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SPARK Media has always touted the value that advertisers get by advertising in quality online environments. A new study overseas proves that these quality online environments are actually 42% more cost effective.

“This recent study conducted by GroupM UK and Newsworks is what many publishers have been waiting for and what we’ve always said,” says Ashleigh Footit, Head of Techops at SPARK Media.

The study offers proof that ads appearing in quality online environments are 42% more cost effective for advertisers based on levels of engagement, viewability, above the fold placement and dwell time*.

Caxton CTP Publishers represented by SPARK Media have their Private Market Place (PMP), Ignition Sell, which offers advertisers just that, the opportunity to appear in a quality online environment. Ignition Sell comprises of over 90 Caxton owned or part-owned online publications. These include Guzzle, Local News Network (79 Local newspaper websites), All4Women, Caxton Magazines (12 lifestyle websites), Private Property and Autodealer.

“Instead of buying placement on the open market where low quality environments are often a norm (the study found that 48% of measurable ads on the open exchange were never actually seen), buyers can access PMP’s like Ignition Sell where quality is a priority because Caxton CTP Publishers have a large team of editors and journalists ensuring that the integrity and credibility of content that is curated and created is never compromised. This is done in the best interest of both consumers and advertisers,” concludes Footit.

*The original article can be viewed at https://www.groupm.com/news/quality-online-environments-are-42-more-cost-effective-advertisers 

To find out more, connect, discuss or engage with SPARK Media, call 010 492 8390, visit www.sparkmedia.co.za, follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/SparkMediaSA or find ‘SPARK Media’ (sparkmediasa) on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SPARK Media DNA

Established in 2015, SPARK Media, a division of CTP Ltd, are experts in retail and location based marketing solutions. The company owns and represents a myriad of print and digital products that deliver locally relevant, effective audiences for advertising clients. SPARK Media are Strategic Partners in Audience Research and Knowledge and offer ‘Insights that Ignite’.

It’s that time of year again – SPARK Media’s annual Sports Day! This year SPARK Media takes participants back to school and more specifically, to that inter-high sports day to unleash their inner jock, cheerleader or nerd.

As in the previous years, SPARK Media have again catered to both the sporty and the brainy and invite media agencies, clients, friends and partners to participate in a choice of an 18 hole round of golf, lawn bowling or a fun filled, interactive, general knowledge quiz on the 27^th June at the Bryanston Country Club.

“It’s back to school! Whether you’re a rugby or sporty jock, a quiet chess nerd or raucous cheerleader, we have an extramural activity for you,” says Gill Randall, Joint CEO of SPARK Media. “To the victors go the spoils and there will be some fantastic prizes up for grabs.”

Enter any of the three categories: Golf, 18 holes starting from 11am. Tee off times to be advised and official handicaps preferable. Bowling will commence at 14h00 (that’s 2PM cheerleaders!) and will last about 2.5 hours while the ‘battle of the brains’ quiz kicks off at 15h00 (3PM is case those jocks are confused).

After all the action, drinks will be served in the quad (don’t worry, teachers will turn a blind eye if you don’t have an ID or parent permission slip *wink wink*), followed by prize giving in the school hall (Grosvenor Room).

Full colours and scrolls will be awarded to A+ students and top athletes, including the victor and victrix ludorum!  Cheerleaders and supporters are welcome. There will be a school spirit award for the best team war-cry so come rehearsed and dressed for the part.

Places are limited. Avoid detention and reserve your or your team’s spot now by emailing Emily on eck@sparkmedia.co.za / 010 492 8363. *Please indicate which activity you’ll be entering.

To find out more, connect, discuss or engage with SPARK Media, call 010 492 8390, visit www.sparkmedia.co.za, follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/SparkMediaSA or find ‘SPARK Media’ (sparkmediasa) on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SPARK Media DNA

Established in 2015, SPARK Media, a division of CTP Ltd, are experts in retail and location based marketing solutions. The company owns and represents a myriad of print and digital products that deliver locally relevant, effective audiences for advertising clients. SPARK Media are Strategic Partners in Audience Research and Knowledge and offer ‘Insights that Ignite’.

Clover has just unveiled its latest mouth wateringly innovative offering in the Ready to Eat (RTE) category, complete with first-to-Africa FreshVacSeal™ packaging technology, under the Whistling Chef brand. The packaging technology allows consumers to enjoy a fresh meal with an extended shelf life. 

This latest range from Clover is completely unique as it’s the first time this packaging technology has been used in South Africa. The FreshVacSeal™ technology is a patent unique to Clover’s Whistling Chef range that guarantees freshness every time. The meals are preservative free, a source of calcium, colourant free and has protein from 9 amino acids.

The Whistling Chef is not just a clever brand name – these nutritious and delicious meals that offer family favourite recipes, actually whistle in the microwave when they’re perfectly heated! What’s more is that each meal undergoes ten quality checks, has an innovative ‘tray plate’ for easy eating and a first to market ‘no pierce’ film.Launched at Melrose Arch with the help of local celebs Pearl Thusi and Ntokozo Dlamini who lead an intrigued crowd to the tasty offerings, Clover’s latest products promise delicious convenience with quality ingredients.

“We know what a struggle it is for families, Moms who want to take the night off, and executives and students to rustle up a dinner that is nutritious, containing real, fresh ingredients that is ready in just a few minutes. It’s for this exact reason that we’ve created The Whistling Chef range,” says Marketing Manager at Clover Mone Gerryts. “Made with only the best and freshest ingredients, the Whistling Chef range contains real Clover cheese, milk, butter and cream to ensure a quality, preservative free product.”The Whistling Chef offering has launched with five initial variants including Creamy Macaroni & Cheese; Cottage Pie; Creamy Alfredo; Beef Lasagne and Spaghetti Bolognaise.

“Our RTE meals contain FreshVacSeal™ technology which means a pasteurised, longer shelf life,” says Mone. “And with the unique whistling packaging there’s no need to pierce the film on the meal either, your meal will literally whistle and let you know when it’s ready.The Whistling Chef range is completely Halaal, and has been developed by food technologists and specialists. It’s been available from the 14th May at select retailers and forecourts nationwide. The product’s fun pay off lines perfectly sums up the range’s appeal across target markets: ‘Working late again!’, ‘Mom’s night off!’ and ‘Cooking for one made fun!’.

“We’re so excited to release this new range into the market and initial feedback has been incredibly positive,” she says.

For more information follow the hashtag #TheWhistlingChef on social media platforms or visit us at these accounts: Twitter: @Whistling_Chef; Facebook: @cloverwhistlingchef; Instagram: @cloverwhistlingchef

Edith is a well known and highly respected legend in the media buying industry. With her career spanning countless years, Caxton would like to bid her a fond farewell.

Edith joined the Argus Group back in the 70s before joining Caxton in 1983 where she efficiently ran the insert bookings division – an impressive feat considering the vast amount of bookings processed on a weekly basis. In 1994/95, Edith was promoted to Media Manager, overseeing all the training and development of new staff, as well as insert bookings. A large number of these staff members went on to further their careers in the industry and became highly successful.

Caxton would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her dedicated and professional service to our media co-ordination over the last 35 years. Edith leaves extremely large boots to fill, and Caxton wishes her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

SPARK Media DNA

Established in 2015, SPARK Media, a division of CTP Ltd, are experts in retail and location based marketing solutions. The company owns and represents a myriad of print and digital products that deliver locally relevant, effective audiences for advertising clients. SPARK Media are Strategic Partners in Audience Research and Knowledge and offer ‘Insights that Ignite’.

 

Some of a brand’s best advocates are its staff. A brand’s internal team knows their service or product inside out; they understand the company’s ethos, its values and messaging. With this in mind, Nfinity, the media innovation hub housing several platform-agnostic marketing and eventing offerings under its roof, has launched theIntern-ship, a company focused on employee advocacy programmes, a brand’s best mouthpiece.

This latest move by Nfinity cements the company as a major player in the influencer marketing sphere, with offerings now covering employees (theIntern-ship); micro-influencers (theSALT) and celebrity influencers (under the Webfluential license).

According to Managing Director Pieter Groenewald, theIntern-ship is a service that brands have been asking for, for some time. “As we became more entrenched in influencer marketing, the clearer it became that brands wanted to get their staff involved as advocates in their own brand campaigns. Staff utilise their own social media platforms where they have an existing trust base and relationship with their communities on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, depending on the brand requirements.”

Nfinity has created a programme designed to teach and inform staff of the power that their individual voices have in their own social influence spheres. The process takes people on a 12 month social journey and experience from beginning to end. Staffers are taught how to use their social media platforms more effectively to become brand advocates. “We even assist in creating individual accounts should the person not already be involved on a platform, like on LinkedIn for example,” explains Pieter.

“People with similar mind-sets, activities and lifestyles tend to naturally gather into communities, they speak a certain way, interact with each other uniquely and as such they don’t need to be taught this important skill – it’s automatic, it happens. What’s more, individuals trust each other within these communities, and the authenticity comes through,” he says.

Consumers within the brand advocate’s circle of influence are much more receptive and likely to engage with the content as it’s coming from a known person, a trusted person, not a corporate account which could, more than likely, be seen as an advert.

Over the course of the year, theIntern-ship makes use of an in-house algorithm to track and monitor employees’ content and engagement levels which encourage the competitive spirit amongst staff. Bronze, silver and gold medals are achieved at certain engagement levels and at different phases of each 12 month campaign.  Importantly, the media value that is generated from the employees’ effort is measured as part of the KPI’s of the programme.

“theIntern-ship allows brands to get front and centre with their customers, and let’s face it, we spend a huge amount of our time online, that’s where the conversation is happening, and brands want to be part of it,” says Pieter. “Our initial campaigns using employees on their own social media channels are showing engagement levels that are through the roof.”

“The beauty of theIntern-ship is the ability for brands or companies to punch way above their weight when it comes to marketing,” says Pieter, “and thanks to the mechanics of the programme a small independent business has as much opportunity to elevate its brand as a multinational does. In fact studies have shown that 25% of sales actually originate from ‘social selling’.”

For more information contact Pieter Groenewald at pieter@nfinity.co.za

The intern-ship

Not every date goes well! Bad dates happen and sometimes, escape is required. Primedia Unlimited’s TLC provided the perfect environment to communicate humorous snippets on how to escape ‘those’ situations in many relevant environments.

“Diesel Jeans recently briefed TLC Media to run a one month campaign in various environments for the launch of their new jeans – JoggJeans,” says Greg Bruwer, TLC’s Managing Director. “The campaign communicates the many ways one can escape a bad date in relevant environments, reinforcing the Diesel collection of jeans ‘so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing them’, even at top speed!”

In order to communicate to the consumer at every possible turn and touch point, Bad Date Survival Tips were placed as decals on change room mirrors in selected Edgars stores and the washrooms of selected shopping malls. These offered advice on many funny ways to escape from an awkward date.

In order to target a wide range of people, the campaign was extended into spaces beyond the Diesel stores and selected shopping malls. TLC presented Diesel’s Bad Date Survival Tips to people in spaces where bad dates happen all the time, like in restaurants and bars through mirror decals and backlit mirror frames.Including the JoggJeans campaign in a gym is perhaps a surprising but a completely natural choice when one thinks about it.  20 Planet Fitness Gyms provided additional outlets to the campaign through to use of A4 frames. While gym-goers were pumping iron or training, they were presented with a Survival Tip and the classic “or just run in Diesel JoggJeans” call to action line.“This was a fun and well executed campaign for Diesel JoggJeans,” concludes Bruwer. “It just confirms that washroom advertising can be fashionable and entertaining at the same time!”

 

TLC Unlimited

TLC (Targeted Lifestyle Communication) introduced the concept of washroom advertising to the South African market in 1996, and has since become the sole player in this media arena offering a plethora of in-mall and washroom advertising platforms such as standard and talking frames, cubicle wraps and treadmill branding to mention a few. More recently, TLC has expanded its portfolio to include a number of new businesses which are housed in TLC Unlimited (under Primedia Unlimited) namely TLC; Salon Media; TLC Mobile; Fitting Exposure (FashionCam) and Fotoactiv. Visit www.primedia-unlimited.co.za or www.tlc-media.co.za for more.

After serving on the ABF (Advertising Benevolent Fund) executive board for three years, SPARK Media’s Olav Westphal has been named President of the fund by fellow EXCO members.

Olav takes over the reins from John Bowles who served as Acting President and President of the ABF for over nine years. The fund exists to offer short term assistance to members of the advertising and media industry who have fallen on hard times.

With the exception of a few paid officials which include a treasurer and two social workers, all serve in an entirely voluntary capacity. While the fund is based in Johannesburg, regional branches administer local aspects of the ABF’s work in Durban. The organisation is in the process of re-establishing a presence in Cape Town.

“We are currently recruiting fresh talent onto the EXCO and are reviving several fund raising and networking opportunities that will take place throughout the year,” says Olav. “The first event, a lawn bowls based fundraiser, has already taken place and we’re looking forward to hosting media agencies, creative agencies and marketers at future events.

We encourage media and creative agencies to get involved and support an organisation that looks after our own community. It could be any one of us in need one day.”

For more information on fundraisers contact ow@sparkmedia.co.za

Keep up to date with ABF news on Facebook, Twitter or www.abfsa.org.za

In a watershed move for the business, Brett Tucker, Chairman of Relativ Media Large Format, has announced the outright purchase of Graffiti Media. MD Richard Wilkinson and his team have already joined the Relativ Media Large Format team, to become renamed Relativ Impact, at their new offices in Sandton.

“Relativ Media has experienced a fantastic growth spurt over the last few years and with the addition of the Graffiti Media solution, our advertisers are spoilt for choice with high impact sites and media platforms across South Africa. Richard Wilkinson will take over the MD position of Relativ Impact,” says Brett.

Richard adds: “The purchase of Graffiti by Relativ Media Large Format was a natural progression for us. Being able to utilise a strong national sales team and Relativ’s existing infrastructure is a massive bonus. Added to that, and under the guidance of Andrew Cooper as National Sales Director, we have a winning combination to really ramp up our business offering.”

Wilkinson has more than twenty years in the media industry, beginning in radio and running his own media consultancy before establishing Impact Media with Graffiti Designs in 2005. “The opportunity arose for Relative Media to acquire Graffiti Media in May 2018, one which made complete business sense,” says Richard. “As a combined entity my focus will be to develop the Relative Impact brand into one of the largest and most innovative out of home media companies in South Africa.”

The Relativ Impact company currently has digital properties including airports, 180 out of home sites and eight digital sites countrywide. Coupled to this, several new and innovative platforms are planned for the near future. “This acquisition has significantly strengthened our sales force and amped up our overall leadership team, each holding their own areas of expertise in the industry. We’re confident that we have a bright future ahead,” says Brett.

For more information contact Richard Wilkinson on richard@relativgroup.co.za

Caxton Magazine’s rooi rose, the number one Afrikaans monthly magazine in the country, has secured a royal scoop second to none.Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène of Monaco is gracing the June 2018 cover of rooi rose magazine. The Princess’s sister-in-law, Chantell Wittstock, contacted the magazine’s deputy editor, Hannelie Diedericks, in the beginning of the year to inform the publication that the normally camera-shy Princess would shortly visit South Africa and would love to be on the cover of rooi rose magazine. The rooi rose team jumped at the opportunity and set the wheels in motion to organise a cover shoot fit for a princess.

“It was an unforgettable experience and a great honour for us,” says rooi rose editor Martie Pansegrouw. “Princess Charlène arrived with a full security team as well as her attorney present on the shoot but she was absolutely divine and down to earth. This special feature takes up eight pages in the June issue, understandably we’ve allocated more space than usual to this specific piece.

We were thrilled that Princess Charlène’s family specifically requested to be featured in our publication – her Serene Highness felt that the Afrikaans market is incredibly strong in South Africa and more aligned to her,” says Martie.

rooi rose boasts a circulation of just under 70 000 and a monthly readership of 596 000. The magazine has a 78% female readership with a racial split of 39% white, 31% black and 30% coloured/Indian – the majority (58%) of who are in the LSM 7-10 income bracket.

“The first task of the shoot was to ensure that rooi rose’s dream team was available to deliver the flawless cover photographs that rooi rose is known for,” adds Pansegrouw. “Photographer Leana Clunies-Ross who has been photographing rooi rose covers for over 10 years and is our number one choice for her exquisite lighting and intrinsic ability to make the most nervous cover model feel beautiful and at ease in front of the camera.”

Stylist Riaan Hulley, make-up artist Adelle Jung and hairstylist-to-the-stars, Saadique Ryklief, were immediately secured to ensure that every detail would be taken care of for the perfect results.

An understated, chic black and white colour palette was deliberately chosen to complement the Princess’s natural beauty and elegance.  Local and international designers such as Gert-Johan Coetzee, Anel Botha, Stefania Morland, Jacques Lagrange, Erre Fashion, Kat van Duinen, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Suzaan Heyns, Pichulik, Max Mara, Chopard, Cartier and Bulgari were thrilled to supply their finery for this occasion. Beautiful furniture from Weylandts provided the backdrop for some of the photographs. The exquisite dresses of Erre Fashion particularly caught the Princess’s eye and even went home with a few of their pieces after the shoot. Subsequently the Princess has invited the Erre design duo consisting of Natasha Jaume and Carina Louw to Monaco later in the year.The bright and airy Light Station Studio in Bryanston was the perfect venue for the shoot. Large enough to host a princess’s entourage (including strapping bodyguards and the blue-light brigade courtesy of the SAPS), a TV-crew from Bravo! on kykNET, and an excited rooi rose team – all ready to start shooting!  The Princess was a natural in front of the camera. Her Serene Highness’ athletic grace, glowing skin and expressive blue eyes made every shot a masterpiece.

“We’re absolutely thrilled with the end result and can’t wait to see the issue on shelves,” says Martie. “We’re confident that our advertisers and readers alike will enjoy the issue almost as much as we enjoyed putting it together.”

Don’t miss the June 2018 rooi rose (on sale from 14 May – 10 June) to read our exclusive, candid interview with the Princess and feast your eyes on gorgeous photographs of the rarely photographed royal. Also featured in the issue are articles delving into dating after 50, a topical look at an unsolved murder and how to be a good boss.

Visit www.rooirose.za for a behind-the-scenes look and don’t miss *Bravo! (on kykNET channel 144 on DSTV) to see what went down on the day of the shoot. *This Bravo! episode airs on Sunday 13 May at 19:30 on kykNET channel 144 on DSTV with repeats on the following Monday at 10:00 and 22:30, Tuesday at 00:30, Wednesday at 12:00, Thursday at 16:00 and Friday at 15:00.Captions for photographs:The team: From behind, left to right: Hannelie Diedericks (deputy editor), Adelle Jung (make-up), Melissa-Jade Myburgh (assistant), Saadique Ryklief (hair), Michelle Nortje (assistant), Tracey Lange (Bravo!), Leana Clunies-Ross (photographer), Elsa Kruger (journalist), Riaan Hulley (stylist), Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène of Monaco, Martie Pansegrouw (editor).

Erre fashion: From left to right: Carina Louw (Erre), Her Serene Highness Princess Charlène of Monaco, Natasha Jaume (Erre).For more information contact Martie Pansegrouw (Editor)

Caxton Magazines DNA

Storytelling is our business. Content is our currency. Caxton Magazines is a division of Caxton CTP Printers & Publishers and houses 12 brands in print and digital formats, primarily aimed at the women’s lifestyle segment across life stages, lifestyles and income groups. These brands are: Vrouekeur; Woman & Home; Bona; Living & Loving; People; Food & Home Entertaining; Your Family; Garden & Home; Farmer’s Weekly; Essentials; Rooi Rose and SA Country Life. Visit www.caxtonmags.co.za

With a wide portfolio of growing media properties, Nfinity, under the leadership of Ken Varejes and his team, has acquired the license to operate Webfluential South Africa in an exciting move for the Group. As international leaders in the influencer marketing category, Webfluential helps thousands of brands of all sizes connect and craft stories with influencers that have significant social media influence, share them with these audiences and build their brands through online engagement.Ken says that Nfinity has always been a space for entrepreneurs to grow and better their businesses and Webfluential South Africa is a perfect addition into the mix of media solutions. “We’re extremely excited about incorporating Webfluential South Africa into the Nfinity stable and we know that together with our current array of media solutions, our existing and future clients have a full 360 degree media powerhouse at their disposal. This is a historic event for both our businesses and we can’t wait to amplify our client’s brands even more.”A dedicated Webfluential South Africa team will be based at Nfinity’s offices in Sandton under the guidance of Pieter Groenewald, who has become one of the most recognized experts in the field of influencer marketing. Murray Legg, the co-founder of Webfluential says: “Nfinity has a strong and credible track record in the media industry, fantastic sales and management team and all the resources and expertise to take our business into the next phase of our journey – we’re excited!”

Nfinity’s existing brand advocacy and micro influencer business theSALT will continue to work as a separate business unit with advertisers, offering micro influencing and brand advocate solutions for clients to maximise brand growth. “The offering of these two businesses is so different and in my mind will complement each other,” concludes Ken.

Nfinity DNA

Headed by entrepreneur Ken Varejes as CEO, Nfinity is the latest innovation hub to land in the media, marketing and eventing fields. Nfinity is poised as a space for entrepreneurs to grow and better their businesses under the guidance of Ken and his growing management team, each a specialist in their own field. Nfinity currently has established shareholding and presence in the following companies: AdColony, theSALT, Whisky Live, Whizzky App, Orange Block, MediaPop, theIntern-Ship, Brand a Tuk Tuk and Nfinity Digital.