Caption: Neil Aitchison and Helen Moffat at Passionate Media recording a podcast.
AN AWARD-winning journalist is unleashing the power of podasts and blogs at a Staffordshire features and PR agency.
Former BBC reporter Neil Aitchison has joined Passionate Media in Cannock as new media director and is working with clients to exploit the benefits of the digital world.
Neil offers expertise in the use of digital media via the internet - particularly in audio podcasting, blogging and writing for the web.
He said: “We have already had amazing interest in the new services as businesses and organisations look to make their messages as relevant and accessible as possible as times change and customers want to communicate in different ways.
“It’s great to see how our clients are harnessing the power of new and social media to talk and listen to their customers, as well as finding new ones and building communities. Podcasts and blogs go much further than more traditional marketing material ever could.
“Our clients have been most interested in how easy it is to make their information more accessible through an instant publishing platform such as a blog, or attractive and compelling through a podcast, which can really bring their message to life.”
Neil has worked for BBC News Online and BBC Midlands Today, converting their programmes in to online digital content, as well as more than ten years as a journalist working at newspapers and BBC local radio.
He comes to Passionate Media after a year working at the top research university in the Midlands, Warwick University, where he was in charge of their award-winning audio and video podcast programme – Warwick Podcasts and Warwick iCast. He has also previously edited publications for the Forensic Science Service, where he won an award of excellence in the Communicators in Business award scheme and was shortlisted in the regional Institute of Public Relations PRide awards.
“Audio podcasting, and particularly internet video, is definitely the way of the future for business communications,” added Neil.
“Providing recorded radio style interviews on the internet isn’t exactly new but it’s surprising how few businesses overall have exploited podcasting to increase trade. I’m hoping to convince businesses to see the benefits, particularly of audio podcasting, and use it to promote themselves. So far, the response has been excellent.”
“This is a way of harnessing the massive power of the internet, to contact with potential customers worldwide in an interesting and innovative way. In times of tough economic conditions it’s a great way that firms can potentially beat the recession and find new customers.
“One of the best aspects of audio podcasts is flexibility. Customers can listen anywhere, in the car, working at their desk or even while relaxing. The success of the iPod, enabling people to download endless audio material, means that audio and radio is going through a real renaissance and business needs to exploit that.”
Neil, aged 40, of Cheslyn Hay, joins his partner Linda Jones, who is managing director at Passionate Media.
* You can hear Neil and Helen discuss the benefits of podcasting here or go to our podcast page to browse all of the Passionate Media podcasts.
* Because our blog is set for a total revamp, we are unable to provide most links in this piece. Check back soon for our new look!
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