By Remy Raitt
“The magazine used to have a heavy focus on newspapers, I want to start to focus on everything else too; from radio, publishing, music, broadcast, social media and online.” Temkin says she also has plans to aerate stale content with new writers. “I want to bring in younger and fresher contributors to write columns and I also want our writers to be more diverse. We are going to change the way information is presented so we appeal to younger readers.
“It’s going to be vibrant and offer more than just dry business information. The magazine is a B2B so there will still be a focus on business, but in a new way so that the magazine is more magnetic.”
Another goal is to approach and present content from a global perspective. “We need to look at international trends, but we must create our own ideas, because South Africa has all its own idiosyncrasies and, because we are such a diverse country, we need to find unique ways to reach our scopes.” She says The Media Magazine will not focus on international content, “but I do want to adopt a Pan African focus and write about what’s happening on the African continent”.
Since 1998, Temkin has been on the local media scene. “I’ve probably been published in every magazine in this country,” she says. “Magazines are very close to my heart, and I always end up back at them.” Since starting out Temkin has worked in almost every niche and beat of the industry; journalism, copywriting, research, editing, advertising and marketing, digital, media consultancy and strategy, TV, production, radio and she has written books. Its experiences like this that make her the obvious choice for this role.
On the hunt for a new challenge Temkin applied for another position at Wag the Dog. But, after perusing Temkin’s impressive CV, CEO Sandra Gordon suggested she fill the open The Media Magazine editorial position.
“I think the local media landscape is very exciting. We are busy working on our Women’s Issue, which will coincide with Women’s Day in August. There are so many women in this industry who are doing really amazing work. I find this very exciting.” As a strong female player in the industry herself, Temkin will use her new role to acknowledge those making waves and those who are failing.
“Many players in the local industry are at the top of their game when it comes to media planning, buying and owning. We have an impressive caliber of people working within a vibrant, dynamic media in all spheres and working on all tiers.”
She says the radio landscape has always been close to her heart. “I have always believed that radio is the most basic but powerful form of communication. What CliffCentral is doing is amazing. It’s radio that doesn’t bind you to a specific time or space. I think Gareth Cliff is slightly ahead of his time but I think people are going to catch up soon.” Temkin herself co-hosts the Chic Jozi show on Radio Today, further demonstrating her entrenchment in the South African media.
She says with regard to local broadcasting she sees no limits. “There’s a lot happening in broadcast in terms of the industry opening up. It’s possible for anyone with good ideas and resources to do something. There is so much untapped talent here,” she says.
The SABC, she says, is a cause for concern. “There are severe cracks in its foundation and this needs to be addressed.” No doubt we will see some coverage on this in upcoming issues of The Media Magazine.
The Media Magazine readers can look forward to a women-centred edition in August while September will see a focus on the MOST Awards.
For more information, visit www.themediaonline.co.za. Alternatively connect with Temkin on Twitter.