Posts

In The Hot Seat – Annah Jacob

/in , /by

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!

 

 

 

Katch International Appoints Engagement Director

/in , /by

Communications agency Katch International has appointed Vix Machin to the role of Engagement Director. With over ten years of experience in PR, events and marketing within the MENA region as well as Europe, Vix has worked with local and international brands including Lionsgate Films UK, StudioCanal, Burj Al Arab and Shangri-La Abu Dhabi. In her new role, she will work across a number of accounts, head up the PR team and work hand in hand with the company’s founder, Georgie Woollams.

“We’re very excited to have Vix on board at Katch as she brings both local and international experience to head up the PR team,” says Georgie Woollams, Founder and Managing Director, Katch International. “Vix has a great reputation amongst her piers and continues to grow as a valued member of the communications landscape in the UAE.”

Vix adds “Katch has an excellent reputation in both Dubai and London. The team is responsible for so many success stories in the UAE and I’m so happy to now be a part of it. Katch works across so many sectors from consultation to events to digital and design as well as communications and I’m very eager to grow my experience across them all.”

Mindshare appoints new Deputy Managing Director

/in , /by

Global media agency network, Mindshare UAE has promoted Zahi Lawand to the role of Deputy Managing Director. Previously Senior Director of Client Leadership for Mindshare since 2007, Zahi specialises in client leadership and has contributed to campaigns for the agency that have won across key industry events such as the MENA Cristal Awards, the Effie Awards and the Lynx Awards. In his new role as Deputy Managing Director, he will be responsible for helping both regional and international clients make collaborative and adaptive decisions using his previous experience in the agency.

“It’s definitely an interesting time to be a part of media and communications, as the tides keep shifting in this industry and you always need to rethink and adapt to the new norm,” says Zahi. “Personally, I am looking forward to the new role, as it’s an opportunity for me to play a central role within the Mindshare team and to deliver excellence in all that we do.”

Ravi Rao, CEO, Mindshare MENA, adds “Zahi has shown great client relationship skills backed by his deep desire to understand client`s business challenges and provide winning strategy and ideas. He is digitally savvy and sound in marketing and a full-fledged team player that makes him perfect to take this new mantle in Mindshare Dubai.”

Ben Westwood joins FlipFlop Media

/in , /by

FlipFlop Media has welcomed Ben Westwood to the role of Sales Manager for its Terminal Operator title. Having relocated to Dubai from the UK in 2013, Ben most recently worked as Sales Manager for Holborn Assets Dubai where he maintained excellent relationships with clients by providing sound financial advice. In his new role, he will be using his strong background in financial services and client relations to oversee the new business development of Terminal Operator as well as other titles in the FlipFlop Media portfolio.

“I am excited to be joining the energetic FlipFlop Media team, especially to be working on such an interesting title like Terminal Operator,” says Ben. “This opportunity is a great way for me to really dig into new areas and use my strengths while still developing in such an intense industry.”

In The Hot Seat – Helen Farmer

/in , /by

The Mothership’s Founder Helen Farmer tells TMN her views on the UAE’s ever-changing media landscape, offers advice to others looking to start blogging and talks about how she sees blogging evolving in the Middle East…

Name: Helen Farmer

Age: 33

From: Northumberland, UK

Current Job Title: I’m the Founder of parenting blog The Mothership (themothershipdxb.com), as well as a freelance Writer, Editor and Radio Presenter.

When did you first arrive in Dubai?January 2007

Where did you work prior?In the UK I was in broadcasting, print and PR before moving to Dubai to work for Explorer Publishing as a Writer and Deputy Editor of their guide books. I then went to Motivate Publishing as Deputy Editor of What’s On, before launching and editing good magazine which I’ve now being doing since 2013.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?How nice everyone was. When I arrived it was even more social than it is now, with a lot of people from both media and PR going out almost every night.

Has your opinion changed much?
It has matured a lot on both sides, with fewer fresh graduates and more experienced talent. Now with cool, home grown titles, international magazines and bigger agencies, we’re starting to see more collaborations rather than the standard press release model, which is great. And the UAE is finally starting to catch up with digital.

Is blogging your full time job or a part time passion?
A bit of both! It’s a part time job, but a full time passion.

Tell us about your blog…
I started The Mothership last year, when my daughter was six months old. I simply wanted to connect with other new mums, through honest, real posts about the good, bad and downright mind-blowing truths of parenting in the UAE. I fear I might have put some women off pregnancy…

The Mothership then grew to become a Facebook page and recently I had the website rebranded and redesigned to make it more user-friendly, as well as having the capacity to include reviews, news and recommendations.

I now work with brands that I admire, have held workshops to support other working mums and have built a great community.

What’s the most rewarding part of blogging?
When another mum comments saying “Yes! Me too! Thank you.” Motherhood can be really lonely at times and I truly appreciate that moment of realisation and connection, when my followers share their own similar experiences.

Which international Bloggers inspire you?
I love Joanna Goddard from Cup of Jo, who mixes stylish inspiration with normal living and Sarah Turner from The Unmumsy Mum, who made it acceptable for mothers to admit that parenting isn’t always cuddles and candyfloss – it’s frustrating and often very messy.

What advice would you offer to someone looking to start a blog? 
Write from your heart and don’t try to be someone you’re not. I’m more high street than high fashion, couldn’t offer makeup tips to save my life and definitely shouldn’t be sharing recipes, but people understand what I’m really about. Start writing and you’ll find your tribe.

Do you accept press material from PRs?
After being in magazines in the UAE for more than six years I’m on a few press lists! I’ll always check out something relevant, but am more responsive when a PR gets in touch with a personalised suggestion for collaboration.

How would you rather be contacted?
I prefer email, and can be reached at Helen@themothershipdxb.com

Describe yourself in five words…
Working mum. A bit tired.

What’s your most overused saying?
“Have you heard about that new… ?”

Five things you can’t live without?
Family, phone, giant CamelBak water bottle, BBC television and the beach.

How do you see online journalism/blogging changing in the UAE in the coming years?
If bloggers are monetising a site or social feed, there needs to be some form of regulation in terms of sharing their numbers and data. This is so new for the UAE, that some people (no names) mislead potential clients and it can have a negative effect on those who are more transparent.

What would be the next step for you as a blogger?
I’m planning to hold further events and workshops after the summer, as well as continue to work with more brands that are in line with my values and really benefit my followers.