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Opinion | Features
Q&A with Adshel's Rob Atkinson
Online trading is the next big thing says Rob Atkinson in a piece that first appeared in Encore. Who is the most powerful person in Australian media and why?
Harold Mitchell because of his influence and the footprint he has left. He’s built a huge brand in Mitchells, offloaded it into Aegis, Aegis has obviously done extremely well to be then sold on to Dentsu. So if you think about it, he is very much a father figure of the industry.
Making it overseas
Is the best way of being successful in Australia not be here at all? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Lee Zachariah speaks to Aussies making it big abroad.I always wanted to work in New York,” says Julian Cole. “I thought it was the number one place to work in advertising; a lot of the best campaigns were coming out of there. So I moved over and was lucky enough to have a couple of interviews in the first couple of weeks.”
Cole’s story is indicative of the somewhat contentious idea that the best way to be successful in Australia is to not be in Australia any more.
Got a book in you?
From journos to ad execs and PRs, these days everyone seems to have a book in them. But what does it take to get published and will you actually make any money? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Brooke Hemphill finds out.Attention wannabe authors. Forget big fat advance cheques and living off royalties. The reality of having a book published today is another story altogether. There are only two reasons you should even consider sitting down at your computer to bash out a manuscript – passion or profile.
Savage counsel
In an article that first appeared in Encore, Chris Savage tackles your career and agency dilemmas in his weekly advice column.Hi Chris,
My clients seem to be demanding more and more from us. At the same time, it seems many of the younger people in our industry simply don’t have the client servicing skills my generation grew up with. How do we instill in our executives some of the good old-fashioned behaviours that would keep a client happy and loyal?
Fake it til' you make it... as an ad agency receptionist
From dressing the part to playing the gatekeeper, Leo Burnett Sydney’s Susie Henry tells us how to make it as the face of adland in a piece that first appeared in Encore.What does a receptionist in an ad agency actually do?
Well, there’s the frantic every-day, all-day stuff of deliveries, courier bookings, doing expenses for directors – always challenging – plus arranging all the travel. But one of my main jobs is counselling the account service people. I also keep up with all sports information to discuss with our sports-loving clients – because who wants to be bored while they’re waiting? And I know how they like their coffee. You need to know everyone – from accounting to HR. I’m also the go-to for all catering and sending flowers.
Whose views skew the news? Media chiefs ready to vote out Labor, while reporters lean left
Most journalists lean left-of-centre, says Folker Hanusch of the University of the Sunshine Coast, in a post first published on The Conversation.Most Australian journalists describe themselves as left-wing, yet amongst those who wield the real power in the country’s newsrooms, the Coalition holds a winning lead.
But while the media’s political leanings will no doubt be debated in the lead-up to September’s federal election, our study has also found other largely unscrutinised biases remain – particularly whose views disproportionately shape the news.
It's time for a new New Wave in the film world
Government funding bodies are lazy and decadent, says industry veteran Michael Thornhill but in a piece that first appeared in Encore, Ed Gibbs begs to differ.I vividly remember the time I first saw Animal Kingdom, David Michod’s breathtaking labour-of-love feature debut. The press screening was half empty, despite the film winning the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance just months earlier, in 2010. Yet its superb performances, stylistic flourishes and overall polish left me speechless. Could this really be a feature debut, an Australian one at that, I wondered, almost out loud? It seemed too good to be true.
Going cold turkey on an agency addiction
Life is sweet for freelance writer Max Kitchen, but in a feature that first appeared in Encore, he admits his struggle against returning to the agency fold.I’ve never taken heroin. But I suspect if I had, the temptation to try it again would not be too dissimilar to the lure of returning to agency life.
Can sport save Ten?
First there was the Grand Prix. Next came the reported $500m bid for cricket rights, then Ten secured the 2014 winter Olympics. So, can sport save the ailing network? In a feature that first appeared in Encore, Nic Christensen investigates.The television sports rights bidding process is a bit like a game of poker.
Check, fold or bet. Those were the options for the Ten Network last week when it had to finalise its bid for the cricket rights.
Andy Lark: good for the marketing of marketing
I can still remember the first story I wrote about Andy Lark, when it emerged that he was to be the new chief marketing officer of CommBank.
It was immediately clear that Australia was about to meet an interesting marketer, one who blogged and tweeted and thanks to his time at Dell in the US was digitally savvy. Even two years ago, that was a big deal. The fact that he also had a stint in public relations gave him an absolutely intriguing background before he even arrived.
Storming the media barricades - advice for young journalists
This week Mumbrella’s Nic Christensen, who began his career four years ago, gave the keynote address to would-be journalists at the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance’s Student Day. This is an edited version of his speech.Good afternoon, I can remember distinctly the last time I was in this room.
It was 2009 and I was sitting where you are. I’d come to this event, a friend and myself — from memory we sat up the back — and I can remember at the time wondering if I’d ever get a job as a journalist.
It was only four years ago and then as now getting a job was ultra competitive but I’m not sure there was quite as much media ‘doom and gloom’ as there is now…
Paywalls will help fund campaigning journalism
In this guest post, News Limited’s group editorial director Campbell Reid responds to the views of ninemsn’s Hal Crawford that the company’s push into metered paywalls is about data rather than dollars.Hal Crawford is both right and wrong in his article which argued that our digital subscription plans are all about the data.
Fake it 'til you make it... as a features editor
Cosmo’s Kate Leaver tells us how to bluff it in her job in a feature that first appeared in Encore.What do you do, as a features editor?
Really, play with words and ideas all day. At any one time, we’re working across three issues of the mag – getting one on its way to the printers, pooling all the words together for another, and planning the issue after that. It’s busy but it’s a pretty magnificent process.
Savage counsel - JFDI
Hi Chris,I run a medium-sized agency that is doing pretty well. As the leader, I am finding my workload just seems to go up and up. I am struggling to stay motivated and particularly to tackle the bigger and tougher challenges I have to face every day. How do I keep up the energy when there just seems so much to do? How do you do it?
Productive, successful executives are those able to consistently tackle difficult and big challenges. It’s a constant struggle for me so I know how you feel. How do the successful leaders do it?
Q&A with Brett Clegg
Brett Clegg, group director – business media, Fairfax Media, in a Q&A that first appeared in Encore, on the journo who refuses to work with him – his wife.Who is the most powerful person in Australian media and why?
Hard to go past Rupert Murdoch. He controls the single largest and most diverse portfolio and is intent on leveraging its scale (and, of course, influence). He’s an innovator and his will to win is obvious to all.
Agencies lend weight to ex-staffer’s campaign for increased organ donation
Sister agencies McCann and UM have got behind a campaign for organ donation led by a former employee who is currently awaiting a life saving transplant.
Until becoming too ill to work, Chapman was an account executive at UM. He created a film encouraging organ donation earlier this year.
McCann has created a TVC, cut from the film and launched a website aimed to get people talking about the importance of organ donation.
The site, DontBuryMe, is provocatively titled to encourage people to consider how many organs are wasted by being buried each year, as a result of people failing to register for organ donation or to tell their next of kin of their wishes. UM is aiming to get a TV screening for the ad, and has submitted it to the networks as a Community Service Announcement and is encouraging media owners to donate their inventory.
Chapman needs a life-saving double heart and lung transplant within the next few months. His original film, a Gracious Gift, was edited by Wolfmoon Media and has had 21,000 views on YouTube to date.
McCann Executive Director John Mescall said in a press release: “Will was able to get his own story out there. What we’re doing is developing a social platform where others on organ donor lists can tell their own stories. The more human stories we can put against the numbers, the more effective this message will be.”
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Comments
8 Aug 12
2:44 pm
I’ve worked with Will and may I just say he’s an absolutely ripping bloke. All the best for this mate!
8 Aug 12
2:46 pm
Well done UM and McCanns. The site is great, having the functionality sign up and to share with family members right there and then is great. Now just need the media owners the run the hell out of the 30sec spot.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you Will.
Spread the word!
8 Aug 12
3:22 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting Will whilst he was at UM – great great guy. Good luck Will – fingers crossed, thinking of you!
8 Aug 12
4:29 pm
Hi, I feel for you and your family and loves ones.
I will spread your words.I have faith and hope and confidence.
that together we can find a donors.
Opportunity is infinite and always present.
I pray and also have send out your message to the world for Miracles of donor’s to come to you.
Teresa Lipczyk S.A
The law of attraction will bring you your donors…
All my love = N x N = Success to you all.x
8 Aug 12
5:39 pm
A massive thanks to 7, 9, 10, SBS and FOXTEL who today have all pledged their support and airtime to Will’s campaign.
As always UM’s thoughts are with Will and his family.
8 Aug 12
5:46 pm
Great one Will – great initiative, and hats off to all involved at UM/McCann’s and Wolfmoon.
Best,
/y0z
8 Aug 12
5:49 pm
Well done Will. I so admire that you have taken this situation and used it to benefit all of those unlucky enough to require organ donation. Well done also to UM, McCann and all of the media owners who have so generously donated their time to help spread Will’s message.
8 Aug 12
5:52 pm
Mate (!) this great news, Keeping our fingers and toes crossed for you! Looking forward to seeing your campaign grow, and hopefully more Australian’s will support and ensure lives a changed for you and others in need.
8 Aug 12
5:54 pm
I too have had the pleasure of working with Will and he is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met…. Please spread the word and register to be an organ donor, it might just save this beautiful boy’s life.
8 Aug 12
5:55 pm
Great job Will, you’re such an inspiration
8 Aug 12
6:01 pm
Amazing effort!
8 Aug 12
6:06 pm
Will, I’ve only just started at UM so I haven’t met you. But I think what you’re doing is amazing and I am passing the message on to everyone I know. I wish you nothing but luck and I hope for nothing less than your complete recovery.
8 Aug 12
6:31 pm
On behalf of my family, my friends and everyone in a similar predicament, sincere thanks to UM, McCann Worldgroup and 7,9,10, SBS and Foxtel for bringing this campaign to life. Amazing generosity from amazing people. Best wishes, Will
8 Aug 12
6:46 pm
Will, you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you to everyone who has shown or given support for this important cause and to this awesome young man.
Let’s keep making noise!
8 Aug 12
7:22 pm
Such a brave dude. Such a as situation.
I just registered as an organ donor. Everyone should do the same.
Good luck.
8 Aug 12
7:44 pm
Well done UM, McCanns and you media guys and girls.
8 Aug 12
10:49 pm
A big massive thanks also goes to Seven Affiliates, WIN NBN, SCA & Ignite Media Brands who also today have all pledged their support and airtime to Will’s campaign.
All the best Will, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
9 Aug 12
8:24 am
I hope Will gets the organs he needs, it is a wonderful gift that costs you nothing to give.
I think this campaign raises an interesting point. We know that removing as many ‘barriers to entry’ as we can will increase the likelihood of a product/service/cause being taken up.
The whole organ donation registration system should be turned upside down. It is Greece I believe (don’t quote me) who have an ‘opt out’ system instead, where you are automatically enrolled for donation at birth. There is a simple process to remove yourself from the donation roster if you so desire.
This strikes me as a much better system, as it doesn’t require additional effort on the part of the consumer (probably the wrong word in this context) to sign up.
I myself am an organ donor and I believe it is a very good cause. But I have to admit that had they not asked me when I got my car licence, I probably wouldn’t have thought of it. So lets stop asking. As long as the unenrollment process is simple enough so people won’t feel like the government is taking control of their organs, most of the population wouldn’t have a problem with it.
Our industry has to have enough leverage in the right places to help this happen, doesn’t it?
Anyway, best of luck Will.
9 Aug 12
8:29 am
Such amazing strength and maturity beyond your years Will. You are an inspiration to all people young and old. You have already changed the world!!
Congrats UM and McCann’s for pushing the word out even further. Amazing.
9 Aug 12
9:14 am
Good luck mate, wish you all the best. Know that your efforts are making a difference, I’ve signed up and will spread the word.
9 Aug 12
9:53 am
Good luck Will. Support you fully bud.
9 Aug 12
9:55 am
Nice work everyone. Also, thanks to Caitlin Harnett and the guys from Mushroom Music for donating the music for the ad.
Go Will.
9 Aug 12
11:53 am
An amazing initiative from an incredibly guy. Any additional support we can all give just by spreading the word to friends helps.
Thoughts are with you buddy, hope you’re staying strong.
9 Aug 12
11:59 am
Will is the most inspirational, amazing 20 y.o I know! Help us help him – become an organ donor it only takes a second & you’ll be saving lives!
9 Aug 12
12:51 pm
Having also worked with Will, he is an amazing person and deserves so much more out of life. My thoughts are with you always Will – you’re doing such a great job spreading the word. And massive thank you to the networks that are donating airtime for support! Amazing effort all.
9 Aug 12
2:28 pm
Completely agree with you Jake, the whole organ process in many countries is backwards.
Many European countries such as Austria, Belgium France, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Sweden are all opt out and they have a very small number of people who opt out. Compared to the UK/Australia for instance where you have to opt in, this single hurdle prevents 80% if not more of people from donating.
I don’t understand why other countries haven’t followed suit, after seeing something working so well in similar countries.
Surely it’s time to rethink our legislation on donation.
9 Aug 12
6:02 pm
Our transplantation rates show we need national reform to be expedited, not pockets of improvement which has been occurring since 1989. It is imperative that the Organ and Tissue Authority’s leadership group take stock of poor performance to date and fulfill their obligation to those in need by ensuring real change occurs. As well as saving lives, there will be considerable savings for the health system. I get sick and tired of hearing that an opt-out system/registration will improve our transplantation rates. These things act as the biggest road block to improving our transplantation rates. As Alex has said, we need to replicate world’s best practice which at present is Spain. All of the leading countries do not have registration systems or opt-out alternates, they simply have suitable people who identify every potential donor and allow families in a time of grieving to make a comfortable, informed decision.
9 Aug 12
6:07 pm
Will, keep up the fight. Our thoughts are always with you and your family. May your actions create change and you get the transplant you require so you can join us at this year’s UM Christmas Party.
Stay strong, you are an amazing individual.
12 Aug 12
9:32 pm
So, the support from media land continues – a very special shout-out and thank goes to the following partners who are on-board with spreading this very special message : News Limited, Val Morgan, Executive Channel, Fairfax, Yahoo7, Mediai, The Media Federation of Australia, ARN, DMG and Southern Cross Australia Radio.
We thank you unconditionally for your support.