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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 "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.