Burson-Marsteller Africa scooped a Gold in the Media Relations category for successfully launching the Paramount Group Anti-Poaching Skills and K9 Training Academy, through a photo-led strategy, which delivered circulation figures of over 600 million unique visitors and nearly 640 million in readership.

To achieve the result, Burson-Marsteller Africa targeted photojournalists from newswires and high-level publications. In just one week, this strategy resulted in over 450 articles published across the world, including Africa, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, South America and Australia.

The firm also walked away with a Bronze in the Media Relations category for the launch of the inaugural First Automotive Works (FAW) production plant in Africa, which was officiated by His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma and was attended by 59 journalists from 32 media publications, generating over 65 articles in key publications.
 
Robyn de Villiers, chairperson and CEO: Burson-Marsteller Africa, says: “We are honored to have been named as both the Gold and Bronze PRISM Award winners in the Media Relations category this year. Media relations is at the heart of everything we do and these awards are the result of the amazing work done by our team in South Africa as well as the trust and confidence that our clients place in us. We have the best talent in our industry advising our clients on the full communications spectrum and driving integrated communications campaigns across the country and continent.”

Burson-Marsteller Africa also received a Special Mention for its unparalleled scale and reach across the continent in the Best African Network category. The firm has branded operations in 30 countries on the continent, with reach into 53 of the 55 countries in Africa through a network which has been built up over 20 years and boasts over 500 consultancies across Africa, who offer connectivity and insight. 

The firm was also shortlisted in the following categories:
 
  • PR on a shoestring;
  • Best mid-sized agency; 
  • Best PR professional – two of the four finalists were from Burson-Marsteller; and
  • Best up-and-coming PR professional – two finalists from Burson-Marsteller.

With 37 categories, 213 entries, 42 judges, 33 sponsors and six media partners, the 2015 PRISM Awards ceremony was inspired by Africa, and was a celebration of the continent’s culture, collaboration and communication. 

For more information on Burson-Marsteller Africa, visit www.bm-africa.com . Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook and on Twitter.