New Media won in the Best Communication Innovation category and the One-off Publication category.

The Communication Innovation Awards recognised two New Media projects – FNB Sync, an enterprise social network app aimed at FNB employees, and Magic Talk, M-Net’s internal communications app.

The SAPF judging panel had this to say: "Everything about this entry [FNB Sync] is close to brilliant, including images used, article subjects and content, video and infographics."

"There is nothing new about distributing content via apps, but not all succeed in solving problems, empowering and educating members using this afforded luxury. This is definitely a step forward, and we can’t wait to see how this will be put to full use in the future."

Trudie Myburgh, who is part of the internal communications team, was placed as a second runner-up in the Editor of the Year category for her editorship of the Sanlam account.

In 2017, New Media restructured itself to create an internal communications specialist focus area, under the leadership of Brendan Cooper. The aim of the division was to focus on employee engagement, content and strategies.

Cooper says, "We are very proud of the excellent work we’re doing in this area, and I believe the Communication Innovation Award won by FNB’s Sync reflects this."

He adds, "Although digital is definitely the future of internal communications, nothing says 'we value you as an employee' more than a beautifully crafted print publication that lands on your desk."

"There is certainly still room in the sector for the use of tactical print executions that really 'wow' employees, which is what we saw with the response to Sanlam’s Centennial magazine," he says.

He concludes, "I believe there’s more focus than ever on internal communications locally and globally, and New Media has embraced this. Awards like these are a welcome affirmation that we are changing the internal communications game in South Africa."

For more information, visit www.newmediapub.co.za. You can also follow New Media Publishing on Twitter.