Episodes
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In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke welcomes back Jennifer Muir, a communication professional with over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit, government, social impact, and civil society sectors.
Jennifer, who has recently been appointed to the Global Alliance board for Public Relations and Communication Management, shares insights into the Global Alliance's mission and her role in leading international collaborations and community connections across the Asia-Pacific region. Her discussion emphasises the rapid growth of the communication profession in Asia and the need for aligning professional standards globally.
The conversation also discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the communications field. Jennifer highlights the importance of a human-centered approach to AI, urging communication professionals to understand and responsibly use AI tools. She discusses the slower adoption of AI in government due to regulatory and privacy concerns, contrasting it with the faster-paced technology advancements in the private sector.
Jennifer also shares information about the upcoming World PR Conference (WPRF) in Bali in November 2024, a great opportunity for communicators for professional growth and networking opportunities. More information about this conference can be found at: https://www.globalalliancepr.org/wprf
Discussed in this episode:
Professional capability frameworks and their alignment in the ASEAN region.Importance of trust and transparency in corporate and government communications.Role of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and its recent name change.The benefits of attending international communication conferences for professional development.Show notes:
Jennifer Muir | LinkedInWorld Public Relations Forum | Global Alliance PRHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Tim Gavel, a veteran sports broadcaster who has transitioned into the role of Media Director at Sport Integrity Australia, an Australian Government agency aimed at promoting safe and fair sports.
Tim shares insights from his extensive career in media and broadcasting, detailing his journey from a disc jockey in Western Queensland to a highly respected commentator in Canberra. The discussion highlights his relentless work ethic and the skills he developed over decades, which he now applies to his current role in the public service.
Tim provides an in-depth look at the multifaceted issues managed by Sport Integrity Australia, including anti-doping, sexual abuse, integrity in sports betting, and racial abuse. He discusses the dynamic leadership of David Sharpe, the CEO of Sport Integrity Australia, and the challenges of building a robust framework for the organisation on the go. Tim elaborates on his daily routine, which involves early morning media analysis and maintaining strong relationships with journalists to ensure transparency and accurate reporting.
The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Minister’s office and national sports organisations.
Discussed in this episode:
Tim’s strategy for handling media inquiries and building trust with journalists.The role of the National Integrity Framework in Australian sports.The evolution of Sport Integrity Australia’s communication strategies.Innovative educational initiatives for athletes using virtual reality.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined by Strath Gordon, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the Australian Olympic Committee.
With the 2024 Paris Olympics starting in July, Strath shares insights into the planning involved in preparing for the Olympic games, including the introduction of 460 Australian athletes to the public and the coordination required to manage media coverage for the event. He emphasises the importance of storytelling in sports communication, and discusses the AOC’s plans for effective on-ground media communication in Paris to ensure all athletes receive appropriate coverage and support.
Reflecting on the Tokyo Olympics, Strath highlights the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the postponement of the games to maintaining constant communication with athletes to keep their spirits high. He touches on the lessons learned during this period, such as the critical role of effective communication and the necessity of leveraging technology to stay connected with stakeholders.
Strath outlines how the AOC adapts to the rise of streaming services and digital media by providing content that enhances the viewing experience across various platforms. Additionally, the conversation highlights the AOC's community engagement efforts, such as the Olympics Unleashed Program, which aims to inspire young Australians by connecting them with Olympians.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined by Mardi Stewart, the Branch Manager of Campaigns and Strategic Communication at the Department of Social Services.
As a leader with extensive experience in strategic communication and public campaigns, Mardi shares insights on creating impactful and award-winning campaigns. From the foundational aspects of embracing a learning mindset to the intricacies of campaign management, she highlights the multifaceted approach required to navigate and excel in government communications.
Leadership in public communication not only involves the strategic dissemination of information but also encompasses fostering resilience and passion among communication professionals. Mardi emphasises the importance of loving what you do, and that passion fuels perseverance and success in any professional endeavor.
Mardi also explores the role of public communication campaigns in addressing societal issues and enhancing community well-being. She outlines the structured processes behind successful campaigns, from initial research to creative development and rigorous evaluation.
Discussed in this episode:
Mardi Stewart's journey and passion in public sector communications.Key campaigns like "Stop it at the Start" and community awareness initiatives.Importance of mentorship and professional networks in communications.Challenges and shifts in media landscapes impacting government communication.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of GovComms, we continue our conversation with Bevan Hannan, General Manager of the Communications Division at Services Australia.
Bevan delves into the complexities of government communication, drawing on his extensive experience to explore how crises like the Bali bombings have shaped public narratives and the role of media in managing these narratives.
Bevan reflects on the human aspects of communications and shares lessons learned from coordinating the government's response and supporting affected families. He explains how he strategically used media to maintain control over the public discourse and ensure sensitive handling of the aftermath.
The conversation also ventures into the future of communication in public service, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bevan discusses the potential for AI to enhance service delivery and improve the accessibility and efficiency of government communications.
The episode takes a reflective turn as he addresses the Robodebt scandal, considering its impact on public trust and the essential role of integrity in government communications.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, we are joined by Bevan Hannan, General Manager of the Communications Division at Services Australia.
Bevan shares insights into the nuances of crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the strategies and technologies employed by Services Australia to manage public information needs effectively.
Bevan also discusses the challenges and strategies of maintaining team dynamics in a remote and hybrid work settings, and emphasises the importance of a supportive and collaborative culture. He highlights how his team adapted to ensure productivity and engagement despite the distance.
Furthermore, Bevan explores the significant role of government spokespeople in delivering complex information to the public. He stresses the importance of trusted, non-political figures in building public trust and ensuring clear communication from the government.
Discussed in this episode:
Impact of mentorship and networking in Bevan's early career development.Bevan's lessons from transitioning from sports journalism to the public service.Balancing between in-person and remote work for team effectiveness.Evolution of government communication practices pre and post-COVID.Follow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined once again by Stephanie Speck, who is now the Head of Communications for the Green Climate Fund, for a conversation focusing on effective climate change communication.
With extensive experience in public sector communication globally, Stephanie shares insights into empowering climate-impacted communities to tell their authentic stories through "Story Sovereignty." This approach humanises climate change and grounds narratives in real-life experiences.
Stephanie also delves into the strategic evolution of the Green Climate Fund's communication, moving from output-focused tactics to strategies that prioritise reputation, return on investment, and relationship building, aiming to enhance global impact and drive effective climate action.
The conversation explores the challenge of misinformation in climate discourse, with Stephanie highlighting strategies to counter false narratives and the emphasising the importance of accurate communication in building trust and consensus on climate issues.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This time on GovComms we are joined by Andrea Garcia, a communication professional with over 15 years’ experience working for various organisations.
Andrea shares her stories working in UNICEF, Weber Shandwick and the New York State Court System in the United States and the Canberra Light Rail project, Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), and the Canberra Institute of Technology in Canberra, Australia.
Discussed in this episode:
Andrea's work across various sectors, including government, non-profit, and private sectors.The importance and strategies of stakeholder engagement and community consultationThe role of integrated marketing communications in effectively disseminating information and engaging with diverse audiences.The transition from working in high-profile, private sector roles to more community-focused, public sector positions.Follow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of GovComms Podcast, we are joined by Ruth Dewsbury, a communication strategist with more than 20 years’ experience in government communications in the Australian federal government. Her most recent role was as a Senior Director of Communications at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Along with host David Pembroke, Ruth reflects on the significant changes in the communication landscape, particularly the shift from traditional methods like typewriters and carbon paper to the digital revolution, which introduced new communication channels and tools, and the impact of the 24-hour news cycle.
“Things have changed massively in the whole communications land... Especially with the digital revolution.” – Ruth DewsburyRuth emphasises the need for clear communication objectives by ‘going back to the basics’, and clear outcomes to effectively determine target audiences, messages, and channels.
“While there have been massive changes, a lot hasn't changed like the general approach to communications, strategic communications in its entirety hasn't changed, and in some ways, I think there's a real need to get back to basics." – Ruth DewsburyRuth also talks about the unique challenges of communicating about climate change, including dealing with disinformation, engaging diverse audiences, and the importance of addressing climate anxiety, especially among young people.
“Disinformation has just gone wild, and different groups in the community are responding in different ways. There's huge climate anxiety with young people, in particular, something like 67% of young people think." – Ruth DewsburyTune in to gain insights into gathering authentic stories to make government communications more relatable and effective, and more.
Show notes:
Ruth Dewsbury | LinkedInFollow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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GovComms Podcast is back with brand new episodes.
Our first episode of the season welcomes back Alex Aiken, the Executive Director for Government Communications in the UK, who was our very first guest when the podcast debuted in 2015 as the 'InTransition Podcast'. The landscape of government communication has evolved since then, and this episode dives into the latest developments.
Host David Pembroke and Alex Aiken explore the collaborative efforts between the UK Government Communication Service (GCS) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Alex sheds light on the OECD's role in auditing and evaluating the UK's government communication practices, sharing insights into the process.
“One of the things that the OECD asked us to do was submit UK Government Communications to a what they call a country scan. What they really mean is an audit of UK Government Communications and the report we published next month early in February. Now that takes a degree of courage.” – Alex AikenThe episode also delves into the UK Government's communication response to the war in Ukraine.
“When it was inevitable that the Russians were set to invade then we set up what we call the Government Information Cell. This was to bring together all the specialists that you need to deliver modern high volume communications into one place so we could have a fast, coordinated, and effective UK Government Communications response.” – Alex AikenIn a world where disinformation is rampant and synthetic media is an emerging threat, Alex emphasises the importance of compelling storytelling.
“I think that the absolutely central point is unless you can tell your story brilliantly, you will fall victim to disinformation. On the 24th of February 2022, I listened to Boris Johnson thinking through the challenges we faced... 'Putin must fail.' That is our policy. Putin must fail." And that in a sense is a story that we told then and a story we're telling now" – Alex AikenFurthermore, Alex discusses the potential of artificial intelligence, and how the UK government seeks to use it as a ‘force for good’.
“The London Summit recently had a whole range of countries around the world looking at the threats but also the opportunities. As the Government Communication Service, we are seeking to bring together all the plans, the strategies, the knowledge that we have and create a large language model where we can plug all that in" – Alex AikenTune in to gain insights into the UK Government’s strategic communication frameworks, such as OASIS and PITCH, and much more.
Discussed in this episode:
The evolving role of government communication.Impact of technology and the challenge of mis- and disinformation.OECD's involvement in government communication.UK Government’s strategic frameworks: OASIS and PITCH.The importance of international collaboration.Show notes:
Guide to campaign planning: OASIS | Government Communication ServiceLaunch of PITCH: a strategic communication tool | Government Communication ServiceFollow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week's episode marks the final episode of Govcomms 'From the Vault'. In this episode, host and CEO of contentgroup, David Pembroke, revisits his conversation with Tim Price, the Acting Director of Strategic Communications and Content at the Australian Federal Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
David begins by exploring where Tim's career began - creating massively successful fan websites for Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Tim explains
"when I look back on my career, I was like, 'Well, that's really where it all started'. Back then, there was no such thing as a digital career. There was no such thing as a career in social media. So I travelled the wave of the constantly changing nature of digital and social media and into government as well."The pair discuss the challenges of a new narrowcast world and the importance of building a sense of community no matter the type of communications you are executing. On top of this, the one key takeaway from this episode is the importance of building connections. Tim explains that making connections with individuals throughout your organisation can greatly benefit you when it comes to having a seat at the table from the get-go.
Stay tuned for a brand-new Govcomms episode coming Wednesday 7th February.
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This week on GovComms 'From the Vault,' we revisit our conversation with a special guest, the CEO of the Open Government Partnership, Sanjay Pradhan.
Sanjay joined OGP in May 2016. Prior to joining OGP, he served as the Vice President for Leadership, Learning, and Innovation at the World Bank, as well as the Vice President of the World Bank Institute, and as the Director for Governance.
David Pembroke, CEO and Founder of contentgroup, discusses with Sanjay the mission of OGP and its role in addressing governance challenges faced by ordinary citizens. Using three examples from Nigeria, Ukraine, and Costa Rica, Sanjay illustrates the impact of OGP in the real world. The pair explore the true effect OGP has in making governments more transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable.
"When you think of democracy, you think of the ballot box, citizens cast their vote, but all these problems existed beyond the vote. They continue to not get these services. So OGP is a way to indeed focus on the ballot box, but also beyond the ballot box empowering citizens to shape and oversee their government every year, every day, not just once in a few years when we cast our precious vote. "They also delve into how digital technology has influenced the transparency of governments and how OGP can counter the rise of authoritarianism by tackling both domestic and external drivers.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
Building citizens' trustInclusion of marginalized groupsTaking democracy beyond the ballot box.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week on Govcomms 'From the Vault', we revisit our conversation with Osama Saeed Bhutta, who is currently the Director of Communications, Policy & Campaigns at Shelter UK. At the time of this conversation, he was the Director of Communications at Amnesty International.
Osama started out as a volunteer organiser and press officer for the Stop the War movement in the UK, which later landed him a position with the Scottish National Party as a media and research officer.
Fast forward a decade and a remarkable career with news organisation Al Jazeera. His role at Amnesty International was to unite and mobilise the world against ever worsening humanitarian crises, widening gaps in wealth, education and equality and more refugees than ever before in the history of the world.
Along with host David Pembroke, Osama discussed the intersection of public relations and government communications, exploring how effective communication strategies can help build trust, credibility, and support for government initiatives.
“When you’re trying to get into people’s hearts, that kind of fact-based approach, which has historically been the approach of NGOs, is less successful, and at the moment, we are being eaten for breakfast as a movement.”Discussed in this episode:
When images work against you and disempower your audienceThe problem with highlighting the problemThe need for positive messaging in the harshest timesThe importance of publicising the historicalThe role of the internet in uniting people and the need for people to get out from behind their keyboards.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Are you interested in public health advocacy?
This week on Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our conversation with Clare and Alice Collins, a mother-daughter duo who run Insight Communications- a multi-award winning agency specialising in communication management for cause, culture, community and health organisations.
We highlight the complexities surrounding asbestos awareness, including the challenges and strategies involved in educating the public about this often-overlooked health hazard. Clare and Alice discuss innovative approaches to public engagement and awareness campaigns, highlighting the importance of effective messaging in public health initiatives.
As they navigate through their journey in the public health sector, Clare and Alice offer valuable lessons learned from their extensive work in raising awareness about asbestos. Through their case study on asbestos awareness, they discuss the significance of community involvement and government action in tackling such public health challenges.
Discussed in this episode:
Utilising a holistic approach in communication through multiple channels.Targeting influential figures for effective public health awareness.Forming key stakeholder partnerships for efficient information distribution.Employing detailed strategic planning for campaign objectives.Applying a 'day in the life' technique for audience engagement.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Russell Grossman wears many hats; he was, and still is the Director of Communications at the Office of Rail and Road, an Executive Committee member and adviser to the Board
In this episode from the archives, Russell Grossman and David Pembroke discuss the best practices in government communication, and the establishment of the Government Communications Services (GCS) in the UK.
We hear about Russell’s experience as Director of Group Communications at the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, as well as International Chair of the IABC and Director of Engage for Success.
Discussed in this episode:
Maximising communications budgetsUsing a project management approach to reform communicationsCreating long-term marketing strategiesStrong bold leadership and sharp project managementFuture directions and innovations within the GCS.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This week on Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our podcast with the Founder & Managing Director of Propel, Roger Christie. This podcast in particular investigates the role of social media and how government communicators can use social media effectively.
Founder and CEO of contentgroup, David Pembroke, asks Roger tips to start conversations in organisations that are notoriously risk-averse when providing responses quickly to events online. Roger then stresses the importance of not trying to sell social media, but rather see social media as a meeting point.
Continuing the conversation, Roger talks about the importance of understanding the environment in which your organisation is operating to avoid mistakes in a public and permanent forum. In Roger’s words, “Don’t build a fort in a battle”.
Discussed in this episode:
How to position social media as a way to overcome barriersThe P-L-A-N FrameworkRole of Individual vs the organisationHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our conversation with Ian Cleary, Founder of the acclaimed social media training business and blog, RazorSocial. He joins host David Pembroke remotely from Dublin, Ireland.
With over 15 years in the software industry, Ian shares his technical expertise in utilising various applications to boost your content marketing efforts. Ian's RazorSocial, a global leader in providing expert advice on social media tools, has been a game-changer in the digital marketing industry. Tune in as Ian unveils the essence of selecting the right tools to enhance your social media marketing and blogging, encapsulating insights from his venture, the RazorSocial Training Academy.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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As communicators, we should all know by now that internal communication is the beating heart of any healthy organisation. Because without it, everything falls apart. And though that may sound scary there are plenty of tools available to introduce smooth internal communication to your department or agency.
In this week's Govcomms 'From the Vault', we look back at our 2018 conversation with Rita Zonius, a communication strategist and consultant based in Australia, where we discussed the deployment of enterprise social media, or large-scale internal communication.
Rita shares insights on various topics related to communication, such as the importance of storytelling, the impact of technology on communication, and the role of leaders in fostering effective communication within their organisations.
With a rich career in the bank sector, Rita was the Head of Internal Communication for ANZ for more than a decade. One of her biggest achievements was the implementation of an enterprise social network to connect over 60,000 ANZ employees around the world. After leaving ANZ in late-2017, Rita has become a leading consultant in the field and recognised internationally for her work in enterprise social networking. Under the alias The Enterprise Social Engineer she now works with brands around the world assisting them with all their internal comms needs.
Discussed in this episode:
What is enterprise social networking and why is important?The increased efficiency from implementing internal social networksMeasuring risks and challenges in internal communicationTraining your team in teamwork, not technologyPerfecting internal content, creating an internal narrativeHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our insightful conversation with Howard Parry-Husbands, CEO and Founder of Pollinate, one of Australia’s consulting and market research leaders in the world of branding, innovation and communications. The conversation explores how systems thinking can be used to solve complex problems.
Howard emphasises that everything is interconnected, suggesting that solving one problem might unintentionally cause another. Using the Murray Darling Basin as a case study, he explains how humans often struggle with understanding complexity and instead rely on cause and effect. To bridge this gap, Howard champions the use of metaphors, visuals, and storytelling to communicate complex messages to the public.
Discussed in this episode:
Definition of systems thinking, and how it can be used by communications professionals.The benefits of understanding systems thinking from a policy perspective.Comparing the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, New Zealand, and the US.The drawbacks of a single-message strategy in government communications.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit a conversation between our host David Pembroke and Russell Sparkman, who is one of the pioneers of global content marketing and a believer in its inevitability. As the Co-founder of FusionSpark Media, Inc., Russell brings more than two decades of expertise to the table, specifically focusing on how content marketing can solve complex challenges in government and non-profit sectors.
The conversation explored the multifaceted benefits of content marketing for public and non-profit organisations. Russell discussed how strategically crafted content can not only engage but also empower citizens.
Established in 1999, FusionSpark Media boasts a diverse portfolio of content initiatives, specialisng in sectors such as environmental conservation, public health, and sustainability. With a global presence through offices in the United States and Japan, FusionSpark Media collaborates with a dynamic network of professionals skilled in marketing, PR, digital media, and journalism.
Russell’s versatile role in these impactful projects extends from new business development to content strategy, and even to hands-on content creation through photography and videography.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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