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GN Media launches REACH

Dubai-based multimedia organisation, GN Media has launched a new sponsored content creation team, REACH. The new team is a collaboration of editorial, multimedia and commercial talents that aims to provide innovative as well as creative content solutions to brands across the region.

“As audiences become more sophisticated and selective in the way they view advertising and at times even ignore it, it is vital that publishers, brands and advertisers collaborate on finding new, creative solutions,” says Anshuman Joshi, Publisher, GN Media. “We see content as being at the heart of this and we have some of the region’s leading content creators who can produce brilliantly creative, engaging stories for brands. “Whether this is digital, video, social or print, brands need to engage with audiences and earn their attention and trusted, clever content helps do this.”

Dave joins Dance FM

Dubai-based radio personality, Dave Cleary has joined 97.8 Dance FM as a Radio Presenter. Previously presenter for the ‘Mornings with Dave’ show at Radio 2, part of Gulf News Broadcasting, Dave will now host his own show, ‘Loud & Cleary’ that will air on weekdays from 4pm-8pm. Set to launch on February 26, 2017, the show will also cover ‘Destination Dave’, a travel feature created by Dave himself.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such a great team at the station,” says Dave. “As compared to the existing radio stations, Dance FM is something different for the market here in the UAE.”

New beauty platform at Gulf News

Falling under the umbrella of Gulf News Publishing, leisure title tabloid! has introduced a new dedicated beauty platform, The Beauty Beat. The new launch will be available online under the ‘Life&Style’ section of Gulf News’ website with a weekly printed version included in tabloid!’s Friday issue.

“The beauty world can be big and brash, especially for someone who is keen to explore the world of makeup and skincare,” says Jennifer Barretto, Copy Editor, Tabloid!. “There is no dearth of bloggers talking about products, and in this glammed-out world of selfie-perfect looks, we wanted to offer a simpler take on things. I’m just a regular girl with a lot to say about makeup. Hopefully, people will enjoy the column and connect.”

New promotion at tabloid!

tabloid! the leisure section of Gulf News has promoted David Tusing to the role of Editor. Having joined Gulf News in 2010, David previously worked as Deputy Editor of tabloid! where he assisted the Editor and handled the fashion coverage as well as oversaw all social media strategies. In his new role, he will oversee the daily publication of the entertainment and lifestyle section of Gulf News across the UAE to include Hollywood, Bollywood, Fillipino and Arabic entertainment scenes as well as ensure that all content is well constructed for the relevant mediums.

“It’s such an interesting time to be in media, especially in entertainment in the region,” says David. “I am looking forward to taking what is already a very successful product for Gulf News to greater heights.”

Friday welcomes new Editor

GN Media’s flagship weekly, Friday magazine has appointed Natalie Long to the role of Editor. Previously the Editor of tabloid!, Natalie has 10 years of experience in celebrity news, fashion, food, travel, arts and culture. In her new role, she will be overseeing the magazine’s content for print and digital platforms.

“As we celebrate 20 years of Friday magazine in 2017, we are thrilled that Natalie will be leading the team during such an exciting time for the brand,” says Katie Heskett, Publisher, Gulf News Magazines. “After having incredible success with tabloid!, Natalie’s talent and experience in delivering great content across all audience platforms is one that we look forward to bringing to the UAE’s most widely-read magazine.”

Natalie Long, Editor, Friday magazine adds, “I’m excited to join Friday magazine at this important moment in its history. I’m passionate about lifestyle content, and in ten years at tabloid!, I’ve learned that there is a wealth of wonderful stories to be explored right here in the UAE. I can’t wait to start working with the incredible team and bring even more engaging lifestyle content to readers, in the magazine and across digital platforms.”

In The Hot Seat – Matthew Moore

Matthew Moore, Group Marketing Manager at GN Media, tells TMN about the media industry and how it tends to make an impact in the Middle East…

Name: Matthew Moore 

Age: 37

From: UK  

Current Job Title: Group Marketing Manager, Gulf News

When did you first arrive in Dubai?

At the end of January 2016, straight from the UK.

Where did you work prior?

Before coming to Dubai, I was Head of Marketing at Johnston Press, one of the UK’s leading media organisations and before that I was at DMGT, working mainly on The Daily Mail.

What were your first impressions of the media industry in the Middle East?

I have been really impressed, it is diverse and evolving at a really fast pace so it’s an exciting time to be involved.

Has your opinion changed much?

A little, there are certainly differences compared to the UK. Some trends are less prominent whilst others are more advanced than I had imagined. I’ve been really surprised at how relevant mobile adoption and usage is here. As a marketer that’s a great platform for engaging, rich content.

Tell us about your current role…

I drive the marketing strategy for Gulf News Media (Al Nisr Publishing LLC), we publish the Gulf News and a wide range of magazines. It’s marketing’s job to grow our audiences across all of our brands, to increase customer engagement and from a revenue perspective, monetise our audiences as well.

What challenges do you face?

There has never been more choice for audiences in terms of where they get their news, and any other content that’s interesting and relevant to them. So the main challenge is ensuring our brands, their content and our marketing – cuts through – and is attractive, engaging as well as relevant to our audiences, so they continue to choose our brands. On the flip side for b2b, it’s about using insights and data we have to connect brands with our audiences through clever, creative solutions.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Seeing a campaign come to life and consumers engaging with it. We now have a wealth of data and analytics, so we can see in real-time how a campaign or content piece is working. It’s also great for the team that works so hard to see their efforts pay off.

How would you rather be contacted at work?

I suppose email is the most convenient, and we all use it but I’d prefer to have a conversation!

Describe yourself in five words…

Competitive, committed, driven, friendly and happy

What’s your most overused saying?

Trust me, it will be fine?!

Five things you can’t live without?

My family, friends, sports (I will watch anything! Rodeo from Texas was on TV last night and I was hooked) good coffee and I hate to say it but I guess my phone.

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

I’ve always quite liked the idea of being a chef, a professional golfer or a tennis player also appeals.

What is your favourite form of media (i.e; TV, radio, print)?

Wow – difficult. I really enjoy them all for different reasons. Great radio is really absorbing and engaging; and I’m a fan of rolling TV news, whilst digital, mobile and social media continue to grow rapidly – so I’ll say print. There is still something really nice about holding a physical newspaper or magazine, I think there is a nostalgic element to print which people relate to.

Gareth Warren joins GN Guides

GN Guides, part of Gulf News, has promoted Gareth Warren to the role of Editor. Previously Deputy Editor at #GNTECH where he launched the brand, he will now oversee all editorial as well as organise and review content for the Guides section.

“Having launched the #GNTECH brand, I’m definitely going to miss it and I wish the new team there the best of luck, I will always be its biggest fan!” says Gareth. “GN Guides is an exciting challenge as it’s a fairly new section on gulfnews.com. The team is spectacular and I’m looking forward to working with them, taking the brand to the next level and all the fun we’re going to have along the way.”

GN Media closes broadcasting division

Following strategic review of internal operations, Gulf News Media has today announced that it will be closing its broadcasting division effective September 30, 2016. Having come to an agreement, all operations will be managed by Umm Al Quwain Broadcasting including Josh on Frequency 97.8 and Hayat on Frequency 95.6.

good welcomes new Editor

 good magazine, part of Motivate Publishing, has welcomed Jennifer Gibson to the role of Editor. With 13 years of experience in print and broadcast journalism, in the UK as well as in Dubai, Jennifer has previously worked at VIVA and HELLO! Middle East. Most recently she worked as a freelance writer, contributing to titles such as Good TasteWhat’s On Dubai, Cyclist Middle East, The National and Gulf News, she has also worked in broadcasting for Dubai 92 and Dubai Eye. In her new role, Jennifer will be responsible for the monthly lifestyle magazine, handling all editorial content including; writing, commissioning and editing features as well as promoting the magazine via social media and radio.

“I’m delighted to be joining Motivate as Editor of good and am looking forward to working more with the fantastic team here,” says Jennifer. “I’ve lived in Dubai for nearly five years now and have watched the city grow and evolve dramatically during that time, so I’m very excited about getting out there and seeing what’s new, exciting and homegrown in our city.”

MO4 Network welcomes Sacha Shaw

Sacha Shaw has joined MO4 Network as PR Executive and Fashion Stylist. With over four years of experience in fashion and media, Sacha has previously worked for companies such as Boohoo.com, Iceberg publications and Gulf News. In her new role, she will be covering styling and shoots for a range of MO4 clients, as well as handling all PR for Fendi Kids and Il Gufo.

“I’m excited to be joining such an innovative agency, with a real focus on creativity,” says Sacha. “I consider myself lucky to be able to work across such an exciting portfolio of clients, doing something that I’m truly passionate about.”