA's Wild Wild West Party - down to the last 120 tickets! - AMASA
There are just two sleeps left before 1200 party-goers from the advertising and media industry converge on Fourways when hot new venue, Catwalk, will see Joburg industry revellers living Wild Wild West style, looking forward to loads of prizes rewarding creativity. We're down to the last 120 tickets, so if you want ride with the posse, you better get saddled up.
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| | Branding | | | Idea Engineers will grow your brand, reputation & business. | |  |
| | | The haunted America
[Naseem Javed] Countries are like little homes; they house a nation, hold ideologies and provide shelter and comfort to its people in hopes that the occupant will nurture better ideas for themselves and further flourish humanity. Such are primary desires and goals of most countries on this small planet. America is no exception.
Brand lessons from Rugby World Cup 2007 - Idea Engineers
[Janice Spark] The Rugby World Cup (RWC) is finally done and dusted and New Zealand is still abuzz with rugby angst and referee loathing. Interestingly, publications such as the New Zealand Herald have cited many members of the New Zealand public bemoaning "the new professional money-driven age of rugby which has seen rugby become a 'brand'".
Last chance to book for Brands in the Digital World
On Tuesday, 30 October 2007, Knowledge Resources presents Brands in the Digital World, a one-day conference that will give insight into cutting-edge and global thinking about brands in the digital arena and show how you can adapt this thinking for your brands. The conference is targeted at CEOs, marketing and brand managers, communication managers, advertising executives, media planners, corporate and brand strategists and social networking managers. Bizcommunity.com is a media partner. For more information, go to www.kr.co.za.
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Cinema | | Ster-Kinekor goes 3D
Ster-Kinekor Classic recently launched new generation 3D at The Zone in Rosebank Gauteng and Gateway in KwaZulu-Natal with screenings of the hit films Meet the Robinsons and Tim Burton's classic Nightmare Before Christmas. “Don't think 3D of old with uncomfortable red and green glasses, strained eyes, headaches and a disappointing 3D effect,” says Ster-Kinekor CEO Fiaz Mahomed. “This is 3D for the 21st century and film as you've never seen it before. You'll think that you're in the movie and not simply watching it!”
Taiwanese film festival for SA
Academy award-winning director Ang Lee leads the pack of directors featured at this year's 2007 Taiwan Film Festival, presented by the Taipei Liaison Office in South Africa and showing at Cinema Nouveau screened by Jameson, with a retrospective of his work.
Sanlam extends TV campaign to cinema with CineMARK - CineMARK
Sanlam has signed a five month contract with CineMARK, the cinema advertising sales company responsible for the cinema advertising sales of 66.1% of South African cinema complexes and 61.7% of South African cinema screens - including Ster-Kinekor and numerous independent cinemas, to screen its ‘Herds' TV commercial on screens using the 35mm medium.
Toyota Auris speeds into Sowetans' minds with cinema foyer advertising at Maponya Mall - CineMARK
 When the eight screen Ster-Kinekor complex at Soweto's new 65 000 m² Maponya Mall opened at the end of September 2007, the cinema complex's patrons found themselves immersed in FCB's stylish, sexy advertisements for the Toyota Auris from the moment that they entered the cinema foyer.
Horrorfest kicks off
The South African Horrorfest will bleed onto the Labia Theatre screen in Cape Town this evening, Thursday, 25 October 2007, with the free opening screening of Captivity, a month before its theatrical release. The Halloween event will run until Thursday 1 November, with feature films, short movies, documentaries, PlayStation games (on Saturday 27 October), Halloween dress-up, killer give-aways, a live soundtrack performance to a silent classic by members of Lark and Terminatryx (with The Crackpot Realist), plus a whole lot more (see www.horrorfest.info).
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CRM | | Customer-focused companies will shine
Over 80% of companies believe they deliver fantastic customer experiences, but only 8% of their customers agree. This is according to brand alignment specialist Terry Behan, the head of The Fearless Executive, who can reel off every statistic on brand promise versus brand delivery from Harvard Business School to what Ian McAllister, the former chairman of Ford Motor Company, had to say
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| | Design | |  |
| | | 20 years of design excellence – The Greenside Design Center End of Year Student Exhibition - Greenside Design Centre
The Greenside Design Center's End of Year Student Exhibition next month promises to wow and impress industry professionals by showcasing its students incredible design talent.
Graffiti girl tags top design prize
A young graffiti artist and design student from Crawford in Cape Town, 21-year-old Cara Judd, has won the recent Elle Decoration Solve 2007 competition. As well as her winning storage product being sold in selected Woolworths stores, she will also enjoy a one-month internship at the London design firm Conran & Partners under the personal mentorship of director Sebastian Conran, the competition's international judge. Judd's shelving design, called Drip, was chosen from over 160 student entries. All five finalists were women, with three of the finalists – including Judd – from the Design Time School of Interior Design in Cape Town.
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Digital | | Innovation talk series launches with Jimmy Wales
iCommons is launching ‘The Innovation Series' with a talk by Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, on Tuesday, 13 November 2007, in partnership with the Mail & Guardian Online and ITWeb. The Innovation Series is a series of events with influential speakers from around the world who have had a significant influence on the world of the Internet.
Facebook and Google: who should worry?
 [Eve Dmochowska] Microsoft last week invested US$240 million in Facebook, resulting in a US$15 billion evaluation for the social network. I fear that this might be the beginning of the end of the Facebook mania. Personally, I would have preferred to see an investment by Google.
Nielsen, Google team up
The Nielsen Company and Google announced earlier this week that the companies have established a multi-year, strategic relationship. As a first step, the relationship leverages Nielsen's experience in television audience measurement to bring demographic data to the Google TV Ads advertising platform.
Jimmy Wales for SA Wikipedia Academies
iCommons and the Wikimedia Foundation will be launching a series of Wikipedia Academies to stimulate awareness and community around local language Wikipedias in South Africa, with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales to deliver keynote speeches. The first will take place at CIDA City Campus on Saturday, 10 November 2007, with an Afrikaans Wikipedia Academy workshop taking place on Sunday 11 November.
Voting open for SA E-Commerce Awards
The public has spoken and the nominations for this year's South African E-Commerce Awards are now awaiting your vote. Voting will close on 23 November 2007 and the winners will be announced on 26 November.
Paying attention
[Derek Abdinor] In the precursor to this article, An economy of attention, I explained how the attention that web users distribute among web sites is of value to the users themselves as well as to the website owner. Attention is a commodity to be traded on the web. Now we'll see how organisations should court and service this attention.
Have you booked for Reshaping Media yet?
There are only two weeks to go until the Reshaping Media seminar in Cape Town on 7 November 2007, which will be followed shortly by the seminar in Johannesburg on 22 November. Seats are limited and going quickly, so book your place now.
Internet banking fraud on the increase
[Issa Sikiti da Silva] While the rise of machines and the dawn of ‘Technological Armageddon' have made life much more easier, they also brought a litany of misery and pain in the sense that criminals are effectively using these tools to inflict incalculable damage to people and businesses.
ICASA hearings on end-to-end leased lines, other wholesale markets
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa will be holding public hearings to define end-to-end leased lines and other wholesale markets tomorrow, Wednesday, 24 October 2007 and Thursday, 25 October.
pMailer tools and email marketing advice centre launched - Prefix Technologies
Knowledge of how email works and how best to improve delivery allows marketers to leverage these insights into customer value. Prefix Technologies' team of developers and consultants have put many hours into a public knowledgebase and email marketing advice blog, with great results.
Stonewall+ builds a dynamic website for tube series Hectic Nine-9 - Stonewall+
 Digital marketing agency Stonewall+ was recently commissioned by Okuhle Media to develop a globally competitive, interactive website for their daily live magazine show Hectic Nine-9, which launches on 1 October 2007 and will be screened Mondays to Fridays at 4pm on SABC2's tube.
Stonewall+ takes to the skies with Thai Airways - Stonewall+
Stonewall+ recently launched the local online presence of Thai Airways South Africa. The project, in conjunction with Lowe Bull Johannesburg, aims to provide an effective localised site that appeals to South African travellers considering the various flight options to the East.
Sneak a peak at the Swimwear models online
www.simag.co.za offers viewers all the action from the Nashua Sports Illustrated Swimwear 2007 photo shoot in Malaysia, including wallpapers, videos and screensavers of this year's Swimwear models, in association with Samsung mobile. Find out what the models got up to when no one was looking with exclusive behind the scenes images and personal video clips. Get to know each of the island beauties a little better by viewing their profiles and seeing a selection of images from the shoot which cannot be seen anywhere else. Samsung mobile also bring you a downloadable mobile package for each model, which includes a ringtone of her favourite song, mobile wallpaper and a personalised photo.
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| | Education and Training | | | Create a Better World | |  |
| | | Book preview – Value through Values - SoulCircle
A new book by economics communicator and author Jerry Schuitema is getting business and lay people to question the very nature of business and transaction. Value through Values is a work on business ethics which offers a new and refreshing understanding of transactions by Schuitema – the best selling author of Econosense.
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Eventing | | Levi's continues with HIV/Aids campaigning
Intent on raising awareness about HIV and Aids, and determined to use its iconic status amongst the South African youth to deliver a message based on responsibility, knowledge and self-awareness, Levi's is launching its third annual Levi's Red for Life Initiative.
Smash musical staged at The Lyric
Finishing touches are being added to the new Gold Reef City Casino's multimillion rand theatre The Lyric, which will be hosting the South African production of Hairspray, the Broadway smash musical that opens on Sunday, 28 October 2007.
H-Factor reappointed to produce Loeries 2008 - H-Factor
 The event agency responsible for producing the awards ceremonies for The Loerie Awards in 2006 and 2007, H-Factor, has been reappointed by The Loerie Awards Company to produce the ceremonies in 2008.
Coca-Cola dome voted best concert venue in Joburg for ninth consecutive year - Coca-Cola dome
The Coca-Cola dome has been voted the best concert venue in Johannesburg for the ninth consecutive year in Caxton's Leisure Options Best of Johannesburg Readers' Choice Awards.
Patrick Mynhardt passes away in London
South African theatre icon Patrick Mynhardt passed away from natural causes in London yesterday morning, Thursday, 25 October 2007. Mynhardt was in London performing in his one-man show Boy from Bethulie at the Jermyn Street Theatre in the West End. Producer Colin Law, who was in London with Mynhardt, says, “This is a very sad end to a 30-year working relationship; it was a great privilege to work with Patrick, he died doing what he loved most – performing.” Mynhardt is survived by his son Johann and grandchildren Liam Patrick and Euan Frederick, and his brother and his sister.
A fabulous history
Now you can take MCQP home – between covers. Fab is a lavish coffee table book about the first 13 years of MCQP, with stories from MCQP goers to make you laugh, shriek, gasp and sigh. 144 pages large as a muscle Mary's chest. Photos as exuberant as a straight girl at a MCQP party. As colourful as a drag queen's wardrobe. Now available for purchase (see www.mcqp.co.za).
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Exhibitions | | Oasys speaks volumes - Oasys Innovations
During October 2007 Oasys Innovations was involved in more than twenty exhibitions and events. Some of these were on behalf of corporate clients in the public and private sector, while most were in support of members of the exhibitions and events industry.
Thumbs up for Oasys - Oasys Innovations
With the recent commendation by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events for Decorex SA for the 2007 Art of the Show competition, the thumbs up was also given to Oasys Innovations for its role in preparing the exhibition infrastructure.
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Magazines | | Scholtemeyer to lead MPASA ABC conf session
The Magazine Publishers Association of South Africa (MPASA) is hosting a two-day conference next month with one of the sessions to be led by Patricia Scholtemeyer, chairperson of MPASA and CEO of Media24 Magazines. She will be discussing the recent ABC irregularities.
Tanya Kovarsky new Essentials editor
 Caxton Magazines announced the appointment of Tanya Kovarsky as the new editor of Essentials magazine, yesterday, Wednesday, 24 October 2007. Outgoing editor Danielle Weakley will be moving across to the Caxton newspaper division as editorial director of the Get It community magazines.
Teen title freshens up look
 This November, seventeen magazine is celebrating its fourth birthday with the launch of its new masthead. The change was inspired by the need to bring a fresh new look to one of the top-selling teen titles in South Africa.
Be afraid, be very afraid - Ramsay, Son & Parker
 For the inquiring mind, life is a series of questions. Bringing home the point that it is a source of answers to many of these, Popular Mechanics recently developed a TV ad campaign in order to create brand awareness and reinforce the message that the magazine is about much more than gee-whiz science and practical DIY.
ZOO's RWC Win Special out now - UCM
In anticipation of a Springbok win in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday night, ZOO Weekly/Weekliks planned a special 16-page supplement and a "Win" cover to be published immediately after the game.
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| | Media | | | Recruitment - Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Media Sales | |  |
| | | SABC wants to be politically correct – Raymond Louw
[Simone Puterman] NEWSWATCH: SANEF's Raymond Louw has described recent comments by Snuki Zikalala, the SABC's chief of news, as “a measure of the divide between ‘politically correct reporting' and a ‘free and independent press' acting in the interest of the public, according to The Times. Zikala, speaking at a SA Human Rights Commission seminar in Johannesburg with regards to health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's alleged drinking and abuse of power by the Sunday Times, said: “Publishing such a story is disrespectful.”
ANC media policy under scrutiny
[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Exasperated by what it calls a “sloppy” and “hostile” media that is driven by profit and pursuing a particular agenda, the African National Congress (ANC) earlier this year launched a ‘Media and the Battle of Ideas' document, which proposes the creation of a media tribunal that will investigate the media's self-regulatory dispensation, safeguard all citizens' rights and promote ‘real' media freedom and diversity.
No decision as yet on Times arrests
[Simone Puterman] NEWSWATCH: The Cape Town police have been instructed to investigate further into the case against Sunday Times editor Mondli Makhanya and senior journalist Jocelyn Maker relating to the alleged theft of health minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's medical records, reports IOL, quoting National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Tlali Tlali as saying, "No decision has been made to arrest, no decision has been made to prosecute."
Entertainment law – a law unto itself?
A lawyer is a lawyer is a lawyer, except when he or she is an entertainment lawyer. That's what Charl Groenewald, entertainment lawyer and author of author of The Laws of Movie-Making told members of the Black Lawyers' Association (BLA) at seminars held recently in Cape Town and East London.
Johncom BEE deal falls through
NEWSWATCH: Business Day reports that that Johncom's talks with black investor groups fell through on Friday, 26 October 2007, as “the deal failed to garner 75% support from shareholders” according to sources. Johncom will still go ahead with its plan to break up the company into two separately listed entities.
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| | Mobile | |  |
| | | Global mobile penetration 75% by 2011
As the world moves towards 50% mobile penetration in 2008, a new report published by Portio Research predicts 75% penetration by 2011.
Mobile campaigns missing the mark?
 [Eddie Groenewald] I laughed. I could not help it, but it was the end of the day and I read a blog on News24 from a consumer who had a bee in his bonnet about poor advertising and spared no adjective in making his point. Clearly the writer was unimpressed by the advert's attempts to make a connection with him. If anything, the advert seemed to have the opposite effect.
Freshly mixed - Freshlyground goes live on MXit - MXit
Instant messaging service MXit will offer South Africans an opportunity to chat directly with members of MTV European Awards favourite Freshlyground, in two 45-minute sessions on Tuesday, 30 October 2007, at 4pm.
Clickatell bolsters global enterprise infrastructure, hires seasoned executives - Clickatell
Clickatell, a global provider of mobile messaging solutions, has announced further investments in its critical enterprise infrastructure to support the millions of SMSes already being sent around the globe. The company has also hired two key executives, Chuck Drake as executive VP of marketing, and Bill Wolfe as executive VP of research and development.
Virgin Mobile marketing in Soweto - Wayin
 Wayin has successfully completed its first mobile marketing campaign in the retail space. Barcode coupons delivered by SMS attracted customers into Virgin Mobile's brand new store in South Africa's most famous township. The modern and trendy campaign added extra excitement to the opening of the store, and offered real value to users who opted to participate.
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Newspapers | | Facelift for The Herald
 The Herald unveiled a fresh new look to its readers across the Eastern and southern Cape, today, Monday, 29 October 2007. The re-launch is in turn part of a broader digital strategy to extend the existing Herald and Weekend Post brands through the re-engineering of the titles' web presence and the creation of a more dynamic, technology-based news operation.
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| | Online Media | |  |
| | | Web, media giants seek silver bullet for protecting copyrights online
[Fred J. Aun] A group of heavy-hitting media and Internet players have hammered out a plan to thwart the uploading and Web publication of copyrighted material, particularly video clips.
Student Village to address soft skills shortages - Student Village
Student Village's new graduate development programme offers much-needed support to both graduates and human resource professionals in the workplace. Village Pro, which will launch in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2008, will help graduates develop the soft skills that are critical for young talent which aspires to thrive rather than merely survive as they begin to build their careers.
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| | Out Of Home | |  |
| | | Power billboard back in the limelight
 Net#work BBDO's Nedbank solar power billboard has been back in the limelight this month– it was recently honoured for its innovation at the 2007 iHero Awards. Against some tough competition, it won first prize in the iBusiness category which celebrates innovators or innovations within the corporate sector.
Reach heights you've never dreamt possible - Zmanga Media
Zmanga Palama, loosely translated as “Miracle Climb”, has been incorporated into Zmanga Media International.
Airport Media welcomes Rugby World Cup champions home - Airport Media
 Seven weeks ago Suzanne Roberts and Debbie Lea from Airport Media sent the Bokke on their way with one message: “Bring it home, boys!” – and that's exactly what they did!
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Printing | | Green product makes inroads into UK market
 Somerset West-based Xanita will be providing a flexible fibre board manufactured from recycled waste paper to CBS Outdoor for use as printed advertising signage on UK buses from 1 January 2008 onwards. Mondi Xtreme is the fruit of three years of joint research and development between Xanita and the Mondi Group.
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Production | | Applications invited for fully funded screenwriting workshop
Creative Industry, supported by the Embassy of Ireland, is offering six screenwriters the opportunity to attend a fully funded Advanced Screenwriting Workshop with a highly qualified Irish screenwriting tutor. The workshop will take place at Sasani Studios in Johannesburg over two long weekends, 8 – 11 and 15 – 19 November 2007, and writers are invited to apply with an idea for a feature-length screenplay.
Creative Vision heeds the call to give back - Creative Vision
 Creative Vision has heeded the call to address important issues that are close to our hearts and made three public service announcements (PSAs) for the VUKA Awards.
Food and liquid specialists team up with Faith Creations - Faith Creations
 Faith Creations recently announced a collaboration with renowned stills photographer Alain Proust, and top pack, product and liquid styling specialist Chris van der Merwe, joining forces to form a new directing team.
Lizelle directs the "greatest piece of them all" for Bell's - Sylver
 Lizelle Wagner has just finished a warm cinematic performance piece for King James and Bell's whiskey. The story follows an art collector's passionate pursuit across the British Isles for lost, rare and beautiful art pieces.
New TVC for Southern Sun from MorrisJones and Frieze Films - Frieze Films
 The MorrisJones & Co creative team recently developed a new commercial in the Southern Sun ‘You've Arrived' campaign. Directed by Leigh Ogilvie of Frieze Films, the commercial tells the success story of a modest and hardworking young lady and shows how arriving in a Southern Sun hotel triggers her realisation of her success.
ZSE TV and Sasani Studios are getting bigger - ZSE TV
 ZSE TV and Sasani are now the new home to M-Net's Big Brother Africa, Takalani Sesame Street, Doen met ‘n Miljoen (kykNET's new version of Deal or No Deal), The Lion King, Egoli and Binnelanders.
Picture Tree branches out Down Under - Picture Tree
Never mind taking on the Aussies at rugby or cricket, commercial film production company Picture Tree has confirmed plans to explore opportunities in Australia early next year. In fact, Picture Tree's Sherry Bush will be based in Sydney to represent the company from March 2008.
Award-winning trio get down with Nintendo - Wicked Pixels
 Wicked Pixels has just finished another well-crafted animated spot for The Jupiter Drawing Room CT, for Musica's launch of the gaming console that is taking the world by storm - Nintendo's Wii.
Sissy Boy - love yourself - Masters & Savant
 The style and vigor of Sissy Boy jeans has been brought to life by Masters & Savant Worldwide, which created a commercial alive with the style and sex appeal for which the brand is known.
Film industry's contribution to economy
Moonlighting Film Production Services has won the recent Absa/Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry award for Exporter of the Year. The award goes to the company that meets the judges' criteria for commitment to exporting and is open to all exporters – both large and small. Philip Key, Moonlighting MD, said, "What is really significant for us is that this illustrates that the film industry does belong in the mainstream of commerce and is making a significant contribution to the economy.”
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| | Public Relations | |  |
| | | Celebrating the anniversary of the press release
[Marcus Brewster] At the end of October 2007, the world marks a little-known anniversary – the invention of the press release. There may be other office inventions – the fax machine, the photocopier, the Internet – that have had a far greater impact on both modern society in general and the communications industry in particular, but few have gone the distance. How many inventions from 1906 are still in operation today? Will we still be using the fax machine, for instance, 100 years from now?
Chris Moerdyk for PR-Net Cape Town
Marketing analyst and Bizcommunity.com columnist Chris Moerdyk will speak to PR-Net Cape Town about what PR professionals need to do to earn a seat in the boardroom. The meeting takes place 5.30pm – 7.30pm on Tuesday, 30 October 2007 at Bihari, Westlake Lifestyle Centre, Westlake Drive, Tokai. Advance booking and payment essential. R90 per non member. More info from brian@pr-net.co.za or tel +27 (0)21 447 6398.
Fin24 goes to Marcus Brewster
Marcus Brewster Publicity announced yesterday, Wednesday, 24 October 2007, that it has been appointed by Fin24 as its PR agency of record. Fin24 publishes Finweek magazine weekly in both English and Afrikaans, as well as Fin24.co.za. Brewster will provide a full-service PR offering – including communications strategy, media liaison and reputation management – to the publishers. The Fin24 account will be managed out of Brewster's Johannesburg office under national strategic director Hein Kaiser.
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| | Radio | |  |
| | | Bob Courtney – 60 years behind the mic
Veteran broadcaster Bob Courtney celebrates his 85 birthday today, Thursday, 25 October 2007, and with it, 60 years behind the microphone. He is still broadcasting on Johannesburg's Radio Today 1485 – a station he co-founded with another veteran broadcaster, Peter Lotis.
Wild & wacky Kenyan radio station keeps listeners on the hop – and in the swim
 The fearless and wacky Hot 96 breakfast radio crew of Teddy Muthusi, Sandra Obudo and Yvonne Okwara were at it again recently with another mad stunt on their punkd for a buck daily feature – where they give money to any listener who successfully completes bizarre tasks.
European Radio Awards nominations
Over 165 entries from 15 countries were received for this year's inaugural Global Traffic Network European Radio Awards. To find out who's in with a chance of walking away with a trophy, view the full list of recently released nominations. The gala awards ceremony takes place 5 November 2007 in Barcelona as part of the NAB European Radio Conference.
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| | Research | |  |
| | | Do SA police need FBI training ahead of 2010 FIFA World Cup? - African Response
A recent poll conducted by research agency African Response reflected that two-thirds (66%) of South Africans agree that terrorism financing and money laundering will be areas of concern during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and call for FBI training in order to prepare SA police.
The makings of a quality vehicle - Synovate
Synovate has announced the winners of the Synovate Quality Awards for Product Quality. Looking at the problems that customers are most commonly reporting, it appears that any major problems with reliability are a thing of the past.
Another great year for vehicle quality – 2007 Synovate Quality Awards results - Synovate
The winners of the Synovate Quality Awards 2007 for Product Quality have been announced. The year was an exceptional one for vehicle quality, says Richard Rice, automotive client services director at Synovate. The industry achieved a record best, averaging 117 problem counts per 100 passenger vehicles – an improvement of 23.5% on the previous year.
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Retail | | Amstel's back!
 Amstel Lager has returned to South African and to celebrate the return of South Africa's best selling premium beer, Brandhouse Beverages has created a multi-pronged, multi-million rand re-launch campaign that focuses on the joys of reunion.
September's CPIX in at 6.7%
[Michael Appel] The Consumer Price Index (CPIX), excluding mortgage interest rate changes, for September 2007 has come in 0.4 of a percentage point higher at 6.7% year on year (y/y), compared to 6.3% in August.
Tryvertising - the way forward?
Many of us have gone to wine tasting, or tried a nibble of something in a supermarket, or taken a car for a test drive. Well, there's a term for this sort of thing – tryvertising.
ECR conference aims to turn insights into shopper solutions
An up-coming ECR conference is a must for decision-makers within the marketing, FMCG, IT, supply chain and associated sectors of the retail industry.
Bumper online festive season expected
With local online spending on an upward trend, South African rewards programme eBucks is bracing itself for another bumper online festive season. “Traditionally the festive season is one of our biggest annual spend periods. Over the last few years we've seen considerable growth in online member spend with the eBucks shop, a trend we expect will continue this festive period,” says Lezanne Human, eBucks CEO.
The customer loyalty recipe - DMX
A restauranteur's best friend is a loyal customer. The secret ingredient of the right music in a recipe for customer loyalty has been tried and tested by DMX.
Reminder to register for ECR Conference
It's the last few days to register for the ECR Conference taking place at Sandton Convention Centre, 30 – 31 October 2007, and get to hear Bob Connolly, ex-executive VP for merchandising and marketing, Wal-Mart, US, talk about “Supply chain management: is it brain surgery or a Picasso?” The conference is aimed at marketing and brand managers; category, channel and key account managers; supply chain managers; it managers; board members; CEOs and FMCG service providers. Tel +27 (0)11 318 0089/98 or email ecr@precisionconferences.co.za.
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Sales | | Operation OUTreach making a difference - OUTsurance
Operation OUTreach, the charity campaign orchestrated by OUTsurance Insurance and Algoa FM, has set its next project: the Curt Warmberg Haven Wellness Centre. Operation OUTreach forms part of the OUTsurance Helping South Africa OUT campaign, which has touched the lives of many South Africans.
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| | | ICASA dismisses FXI subpoena application
The Complaints Compliance Committee (CCC) of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) dismissed an application by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) yesterday, Thursday, 25 October 2007, to subpoena the transcript of the record of proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry Into Blacklisting and Related Matters.
FXI seeks postponement of ICASA SABC 'blacklisting' hearing
The Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC) of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is reconvening today, Thursday, 25 October 2007, for the hearing of a complaint submitted to ICASA by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) in February 2007. The FXI will be requesting a postponement in order to furnish a full reply to the relevant response filed by the SABC.
SA's most expensive world cup TV ad
The most expensive 30-second ad in South Africa's television history was auctioned last week, with the highest bid going to Supa Quick and its partner advertising agency, TinFish CLM Advertising. The 30-second spot, which was aired at halftime during the final 2007 World Cup match between South Africa and England, was auctioned in just 25 hours for a staggering R151 000. The entire amount will be donated to charity by SuperSport and Oracle Airtime Sales.
The ‘Bornfrees' of South Africa
On Sunday, 11 November 2007, at 6.05pm, e.tv launches a new documentary series, Bornfrees, investigating the lives of young people born during the advent of democracy in 1994. The show focuses on 11 children from various backgrounds and cultures and was filmed when they turned 10. It explores their perspectives on life in South Africa.
CNBC Africa Kenya deal
CNBC Africa programmes will soon be viewed free-to-air in Nairobi, Kenya. A broadcast deal between the business broadcaster and Kenya's Capital will enable the terrestrial station's viewers to pick up the business channel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A Speedy TV partnership
Telkom Media announced yesterday, Thursday, 25 October 2007, that it has signed an exclusive three year multi-platform volume deal with MIPCOM award-winning cartoonist and founder of Speedy Productions, Tim Mostert, whose popular cartoon strip Speedy is a household name in South Africa. The deal is part of Telkom Media's plans to acquire world class content in preparation for the launch of its online and pay TV offering in June 2008. Shows to look out for include The Cover Girls – an animated series featuring Speedy's daughter Cicely, and her cosmopolitan group of friends – and Muli, who drives his scooter through the streets of Mumbai and daydreams of becoming a Bollywood star.
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| | Galleries | | AMASA Party 2007
 
More | Jacaranda 94.2 celebrates 21 years on-air
 
More | Men's Health Look 2007
 
More | Memorable RWC 2007 final moments
 
More | SA celebrates the RWC 2007 victory
 
More | | More... | | |
| | Poll | | | | More... | | |
| | Forums | | The "customer" is always WRONG.
The fallacy exists that because the client pays the design agency, he actually knows more about design than the designer does. What is your view? | | More... Submit a Forum | | |
| | New accounts | | | MTV Networks Africa appoints Dv8 Films - more info | | PVision takes a walk with Footprints - more info | | Conduit Productions to shoot new Yardley campaign - more info | | Planet Fitness appoints Joe Public - more info | | AMH Financial Services appoints Artifact Online as digital agency - more info | | New health fast food store signs Refresh PR - more info | | Experience It signs up MTN for 3-in-1 events registration system - more info | | Panarottis advertises on big screens and popcorn boxes with CineMARK - more info | | Greg Cartoulis signs The P.R Team - more info | | More... Submit a New account | | |
| | People on the move | | | Retsol director rewarded with franchise award - more info | | Rapid Info expanding rapidly - more info | | On The Box Promotions appoints new head - more info | | Two new account executives at Kezi Communications - more info | | New appointments at Publicis - more info | | HMC Seswa welcomes Lexi Fincham - more info | | Gino Cosme joins Cerebra as accounts director - more info | | More... Submit a Person | | |
| | Events to diarise | Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 launch Direct Distribution Services - Sandton, 30 October
Corel cordially invites you to the Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 launch and lunch highlighting why it is the ideal choice for any aspiring photographer's digital darkroom. | | | The Web 2.0 explosion Jayz Internet Solutions - Cape Town, 30 October
This one-day training seminar seeks to clarify Web 2.0 - blogs, wikis, rss, podcasts, etc - covering what it is and where it's going. | | | 9th ECR Conference ECR Conference - Johannesburg, 31 October
Come hear what global and local retail experts have to say, and be privy to unique research on future South African retail scenarios conducted amongst retailers and suppliers within the industry. | | | Cape Town AMASA October meeting Meier & McEwen - Cape Town, 31 October
At this months meeting AMASA looks at PVR, discussing whether the growing popularity of PVR will play into the hands of terrestrial television media owners and whether PVR prove to be the beginning of the end for the 30" TV spot. | | | Business writing for success SA Writers' College - Countrywide, 1 November / Countrywide, 8 November
This eight-session online course provides you with the essential skills to write easy-to-read documents, under the expert guidance of your tutor, author and former corporate trainer, Ann-Elize Petersen. | | | The writing coach course SA Writers' College - Countrywide, 1 November / Countrywide, 7 November
Get your own personal writing coach, and give your writing a makeover with this nine-module, customised, online writing course. | | | The Vega Showcase 2007 Vega - Sandton, Johannesburg, 1 November
Come and celebrate the talent of tomorrow as Vega The Brand Communications School hosts its annual student showcase, for the students, by the students. | | | Travel writing course SA Writers' College - Countrywide, 2 November / Countrywide, 9 November
This ten-module online course teaches you everything you need to know about writing travel articles, plus gives you the chance to write a publishable piece. | | | ASP.Net IT Course Warehouse - Nationwide, 2 November
This series introduces students to the ASP.Net platform, and gets students started using ASP.Net features such as server controls, validation controls and composite controls in their Visual Studio .Net projects. | | | Music and lyrics The Write Co - Bryanston, 2 November / Bryanston, 8 December
Attend this one-day course and learn how to write a song by learning the theory and applying it and have real songwriters show you how to do it. | | |
| | Upcoming events | Broadcasting policy and regulatory trends Wits Link Centre - Johannesburg, 29 October Apple Final Cut Pro Vega The Brand Communication School - Johannesburg, Sandton, 29 October Adobe Indesign CS Vega The Brand Communications School - Sandton, Johannesburg, 29 October Finishing art for designers Friends of Design - Academy of Digital Arts - Cape Town, 29 October Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop training thecreativetrain - Cape Town, 29 October Adobe Photoshop CS3 course Concept Interactive - Cape Town, 29 October Magazine journalism Institute for the Advancement of Journalism - Johannesburg, 29 October Magazine journalism course SA Writers College - Countrywide, 29 October Three-month web design Friends of Design - Academy of Digital Arts - Cape Town, 29 October Present to influence Business Presentation Group - Cape Town, 29 October | More... Submit an event | | |
| | Jobs offered | Specialising in Media Sales, Advertising
and Marketing placements |  |
| Proofreader - Cape Town
Are you pedantic, picky and a pain when it comes to detail and order? A language geek who loves to correct everyone's grammar? We would love to meet you. read more
| Store Manager - Sandton
Dynamic individual for Apple Store in Mandela Square. No chancers please. Must have retail experience and must be over 25 years old. read more
| Web Designers - All Levels - Dubai
We require forward-thinking web designers to play key roles in the creation and ongoing maintenance of our growing portfolio of web publications. read more
| Web Developer and Programmers - Pietermaritzburg
We are looking for passionate and talented
web developers and programmers. Must be skilled in PHP, Photoshop. read more
| Data Production Supervisor - Cape Town - Newlands
Supervise coders and datacapturers in market research environment. Meet quality standards and project deadlines. Reporting and administrative duties. Must have completed tertiary education and have prior team leading/supervisory experience. read more
| Call Centre Co-ordinator - Events - Cape Town
Event company seeks call centre co-ordinator to manage RSVP on prestigious event. Candidate to start work immediately, have excellent telephone manner, organised, meticulous attention to detail and excellent excel skills. read more
| Brand Manager Southern Africa - EE Only - Cape Town
Leading FMCG client in Cape Town is looking for a top-notch brand manager to maintain superior knowledge of the market, the consumer and competitive activities. read more
| Brand Co-ordinator - Contract Position - Cape Town
Leading financial services company in Cape Town is looking for an assertive, organised, good communicator with great attention to detail. You will have completed your marketing tertiary education. read more
| Junior IT Technician - Cape Town
National Linux and Windows computer company seeks vibrant junior tech. Package - Basic, car allowance, commission, cell allowance and petrol. Own transport essential. read more
| Campaign Controller - Randburg
Samplex is looking for a campaign controller to assist account managers. This role entails following up with suppliers, liaising with national branches and helping to compile presentations and training manuals. read more
| Campaign Manager - Cape Town
Online experience - HTML, PPC, SEO, internet, PowerPoint. Marketing tertiary ideally business science grad or information systems. Passion for internet marketing a must have. read more
| Account Manager - Randburg
Samplex is looking for an account manager to run with existing client accounts, build strong, honest communication channels with clients, and maintain and build relationships with new and existing clients. read more
| Sales Executive - Sandton
Innovative and award-winning company in marketing and events industry seeks dynamic sales person with at least three years experience in sales of events plus good understanding of experiential marketing. read more
| Middle-weight Graphic Designer - Sandton
Are you the best middle-weight designer in town? Prove it by sending samples of your work to us. read more
| Print Production Manager - Milpark, Johannesburg
Dynamic young agency looking for a very qualified print production manager. 3-5 years experience in the design and print industry. read more
| Commercial Services Sponsorship Manager - Sport - Johannesburg
Manage all communication and liaison with sports teams, overseeing and managing all commercial inventory globally and the development of sales tools and material for business development. read more
| Commercial Development Sponsorship Manager - Sport - Johannesburg
Join an exciting international team where you will be responsible for generating commercial partnerships and sponsorship for a highly recognised international sport; manage global sponsorship agency, event promoter and team relationships. read more
| Online Media Sales Exec - Sandton
Dynamic, driven go-getter needed to fulfill sales exec position at online magazine and directory. Junior-mid, R5500 neg plus commission. read more
| IT Marketing Manager - Johannesburg - Midrand
Create and execute a strategic sales and marketing strategy within the SA and sub-saharan Africa region for a range of software products in a fast growing and highly successful Company. read more
| Sales Person - Edenvale, Johannesburg
We are seeking a vibrant, energetic go-getter to sell motorcycles, marine products and associated accessories. read more
| Account Manager - Advertising Agency - Fourways
Well-established boutique agency specialising in company image communications as well as consumer and sports marketing and below-the-line activities is looking for an account manager. read more
| Account Manager - Johannesburg
We require a highly skilled and experienced client service professional to nurture, grow and look after a portfolio which includes our financial services client. Availability, prior to January. read more
| Executive - Market Research - Northern Suburbs
Experience and understanding of brand and trade marketing, implementation, control, analysis, interpretation of various marketing plans, identification of trends within the marketing community, transforming it into workable solutions. read more
| Business Manager - Cape Town
If you are an experienced market researcher with management experience and curious about us, please apply. The business manager will be the primary contact for clients he/she are allocated. read more
| Data Admin Manager - Bryanston
People management experience essential. Project management experience would be advantageous. Minimum three years working experience, formal SQL (2000) qualification. 2-3 years SQL working experience. For research company. read more
| Graphic Designer - Cape Town
Ideal Fastener, a well established trimmings company is looking for an experienced graphic designer to start asap. This position is ideal for the independant creative worker. read more
| Marketing Communications Manager – IT - AA - Johannesburg - North
An opportunity for a creative and dynamic marketer who has a passion for integrated marketing communications, working with internal business stakeholders and South African customers. read more
| C# ASP.Net Web Developer - Cape Town
Our client is looking for an experienced web developer to work on websites and web-based software. Someone who will manage other developers/who will take technical responsibility for projects. read more
| PHP Application Developer - Cape Town
Are you passionate about software development?
Are you able to work unsupervised and at home?
Do you pay attention to the details? read more
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| | Noticeboards | | SAMAST in need of urgent funding
[Sponsorship] The South African Mass Animal Sterilisation Trust is in need of urgent funding to complete the construction on their sterilisation clinic. | | More... Submit a Noticeboard | | |
| | Quotes | | | "We welcome passion, for the mind is briefly let off duty." - Mignon McLaughlin | | "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." - Philip K. Dick | | "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." - Winston Churchill | | "Television: A medium - so called because it is neither rare nor well done." - Ernie Kovacs | | "Any critic is entitled to wrong judgments, of course. But certain lapses of judgment indicate the radical failure of an entire sensibility." - Susan Sontag | | More... Submit a Quote | | |
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