GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

Nicole has had a passion for communications from a young age. At 13-years old, she developed a taste for the industry through a work experience placement at CLEO magazine. Since then, she has completed an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification in the field, and worked in a variety of communication roles across government, the private sector and the not-for-profit space. Her previous workplaces have included the New South Wales Government, Soldier On Australia and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Today, Nicole works as a professional speechwriter. And she is keenly interested in understanding human cognition, because she believes it’s key to writing speeches that can better influence and persuade.  Nicole also believes that in today’s world, with increasingly complex issues, we need some of the smartest people in the country working in communication... because good communication can help shape and change the world.  Discussed in this episode: JFK and using cognitive understanding to underpin his greatest speeches Emotional decision-making at the crux of human beings Placing audiences in a threat or reward state, using the the NeuroLeadership Institute's SCARF Model® S: Status C: Certainty A: Autonomy R: Relatedness F: Fairness Finding the balance of art and science in communications The current opportunity for communicators to be creative       Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelle graduated from Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland in 1991 with an honours degree in Sociology and German, before training as a journalist. She then worked for newspapers and magazines (both political and lifestyle) for more than 20 years, in Ireland, Britain and then Australia. Michelle’s most recent position as a journalist was at The Canberra Times, as editor of the Saturday edition’s news review and analysis section. Michelle later moved into academia, joining the Faculty of Arts & Design at the University of Canberra as a Teaching Fellow in Journalism & Communication in 2011. Here, she educated students on political and strategic communication. She received a Communications doctorate in 2015, for her research into the Australian media's representation of Indigenous opposition to the Northern Territory Emergency Response 2007, also known as the Intervention. Michelle then worked as a researcher for the University of Canberra’s News & Media Research Centre, specialising in media representation of marginalised groups. Following this, she worked as External Affairs & Media Adviser to Amnesty International Australia. Her most recent role was as Capacity Building Outreach adviser to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, a small government agency under the Australian Aid umbrella. She now works here with us, at contentgroup, as a Senior Communications Strategist. Discussed in this episode: What makes a good journalist Finding the story for your audience Six tips for writing a great story Balancing creativity and consistency for campaign success The benefits of a simple approval process The challenges that come with everyone being a storyteller The importance of curiosity in the workplace Michelle’s advice for the modern communicator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry McCallum is Director of the News & Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra (UC) where she leads a team of researchers to advance public understanding of our changing media environment. Her research in political communication specialises in the relationships between changing media and Australian social policy, particularly in indigenous affairs. Kerry is a lead professor on the ‘Breaking Silences: Media and the Child Abuse Royal Commission’ project which is the first Australian research document to explore the connection between media and commissions enquiries in the digital era. Kerry is a major contributor to the field of communication and media studies in Australia and internationally, notably as former President of the Australian and New Zealand Communication Association (ANZCA). She is also a member of the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Kerry has implemented a complex curriculum development and change management process at faculty, university and national levels, notably as UC’s inaugural Academic Director (Dean) of Graduate Research from 2017-19. Her career has been supported and grounded by nearly a decade of professional experience working in federal parliament, political and media advisory roles. Discussed in this episode: Kerry’s transition into academia The combat sport of politics Reflecting on life in parliament, with David and Kerry Kerry’s advice for Ministerial Advisors ‘Breaking Silences’– The impact of digital media on modern royal commissions Why the commission into child abuse was so groundbreaking from a communications perspective How journalism is currently evolving, and the role of the modern journalist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brenda is an established communications professional for the U.S public sector. Prior to her role with the Los Angeles County, she held several positions throughout journalism, media, and communications domains.  Brenda graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism). She later worked as a staff reporter and writer for major U.S news and journalism organisations including: The Southern California News Group US Weekly; and The North County Times. Later in her career, Brenda served as the Senior Associate Editor for MPA Media and went on to become the Head of Communications for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. Brenda has also garnered several prestigious communications awards throughout her career. These include the FOLIO Award for feature writing, the North American ‘Excellence in Communications’ Award, and multiple accolades for her work in public relations and public affairs. Discussed in this episode: Why communicators need a love for people and storytelling Brenda’s process for simplifying complex information The latest digital insights: going mobile Making post-campaign data a bigger part of pre-campaign decisions Governments going social: the power of social media Brenda’s advice for government communicators Learning to use modern citizen engagement techniques Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon Kenna is an experienced communications professional, specialising in strategic communications for the public sector. She joined the Treasury in 2015 to manage a major government advertising campaign and has since managed the delivery of five federal budgets. As Division Head of Communications and Parliamentary, she manages a broad program of work, including oversight of a full suite of communication functions. These include media relations, social media, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, speechwriting, graphic design, publications and web management. Shannon is also responsible for all ministerial and parliamentary business for Treasury. Since beginning her public sector career at the Department of Immigration in 1994, Shannon’s career has included diverse roles in communication and program management. Shannon has also worked in the private sector in Australia and the United Kingdom. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) degree, majoring in Management, from the University of Canberra. Discussed in this episode: Using internal face-to-face discussions to approach key message building The Intergenerational Report, featuring Dr Karl Factoring risk into campaigns and handling unexpected setbacks How technology is impacting the demand for tailored content The duties, timelines and challenges of communicating a federal budget (five times) The efficacy of a whole-of-government communications approach Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Olga Stankova is Special Assistant to the Director of the International Monetary Fund's Communications Department. She currently leads technical assistance and conducts research on economic policy communications, and manages outreach on the Fund’s strategy and policy work. Previously, she was responsible for communications on the World Economic Outlook and the Global Financial Stability Report. Prior to that, she was Senior Press Officer for all of the countries of the Former Soviet Union, along with several countries in Europe and the Middle East. She also worked at the European Central Bank during the global financial crisis. Olga previously served as Director of Marketing with Russian investment bank Troika Dialog and as Chief of the Banking and Investment Division of the United States Agency for International Development in Moscow. She has recently released her latest work: Frontiers of Economic Policy Communications, which highlights the emerging importance of effective communication to successful policy making and implementation. Discussed in this episode: Olga’s early career in communications The importance of communications in a crisis The IMF’s approach to outreach A typical day in the IMF’s communications team: the communications cycle The modern marketplace and ‘digital citizens’ Addressing cultural differences in communications Changing technologies: the opportunities and challenges Getting communicators a larger seat at the policy table Why cutting through the noise will only get more difficult A look at Olga’s report: the need for cross-department collaborations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Fisher is the Assistant Professor in Journalism at the University of Canberra. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which examined the career transition between journalism and parliamentary media advising. Prior to perusing further studies at the university, Caroline was a producer, reporter and presenter for ABC News and Radio National. She has also acted as a ministerial media advisor to Anna Bligh, the former Premier of Queensland. Caroline is an expert in journalism and political communication. In 2018, she received the Anne Dunn Scholar Award for her research work in communications. She also received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2014 and again in 2017. Caroline is the co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia, and has published several peer-reviewed articles on her research into politics, media, trust and communications. Discussed in this episode: Why it’s harder than ever to earn trust Journalism suffering the trust deficit Defining trust: the many pieces of the puzzle Why we will continue to consume news we don’t trust Addressing the negative bias in media The importance of authenticity Caroline’s advice for government communicators Back to old methods: putting relationships at the heart of trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Fisher is the Assistant Professor in Journalism at the University of Canberra. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which examined the career transition between journalism and parliamentary media advising. Prior to perusing further studies at the university, Caroline was a producer, reporter and presenter for ABC News and Radio National. She has also acted as a ministerial media advisor to Anna Bligh, the former premier of Queensland. Caroline is an expert in journalism and political communication. In 2018, she received the Anne Dunn Scholar Award for her research work in communications. She also received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2014 and again in 2017. Caroline is the co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia, and has published several peer-reviewed articles on her research into politics, media, trust and communications.  Discussed in this episode: Australia: now the lightest news consumers The factors leading to a low news satisfaction What the latest trends mean for government communicators What’s making citizens choose Netflix over news The links between political orientation and news consumption Repackaging the news: a new take to re-engage audiences The power of television Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanya is a communications and brand professional with over 20 years’ experience. Her wide range of skills relate to communications and branding strategy, public relations, issues management, stakeholder communications and government liaison. Tanya has led communications for organisations in both public and private sectors. Prior to managing corporate affairs at the CSIRO, Tanya was the General Manager of Communications at Destination NSW. Her prior roles have also seen her lead functions across Japan, Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom and Europe, working both client and agency side. Discussed in this episode: Making the shift from private to public Advice on managing ministerial transitions Tanya’s take on the most effective communications channels The importance of having a clear purpose Dealing with message saturation Using powdered broccoli lattes to achieve strategic objectives The benefits of collaboration and how to identify valuable opportunities Capitalising on the demand for video How Tanya measures campaign success: lead and lag measures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conrad is Director of the GREAT Britain campaign. GREAT is the government’s most ambitious international campaign ever run, uniting the efforts of both public and private sectors to generate jobs and growth for Britain. Conrad also leads the UK Government’s Year of Marketing initiative, which aims to inform and prepare communicators across departments.  In 2014, Conrad’s role at the Prime Minister’s Office on 10 Dowling St expanded to include responsibility for delivering major cross-government campaigns, and ensuring Government’s spending on communications is efficient and cost-effective. Conrad has also previously worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as Head of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Campaigns; and the Central Office of Information, on issues such as consumer rights and international export. He later joined the Cabinet Office as Director of Strategic Communications. Here, he launched a new approach to Government Communication and was responsible for campaigns to counter terrorism and other societal issues. Prior to his career in government, Conrad spent 18 years in advertising, working with both national and international businesses, and established his own communications consultancy which he ran for 8 years. Discussed in this episode: Addressing the stigma of government ‘marketing’ The future of government marketing in the UK: a look at 2025 A new, UK Government definition for marketing Why the skills of the modern marketer are needed now more than ever A new approach to marketing budgets Catering to a millennial audience The responsibility of government in thinking ahead Why it’s good to see an empty office: the importance of curiosity and relationship building Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.