Comms Vs: Recent Episodes
Comms VS
What do you do when you're in lockdown? Start a podcast with your mate of course! In 2021 we tackle more than just pandemics with positivity we take a go at anything while trying to link it in to good news and great comms . We hope you enjoy...Ben and Janine
So as ever Comms Vs is eggs-tremely late to the party - blame the fact Ben and Janine have a very strict sign off process (or slightly chaotic lives)
The pair this time take a look at Easter, April fools day and NHS comms around vaccinations and lockdown easing.
Needless to say there's a bit of celebrity, a bit of food chat and some TV recommendations from Radcliffe
Hat tip to Northern Monk Brewery who pulled the ultimate double bluff on us and the rest of their fans and well done to Heck who made a truly delicious sausage.
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak every few weeks and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
Yes, yes.... Comms Vs is like busses you get none and then two come in a week.
BUT this isn't a proper episode it's a quick reaction to well the whopper of a fiasco that was Burger King UK's International Women's Day campaign.
Enjoy
Ben & Janine
PS share your thoughts on it:
Twitter & Instagram - @CommsVS
Email - commsvs@outlook.com
So as ever Comms Vs is fashionably late to the party - blame the fact Ben and Janine are both oddly busy in the midst of a national lockdown.
The dynamic duo or dullards (depending upon you view) take a look at the adverts that feature in the expensive advertising slots around America's biggest game the Super Bowl.
Needless to say there's a bit of celebrity, a bit of emotion and a few giggles (and possibly a little bit of sexism).
Hat tip to the advertisers including:
Amazon
Jeep
Paramount
Cheetos
General Motos
Aside from this they also share their Lockdown Lessons including some TV pics and a breath taking baking realisation!
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak every few weeks and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
Episode 13: Comms Vs Winterwatch & mental health in lockdown 3
In this episode of Comms Vs., Ben and Janine discuss the importance of prioritising your mental health – particularly during a lockdown in January. They take a light-hearted look at the things that they – and their listeners – have been doing to keep themselves positive, such as limiting their exposure to negative news stories and enjoying the great outdoors. They also share the fun activities they’ve been doing to keep themselves entertained – including Janine’s newfound love of arts and crafts and Ben’s ongoing video game appreciation.
Lockdown lessons
Ben rediscovers his love of a sea shanty courtesy of folk band, The Longest Johns. Janine confesses her growing obsession with birdwatching but shows true dedication to the Comms Vs. podcast by missing the first episode of Winterwatch to record.
Links
•The Happy Newspaper - good news delivered to your door every 3 months: https://thehappynewspaper.com/
•#Walkshire - Welcome to Yorkshire’s campaign to encourage more people to take up walking and enjoy the Yorkshire countryside: https://www.yorkshire.com/walkshire
•Art in a box – Halifax art school providing all the materials you need to do an art class from home: https://www.theartworks.org.uk/home-learning
•Okay Comics – independent book shop based in Leeds and specialising in graphic novels and comics: https://okcomics.co.uk
Shout outs
•Goodable - good news Twitter feed: @Goodable
•Welcome to Yorkshire CEO, James Mason: @JamesMason_78
•The Longest Johns – capella folk band and sea shanty sensations: @TheLongestJohns
•Unstable Unicorns – strategic card game featuring unicorns and destruction – available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith etc.
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak every few weeks and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this festive episode of Comms Vs., Janine and Ben discuss what makes a good Christmas advert and share their thoughts on this year’s offerings from the major supermarkets (and a few other Christmas advert giants).
They also debate some of the big Christmas questions like ‘is it ever too early to put your decorations up?’ and ‘what do you leave out for Santa?’.
So, grab a Baileys, put your feet up and sit back and listen to what may well be our last episode of 2020. Enjoy – and may your Christmas be merry and bright.
LINKS
Christmas adverts:
•McDonalds – Inner Child:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJntbYytPz8
•Lidl – Big on a Christmas you can believe in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2waeUenMzYY
•John Lewis – Give a little love:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUmPzwLNiMk
•Coca-cola – Give something only you can give:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg4Mq5EAEzw
•Sainsburys – Gravy song (part 1 of 3):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqtcpLywgRU
•Tesco – No Naughty List:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CfrpexaCwg
•Aldi – Kevin’s out in the cold:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL56Z5StIUY
•Asda – That’s an Asda Price Christmas:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR_nRBy92oQ
•Morrisons – Making Christmas Special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KOaqfhnamA
Honourable mentions:
•Disney – From our family to yours:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl57Gy5X_Kg
•Ayton Mini Market:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiRIfwygcLg
Other:
•Total Eclipse of the Heart - Literal Video Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsgWUq0fdKk
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Follow us on Instagram: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this episode of Comms Vs. (which is a bit of a bonus due to both the plucky hosts being a bit distracted of late), Janine puts a whole host of questions from fans, herself and special guest, Matt, to Ben on the topics of PR and journalism - including whether he likes phone pitch and embargoes!
Links
- The NY Times article which explains off the record (or at least how they see it) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/reader-center/off-the-record-meaning.html
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this episode of Comms Vs., Ben and Janine are joined by commercial and brand photographer, Matt Radcliffe, and try their hand at photography with a challenge in honour of World Photography Day. Tasked with emulating their favourite image, they present their inspiration and creations to Matt – and he critiques their work. Take a look @CommsVs on Twitter to see the images described in this episode.
Ben, Janine and Matt also discuss every comms person’s worst nightmare – photography permissions – in particular, the controversial copyright infringement lawsuit filed by photojournalist, Stephanie Sinclair, against the publication Mashable.
Lockdown lessons
Janine talks about her rediscovery of the homebuilding show, Grand Designs, and Matt shares his love of a good walk. Ben waxes lyrical about the joys of a SodaStream and Janine comes up with perhaps the greatest advertising slogan of all time…
Links
•Court Rules Photographer Gave Up Exclusive Licensing Rights by Posting on Instagram: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/court-rules-photographer-gave-up-licensing-rights-by-posting-instagram-1290170
Shoutouts
•Our fantastic guest, Matt Radcliffe – follow him @mattradphoto or visit www.mattradcliffephoto.co.uk
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this episode of Comms Vs., Janine and Ben discuss the most wonderful time of the year.....well not really, just Yorkshire Day!
Highlighting the brands that got it right and those that just felt like a miss and in Ben's case made him pretty angry!
It's all a bit of fun and features Sean Bean, a local chippy and some chatter about when it works to join an awareness day and when it feels wrong!
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this bonus episode of CommsVs., Ben and Janine discuss the recent communication from Government around the local lockdowns affecting parts of the North of England.
They give their brutally honest views on everything from the timing of the announcement to the inconsistent and confusing messaging used. They also look at what we can all learn from this situation about how not to communicate in a crisis and give a shoutout to local and regional journalists and local government employees who worked tirelessly throughout the night to get the message out to the most vulnerable members of the community.
In this episode of Comms Vs., Janine and Ben discuss lockdown easing and whether they’ve ventured out to a pub or restaurant since they opened again on 4 July. They also talk about the importance of wearing a face covering in public places and debate the limitations of cancel culture.
Ben and Janine also discuss the most recent advert from Apple, featuring a loveable set of characters called the underdogs as they navigate the challenges of working from home, and highlight some great examples of creativity during lockdown involving the recreation of famous album covers.
Lockdown lessons
Janine talks about the perils of being an adult and homeowner. Ben shares his love of Lancashire cheese - and food in general ;-)
Links
•Mowgli - Indian street food restaurant: https://www.mowglistreetfood.com/
•Apple advert - The whole working-from-home thing: https://youtu.be/6_pru8U2RmM
Shoutouts
•Championing the food and drink industry in Leeds - @LeedsIndieFood (Twitter)
•Awesome album cover recreations - @TiredPelican (Instagram) and Sydmar Lodge Care Home
•Positive news coverage - @thismuchiknow.news (Instagram)
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this episode of Comms Vs., Janine and Ben discuss the Race in PR report recently released by Charted Institute of Public Relations. Janine outlines the key finding of the report, including the lack of diversity within the PR sector and the possible reasons behind this. They also discuss The Blueprint, put together by Elizabeth Bananuka, Founder of BME PR Pros, which is a series of commitments and actions that PR businesses can and should take to increase diversity and inclusion in the sector.
Ben and Janine also discuss the use of staff in external communications and debate whether this is an effective tool to attract customers and engage employees.
Lockdown lessons
Ben enthuses about the joys of a blanket fort – and did you hear that Liverpool FC won the Premier League?!
Links
•Race in PR report: https://cipr.co.uk/CIPR/Our_work/Policy/Diversity_resources.aspx
•Nike advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBy4zDLzQ-I&feature=emb_logo
Shoutouts
•Janine’s brother-in-law as it’s his 50th birthday – Happy Birthday Rob!
•Janine’s sister-in-law (also called Janine) as she’s broken her back – Get well soon Janine
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In this episode of Comms Vs., Ben and Janine discuss the recent news story featuring Manchester United football player Marcus Rashford and the role he has played in lobbying Government to extend the school voucher scheme over the six-week school holidays. They also talk about the role of celebrity ambassadors more broadly and the importance of prioritising authenticity and passion over fame and followers when campaign planning.
Good news
Janine highlights a heart-warming interview with Dalai Lama where he talks about how he’s been touched by people’s compassion for one another during lockdown.
Lockdown lessons
Janine encourages everyone to watch 13TH on Netflix, a documentary looking at systemic racism in America – particularly in the justice and prison systems. Ben shares how lockdown has helped him to feel more comfortable talking to his friends about mental health.
Links
•Marcus Rashford: Food voucher U-turn after footballer's campaign: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53065806
•Dalai Lama: Seven billion people 'need a sense of oneness’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-53028343
•Springwatch 2020 Mindful Moments: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08h1wq1
Shoutouts
•Jameela Jamil @jameelajamil – body positivity advocate and founder of @i_weigh
•Professor Green @professorgreen – musician and mental health advocate
•Stormzy - musician and political activist
•Sean Coughlin – Education and Family Correspondent @BBCNews, king of puns
•Janine’s mother-in-law for following Ben on Twitter
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
In episode six of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine focus on the importance of the #BlackLivesMatter movement that has been making headlines, over the last few weeks. They reflect on their own reaction to recent events, as well as take a look at how some celebrities and brands have taken a stand against racism.
Good news
Janine shares a story about Irish MEP, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, who was allegedly caught with no trousers on during a video call with European parliament and Ben confesses to some Zoom misdemeanours of his own.
Lockdown lessons
Ben praises his wife’s hairdressing skills and Janine talks about her recently discovered love of birdwatching and wildlife spotting in general.
Links
•Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire from musician and political commentator, Akala – available on Amazon and as an audiobook: https://amzn.to/3ft0auN
•Irish MEP 'caught trouserless': https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/mep-caught-trouserless-during-live-broadcast-video-call-with-european-parliament-a4460556.html
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
A bonus episode to make up for the fact we've both been a little busy of late.
What do Elton John and Dominic Cummings have in common? Apparently sorry really is the hardest word. In this special episode of Comms Vs Corona, Ben and Janine look at the handling of the recent saga involving Dominic Cummings and his 260-mile trip from London to Durham during the height of lockdown.
They discuss everything from the press conference in the rose garden of Downing Street to the recent shift in Government messaging as they begin to ease lockdown measures. Ben and Janine also talk about THAT trip to Barnard Castle, answer some listener questions and end on a positive with a look at the latest ad campaign from Nike.
Links
•Nike advert - Never Too Far Down | You Can't Stop Us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-t8qPldklc
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In episode five of Comms Vs. Corona, Janine and Ben are joined by Matthew Radcliffe, Janine’s husband and professional photographer based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Together they sample some gins and shine a spotlight on how the photography industry is dealing with and responding creatively to the restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19.
Isolation portraits
First up, Ben, Janine and Matt discuss two Yorkshire-based photographers who, using very different techniques and approaches, have been able to document and record lockdown through a series of doorstep portraits of people and families in their local area. They also discuss the pros and cons of photo retouching – an often-controversial subject in the photography industry.
Check out:
•Nick Eagle – http://www.nickeaglephotography.com
•Lucy Bedford - http://www.lucybedfordphotography.com
•Gary Roylance – www.garyroylance.com
Video game street photography
Matt highlights the work of street photographer, Craig Whitehead, who has taken to the virtual world to continue his street photography – capturing images within video games. Matt and Ben school Janine in the unexpected skill and patience needed to do this well and share their mutual love of gaming.
Check out:
•Craig Whitehead – www.sixstreetunder.com
Business pivoting
Matt discusses business pivoting in the photography sector, in particular photographer Chris Ord who has changed his business to offer online tutorials for aspirant photographers or existing photographers who want to develop their lighting techniques. Janine, Ben and Matt also debate the merits of shopping locally and continuing to support smaller businesses in a post-lockdown world.
Check out:
•Chris Ord – www.chrisordphoto.co.uk
Lockdown lessons
Janine crowns the winner of the Chocolate Bar Face-Off, Ben accuses Janine of cheating and Matt and Ben get emotional about a Toblerone. They also discuss how to avoid the biscuit tin and why we should all learn to give ourselves a break.
Shoutouts
•Our fantastic guest, Matt Radcliffe – follow him @mattradphoto
•York Gin – small batch gin handmade in their sustainable distillery in York
•Speights Gin – family-run gin distillery based in Halifax
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In episode four of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine taste some Yorkshire beers and discuss the TikTok phenomenon. They also discuss Ben’s recent regression to student-like ways and Janine’s rapid acceleration into middle age.
Good news
Janine and Ben talk about TikTok star Grandad Joe, the 87-year-old with 1.6 million followers who produces feel-good content with his granddaughter. They also discuss some greedy sheep and highlight The 2.6 Challenge – a fantastic initiative to support UK charities who can’t fundraise using traditional methods during lockdown.
Good views
Ben praises the companies that are finding creative ways to amplify the Government’s ‘stay at home’ message - particularly the ITV and BT partnership to share tech tips in primetime ad slots to help the non-tech savvy to stay in touch with people during the pandemic. Janine discusses the Nationwide ad campaign ‘Voices’ and reminds us that comms don’t have to be swanky to be effective.
Lockdown lessons
Ben reveals he’s a chocolate thief and a video games and comic book addict. Janine talks about her newfound love of gardening and stargazing.
Links
•Grandad Joe – the 87-year-old TikTok star: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-52236389
•Sheep flock to McDonalds: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-04-21/flock-of-sheep-visit-empty-mcdonald-s-restaurant-during-lockdown/
•The 2.6 challenge: https://www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk/
•BT and ITV present Top Tips on Tech: https://www.bt.com/tech-tips
•Nationwide Voices campaign: https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/vccp-nationwide-voices
Shoutouts
•Northern Monk brewery for their unusual roast dinner brown ale – a collab with Aunt Bessie’s
•Vocation brewery for their ‘Breakfast Club’ blueberry and waffle stout – whopping 6.9%!
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
In episode three of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine talk about the fantastic fundraising effort by Captain Tom who has (at the time of writing) raised almost £30m for NHS charities – but somehow find themselves discussing the complex world of beard maintenance. Janine’s dodgy internet connection also means there are a couple of sound blips in this ep – all part of the ‘rustic’ Comms Vs. Corona experience, right?
Good news
Janine and Ben discuss the inspirational Captain Tom and highlight stories of covid-19 survivors. They also talk about neighbourliness, pulled pork and a mystery visit from the Easter bunny.
Good views
Ben shines the spotlight on the companies across the country that have pivoted their business to contribute to the manufacturing of PPE equipment for NHS workers. They also discuss how councils and other public sector organisations are responding to Covid-19 and Janine praises her local council for putting on a virtual gig to raise spirits and money to support vulnerable people in Calderdale.
Lockdown lessons
Ben discusses his newfound DIY skills and longstanding love of his beard. Janine reveals you can indeed quiz too much and Ben shares the shocking revelation that he’s yet to quiz during lockdown.
Links
•Captain Tom Moore's 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS – donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs
•Detailed account of recovering from coronavirus: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2020/mar/a-detailed-account-of-recovering-from-coronavirus.html
•Yorkshire businesses support the Covid-19 effort: https://bit.ly/3cEYay7
•Check out #CalderdaleLive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXy75CbxZYo
Shout outs
-Tom Wallis and the Manor Croft PE Twitter feed @ManorCroft_PE. Check out their Easter Plank challenge and give it a go if you dare!
-Neil Hurst – actor and host of the #CalderdaleLive virtual gig
-Angela Malin - Editor-in-Chief of About Time Magazine, host of #SheStartedIt podcast and crap chocolate lover
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
Episode two of Comms Vs Corona is live, and includes a couple of miss steps - namely by Janine getting our contact details wrong but other than that it's full of good news from across the country including goats, poets and exploding sperm whales.
Good news:
In episode two of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine discuss the fab poem about the NHS and coronavirus by Wakefield-born, Ben Taylor, and laugh as Ben O attempts a Yorkshire accent. They also marvel at the wonderful Llandudno goats that are reclaiming the town and talk about the importance of small acts of kindness that don’t make it into the news.
Good views:
Ben and Janine discuss the importance of face-to-face communications and look at how innovative NHS workers are managing to provide compassionate care despite wearing PPE equipment. They also talk about the fantastic ‘Go Indoors’ rebrand and geek out over fonts.
Lockdown lessons:
Are people being nicer to each other as a result of the lockdown? Ben and Janine discuss. They also praise the great work of the Doncaster Council social media team as Ben finally admits Yorkshire is the superior county. Kind of.
Links:
•Yorkshire poet spells out how to self-isolate: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-leeds-52153163/coronavirus-yorkshire-poet-spells-out-how-to-self-isolate
•Llandudno goes from ghost town to goats’ town: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/02/llandudno-goes-from-ghost-town-to-goats-town
•Go Indoors rebrand video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-xdkVEFkyw
Shout outs:
•Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice: doing incredible work to support children with life-shortening conditions - https://www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/
•Instagram hashtag: #thebeautyofisolation – get involved!
•Doncaster Council Twitter: @MyDoncaster
Bloopers:
•Stop the presses – Ben says this to build suspense but gets the phrase wrong making Janine giggle
•Janine unforgivably forgets the podcast Twitter handle and risks getting sacked as podcast co-host
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
Good news
In the first ever episode, Ben and Janine discuss the joys of socially distanced brews and neighbourhood WhatsApp groups. They also highlight the great work of Halifax-based media company, CP Media, who have pledged to display children’s artwork in bus stops across Yorkshire to show support for key workers.
Good views
Ben and Janine look at the Government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak and discuss the importance of Plain English, particularly in crisis communications. They also talk about ‘that’ podium banner and the possible reasons for the changing graphics.
Lockdown lessons
Janine shares what it’s like to live without a kitchen in lockdown. Hint: it’s not fun - but safety comes first.
Links
•Hebden Bridge street organises 'social distance cuppa' for lonely neighbour
•Call for children’s artwork from Halifax media company
•Social distancing advice: Keep at least one Stephen Merchant apart
Bloopers
It’s episode one - there were bound to be some bloopers, right?
•Factual evidence about corona – Janine says the Government are advertising where you can find ‘factual evidence’ about Covid-19. She actually meant ‘factual information’.
•Got passed an absolute hospital ball – Ben says this unusual phrase when talking about Rishi Sunak’s position as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Apparently, this translates to ‘it’s a difficult job to do’.
About the hosts
Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.
Keep in touch
Follow us: Comms vs Corona Twitter account
Email us: commsvs@outlook.com
So we, Ben and Janine, have decided what better to do in lockdown than to create a podcast focused on positivity. This is literally a 1 minute explanation and the first episode will be coming soon (in the next few days). Until then stay safe. :)