Retailer Massmart makes senior marketing leadership appointment
Charmagne Mazhindu becomes Vice-President of Marketing for Wallmart-owned group that includes major brands such as Makro and Builders.
PODCASTS
How global toy brands are embracing and driving podcast popularity
By our News Team | 2022
American Girl, a premium toy and publishing brand for girls, recently unveiled its own podcast network. It joins the likes of Barbie.
This website has previously reported on the growth in popularity of podcasts in Africa and elsewhere. So much so, that now even children’s toy brands are climbing on the podcast bandwagon.
American Girl, a premium toy and publishing brand for girls – and part of the global Mattel toy company – recently unveiled its own podcast network which, it says, “is rooted in the brand’s popular stories, characters, and real-world advice to connect and entertain girls, their parents and the entire fan community”.
Photo courtesy of American Girl
In embracing the podcast genre, the company joins several other toy brands that have gone this route. Among them are international doll brand Barbie, and Thomas and Friends. The latter offers books, TV programming and merchandise about a talking steam engine called Thomas the Tank Engine.
The American Girl Podcast Network is ad-free and launches with three original shows—one scripted and adapted from the brand’s fan-favourite published content for young readers, followed by two non-fiction podcasts with a mix of guest interviews, real-life advice, and behind-the-scenes exclusives.
Podcasting is a natural evolution of the brand
“With storytelling an intrinsic part of our DNA, the American Girl Podcast Network is a natural evolution for the brand, allowing us to tap into our vast collection of diverse content, as well as our numerous authors and subject-matter experts, to enrich and entertain our fans,” said Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl.
Distribution partner for the new initiative is Cloud10 Media, a full-service network that provides listeners with an outlet for best-in-class podcasts, while offering development, promotion, marketing and sales support.
“We know that podcast listenership among kids and teens continues to grow exponentially, and we are so excited to help American Girl bring their stories and inspired conversations to the next generation,” said Sim Sarna, Founder and CEO of Cloud10 Media.
The podcasts are available on all streaming platforms, on American Girl’s social channels, and on YouTube, which includes a video component.
Coke campaign encourages sharing meals and better work-life balance
The Coca Cola Company has unveiled a new global Coke campaign called ‘The World Will Wait’ that’s aimed at Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Morocco’s Tanger Med port reinforces its global logistics significance
The port sits on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and is showing steady growth as a major logistics hub.
Brand gives grumpy motorists facing a parking fine reason to smile
Your car’s been wheel clamped and you must pay a fine to get it released. Irish brand Paddy Power somehow turned it into a moment of fun.
Publicis Groupe Africa appoints Jarred Trembath to lead Influential
He brings extensive professional experience spanning media strategy, activation and content management to new role.
IAB discusses the problem with AI visibility measurement tools
New standardised set of measurement guidelines released for tracking brand and publisher visibility in AI-powered search platforms.
Ethiopia’s marketers discuss the changing world of digital advertising
Ethiopian Marketing Professionals Association hosts Addis Ababa event discussing artificial intelligence and its impact.
Egyptian confectionary company rolls out its African export strategy
MO Group identifies South Africa, Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Madagascar as target markets under its African expansion plan.
AMC Conference: Exploring the Influence of AI and Afcfta on African Marketing
Discover announced speakers and essential news for the upcoming AMC Conference. Delegate payments are now live – read the latest articles and register.
PRCA Africa NextGen announces Lerato Motloung as its new Chair
Body for emerging public relations and communications professionals across Africa also has a new Vice Chair and committee member.
More improvements for vital Port of Maputo regional trade gateway
Aim is to create a smarter, more connected and efficient port ecosystem that will make Maputo a strategic gateway for trade.
