Gulf News Broadcasting has announced that it will no longer be managing stations Radio One & Radio Two. Established over ten years ago, the radio stations have closed “as a result of unforeseen circumstances, which are beyond the control of Gulf News Broadcasting LLC”.
The broadcasting company has thanked its employees, advertising partners and supporters, as well as contributors for their efforts and commitment.
MOJEH has appointed Annie Darling to the role of Lifestyle Writer. Previously Features Editor at Hot Media Publishing where she worked on magazines such as World Traveller and AIR, Annie specialises in writing about luxury lifestyle and travel. In her new role, she will write about popular culture, fashion and current affairs for the magazine’s print publication and website.
“MOJEH is a beautiful magazine that combines beauty, style, glamour and contemporary culture in an effortless way,” says Annie. “It’s an exciting publication, which I’m delighted to have joined and I hope to spark discussion about the people, trends and events that matter most.”
Create Content, a division of Create Media Group has been appointed as the communications agency for Blue Skies Trading. Located in Dubai, the distribution company offers a range of wellness and lifestyle product lines to luxury spas and retailers across the region. A dedicated team within the digital communications agency will conceptualise and execute all integrated communications activity for Blue Skies.
“We’re delighted to be working with the team at Blue Skies trading and look forward to planning and executing a number of exciting product launches for them this year,” Says Sarah Johnson, Director, Create Content, Creative Media Group.
TishTash Marketing and Public Relations has appointed Polly Williams to the role of Group Account Director. With her most recent work at Zenithoptimedia, Polly has worked in strategic roles with experience in the marketing and communications industry globally. In her new role, she will oversee the management of the PR team as well as business development for the agency to boost its senior management team.
“TishTash has had a phenomenal four years in business,” says Natasha Hatherall-Shawe, Founder and Managing Director, TishTash. “Polly’s experience and understanding of the beauty industry, plus her ability to effectively manage teams and drive some impressive new business wins makes her a fantastic addition to our team as we go forward with a re-energised strategy and direction as an agency. I’m excited to see what the next six months have in store!”
Polly adds “I am looking forward to bringing my global knowledge to the agency and our clients, working with some of the best beauty and health PR people in the region and being part of taking TishTash forward.”
LinkedIn MENA has appointed Nicolas Roux as its first ever Head of Agencies for MENA’S LinkedIn Marketing Solutions. With 20 years of experience in digital marketing, business development as well as brand & content strategy, Nicolas most recently worked at MediaCom MENA, Kalm Beauty Network, Leo Burnett and Chalhoub Group. In his new role, he will be responsible for strategic partnerships and executive level engagements with key media holding companies as well as the agencies within them. Nicolas will also lead, advice and execute LinkedIn’s go-to-market strategy for media, creative, social and PR agencies with the objective of driving partner and agency alignment across the organisation within the MENA region.
“The MENA media market is on the brink of the next evolutionary leap forward, with traditional lines being redrawn between brands, publishers and agencies,” says Nicolas. “I am excited to join LinkedIn at such a significant time in its own journey, and look forward to working with our agency partners to create economic opportunities for professionals across the region.”
House of Comms has been appointed to handle all marketing solutions for MPLUS+. Established over five years ago, the home maintenance company provides preventative home maintenance services to residential communities in the UAE. The integrated communications agency will be responsible for delivering a broad range of digital marketing solutions, including web and social media.
“MPLUS+ has been leading the way in home maintenance for a long time in the UAE,” says Jamie Wilks, Managing Partner, House of Comms. “We’re delighted that they have chosen us to assist them in taking their business deeper into the digital realm. It’s so refreshing to work with a business that looks to take advantage of new technology and we can’t wait to get started.”
Katch International has been appointed by luxury management and concierge service, Quintessentially Lifestyle UAE to work as a business, marketing and communications consultant. The agency will work hand-in-hand with Quintessentially Lifestyle to enhance the already premium client services available as well as growing extensive partnership on a local as well as a global scale.
“This is a very exciting time for Quintessentially UAE and Katch,” says Georgie Woollams, Founder, Katch International. “We are delighted to be working with such a successful global brand and look forward to being part of the next Quintessentially UAE chapter.
PRCO Dubai has been appointed by Minor Hotels to handle all PR activities for its properties across Asia, Africa and the Middle East – Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa, Avani Hotels & Resorts, Elewana Collection, Oaks Hotels & Resorts, Per Aquum Hotels & Resorts and Tivoli Hotels & Resorts. The integrated communications agency will oversee press outreach, corporate client communications and strategic planning for the Hotel’s properties throughout the GCC.
“In light of Minor Hotels’ exciting new expansion plans in the UAE, wider Middle East and Africa, we believe now is the right time for us to begin working with the group in order to further enhance their local presence,” says Jonathan Rivlin, Managing Director, PRCO Middle East.
Host of Pearl 102 FM’s after-school show Annah Jacob, tells TMN about growing up with regional media and how important she considers nurturing home grown talent and creativity…
Name: Annah “Banana” Jacob
Age: 33
From: India (born in Dubai)
Current Job Title: Radio Presenter for Pearl 102 – children’s radio
When did you first arrive in Dubai?
I was born here!And I’ve been here ever since.
Where did you work prior?
My media career predominantly included presenting for Dubai One (TV) and Virgin Radio Dubai. Chances are you will have seen me waving a microphone around most parts of the UAE!
What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?
I was raised in Dubai so I grew up reading children’s supplements like Young Times (Khaleej Times) and Junior News (Gulf News) as well as watching a variety of children’s TV shows and cartoons across Channel 33 (now known as Dubai One). Even though it was limited, every bit of media back then was all-encompassing and had a little something for every member of the family.
Has your opinion changed much?
We’re certainly spoiled for choice now, but, print and broadcast media in the UAE these days does seem to have the same type of content hashed out in multiple ways – which is why I genuinely appreciate homegrown publications and shows. It’s nice to have locally-produced content that capitalises on the talent pool that we have right here in our own backyard. We could also do with more content for children in the UAE.
Tell us about your current role…
I’m known as Annah Banana to children (and most grown-ups) and I host the after-school show from 3pm – 6pm on Pearl 102 FM.
What challenges do you face?
Presenting and producing a radio show by yourself is quite hectic. There’s researching content to keep your target audience coming back for more, preparing all of the audio elements needed for the show, managing the desk (and making sure the station doesn’t go off air), fulfilling deliverables to the sponsors, booking guests and finally, managing a group of children on air is a whole different ball game compared to adults. I’m usually tuckered out after a show – but seeing their faces all lit up is worth it!
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The look of glee when kids (and grown ups) turn around and go “You’re Annah Banana?!” Yes, I love the recognition!
What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a career in media in the UAE?
I was fortunate to receive a break when I auditioned for Dubai One back in 2009. Times and trends have changed however and one no longer needs to limit themselves to traditional platforms or even the norms of how things are done. My biggest advice would be to think outside the box and aim to create the next big thing in media.
How do you find PRs in the region?
I genuinely don’t have an issue with PRs in the region, maybe it’s because I don’t know any better! I’m usually good at sending a quick response to thank them for their email or alternatively point out why their press release or media invite isn’t relevant to me, or my work.
What’s your pet PR peeve?
If they continue to send press releases or media invites when I’ve pointed out that they’re not relevant to me or my work!
What advice can you offer PRs seeking coverage on your show?
Don’t just change the name of the recipient on your mass broadcast – customise your email to highlight why your client or product is relevant to me, my show or the station! Otherwise, I will gloss over and hit NEXT.
How would you describe yourself at work?
My at-work personality isn’t too dissimilar from my on air personality. I like to exude positivity and pass that kind of happy energy to people I work with. I like to walk in with a smile on my face, say hello to everyone by name and then sit down to get started with purpose.
Describe yourself in five words…
Little person with a large personality. (That ‘a’ doesn’t count)
What’s your most overused saying?
Treat people the way you would want them to treat you – unless you want to be treated like dirt!
Five things you can’t live without?
I’m not attached to anything I can’t give up – family and friends not included, of course!
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a Presenter, I could picture myself being a makeup artist. I already quite enjoy doing makeovers on my friends!
If you could change one thing about media in the UAE, what would it be?
Both TV and radio stations need to support and nurture homegrown talent and locally-produced content. They may not be commercially viable at the start, but neither were some of the biggest shows or artists that we have today!
How do you see media changing in the UAE in the coming years?
I think it will definitely become more digital.
If you could have one work wish granted, what would it be?
To host and produce my own TV talk show with no censorship!
What is your favourite form of media (i.e; TV, radio, print)?
TV will always be my first love because that’s how I got into the business, plus, I’m all about body language. Having said that, radio has definitely added a whole new dimension to my skills as a Presenter!
Youth media and content creation studio, VICE Media has partnered with media and communications group, MOBY Group to launch VICE’s digital and mobile programming in the MENA region. The partnership will give the company access to MOBY’s knowledge in the local markets and will bring with it the opening of local production studios across the region, the hiring of journalists and filmmakers as well as the airing of tailored local news and lifestyle programming.
“There’s no question that the Middle East is one of the promising emerging digital markets in the world right now,” says Saad Mohseni, Chairman and Group CEO, MOBY Group. “There’s a massive young audience in the Middle East and North Africa that’s intensely engaged in the debates and stories happening around them—but no one is focused on offering them the immersive, locally produced content that they want. VICE, under visionary leadership of Shane, has successfully captured the mind and heart of the youth across the globe. We have been collaborating with VICE for many years, and now through MOBY’s formal partnership with VICE we look forward to filling a vital void and reaching the digitally savvy young generation with content that matters to them.”