Inside the Art of Listening Without Algorithms: A Q&A With Barnard Beukman

Today's media landscape is no stranger to accommodating immediate change. While media professionals face an increasing dominance by metrics and algorithm-driven content, there still remain editorial voices that reconnect us with the true meaning of media. Kiara Ferreira from media update speaks with Barnard Beukman, Editor of South Africa's new print publication, Die Papier.

Die Kuns van Luister Sonder die Algoritmes: 'n V&A met Barnard Beukman

Vandag se medialandskap is geen vreemdeling wanneer dit kom by die hantering van verandering nie. Terwyl mediamense 'n oorheersing deur statistieke en algoritme-gedrewe inhoud in die gesig staar, is daar steeds redaksionele stemme wat ons weer verbind met die ware betekenis van media. Kiara Ferreira van media update gesels met Barnard Beukman, Redakteur van Die Papier.

Cultural Change Requires Cultural Conversation

In South Africa, awareness campaigns are evolving beyond simply "spreading the word". Emma Mendes from media update attended the premiere of What About The Boys 2 to explore how storytelling, industry support and intervention programmes are being used to support education, prevention and long-term cultural change.

Realism is the New Black: A Q&A With Abdul-Ghakeem Samaai — Part One

Realism in film doesn't just happen on set — it's reinterpreted and refined in post-production. Emma Mendes from media update talks to Colourist, Abdul-Ghakeem Samaai about how colour grading shapes authentic storytelling, influences mood, perception, and the overall way audiences connect with a film.

Stepping Into Stories at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair

All good campaigns start with a good story — and the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026 is no exception. Venelize de Lange from media update considers how storytelling informed this event's cultural resonance and audience reception. 

Why Humour Hits Home in South African Media

Venelize de Lange from media update considers what role humour plays in South African media by looking at Helen Zille's mayoral campaign for Johannesburg, as well as the recent localised advertisement of WeBuyCars.

Debating Our Way Out of Marketing Growth

Debating has become more of a performance than about understanding opposing perspectives — and marketing may be making a similar mistake. Venelize de Lange from media update considers how by comparing performance-driven debating to consumer-facing messaging. 

Realism is the New Black: A Q&A With Abdul-Ghakeem Samaai — Part Two

When a film reaches the post-production phase, it doesn't necessarily mean the story is complete. In fact, sometimes, it means the opposite: that the story now needs to be fully discovered. Emma Mendes from media update continues the conversation with Colourist Abdul-Ghakeem Samaai about how colour grading can reshape an already finished story.

How to Prove Sponsorship ROI in Multi-Platform Media

Wondering if your sponsorship is worth the investment? Venelize de Lange from media update unpacks how brands can measure ROI through clear KPIs and cross-channel media monitoring.

The PR Value of Live Events in a Screen-First World

Venelize de Lange from media update breaks down how live events have become hybrid media moments, blending in-person experience with digital amplification and data-driven evaluation.

Raising a Nostalgic Youth — The Editor’s Note

From vintage aesthetics to classic sitcom reruns, nostalgia is constantly shaping youth culture. Venelize de Lange from media update considers why so many young people are romanticising a pre-digital life. 

From the Gym Floor to the Corporate Boardroom: A Q&A With Mannee De Wet — Part Two

Workplace wellness is becoming a key driver of business performance. In part two of this Q&A, Venelize de Lange from media update continues her conversation with Mannee De Wet from Planet Fitness, looking at how companies can effectively integrate movement into the workday and practically use data to build results-driven wellness strategies.

Refining The Story: A Q&A With Alastair Orr

As filmmaker tools and processes evolve, so too does the role of post-production — moving from a technical endpoint to one of narrative refinery and  reinterpretation. Emma Mendes from media update chats with Alastair Orr, CEO of the Refinery about the central role of post-production in shaping and redefining a  film’s identity.

To Rebrand or Not to Rebrand? The Strategy Behind the Decision

Venelize de Lange from media update unpacks the strategic considerations behind rebranding, helping brands determine when change is necessary and how to evolve without losing their identity.

The Rise of Algorithmic Sensationalism and What It Means for Trust

Sensationalism, clickbait — it's all media phenomena we know well to be aware of. But how exactly did algorithms and the development of AI influence these digital forms of manipulation? Venelize de Lange from media update takes a look.

The Easter Hunt Might Have Ended, But Your Campaign Strategy Is Just Starting

Venelize de Lange from media update takes a look at Easter campaigns in 2026 and how these campaigns can benefit from post-campaign insights, showing why they are essential in helping publicists evaluate campaign success and strengthen future strategy.

Why Your Brain Still Craves Print Media

When was the last time you sat down and read something without a notification interrupting you? Venelize de Lange from media update looks at the science behind print media's appeal in a world of distracting screens. 

From Filming a Scene to Cinema Screen: A Q&A With Annemarie du Plessis

When filming wraps-up and final edits are made, the Producer kicks into high-gear. Emma Mendes from media update chats with Producer, Annemarie du Plessis, about the integral role of production in cinema: guiding a film from post-production to the big screen, and marketing local stories for international audiences.

Crisis in Real Time: The PR Training Mystery

Emma Mendes from media update dons her detective cap and lights up her wooden pipe to investigate what could arguably be the most intriguing publicity mystery of the decade: who really runs modern PR media training, and where are they hiding?

Localising Easter Campaigns — How to Balance Faith and Commercialisation in the South African Market

Venelize de Lange from media update looks at how South African brands can effectively localise Easter campaigns to build engagement and avoid public missteps.

The Publicity Strategy Behind ASICS Conversation-Led Campaigns

Whether you're running, going to the gym or just doing your "hot girl" walk, fitness-focus activities have irrevocably become part of the cultural norm — and so too the conversations around them. Venelize de Lange from media update looks at how the performance shoe brand, ASICS, structures conversation-led publicity to create audience connection and engagement.

Why Running Culture Has Become a Marketing Goldmine

Brands are constantly looking for ways to engage with communities that will prove fruitful for their investments. Venelize de Lange from media update examines why marathons have become one of the most marketable spaces in the modern event scene.  

From the Gym Floor to the Corporate Boardroom: A Q&A With Mannee De Wet — Part One

The wellness community is booming, and breaking into the fitness space — and staying there — is no easy feat. Venelize de Lange from media update spoke with Mannee De Wet from Planet Fitness about exactly how brands new to this industry can set out to succeed.

Identity is the Ceiling: A Q&A With Grant Sherwood

Venelize de Lange from media update chats with Grant Sherwood to understand how mindset is the key to driving business growth.

Why "Good News" Still Wins Audiences: A Q&A With Tyler Vivier

Venelize de Lange from media update spoke to Tyler Vivier about the role of positive storytelling and how it holds its place in media.

Stories That Matter: At the Heart of Easter — The Editor's Note

Easter is easily perceived as the yearly opportunity to indulge in chocolate eggs, public holidays and family time — but how many of us are aware of Easter's true significance? As we celebrate the year's dedicated time of reflection, renewal and meaning, Kiara Ferreira from media update explores what Easter represents for the media industry.

Why Competitor Benchmarking Should Be Part of Every Marketing Strategy

Venelize de Lange from media update explores why competitor benchmarking is essential in the marketing industry and how leveraging competitor insights can help brands strengthen their position in an over-saturated marketplace.