GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

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  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

Through conversation with industry greats, experts and innovators from around the world, GovComms delivers the latest insights and best practice in government communication. We provide the resources to help you, the government and public sector, communicate policies, services and regulations with impact. A podcast by contentgroup, leaders in government communication. Watch our episodes in video on contentgroup's YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. EP#169: Fighting Disinformation in Cities: Insights from the Global Response Playbook

    12 NOV

    EP#169: Fighting Disinformation in Cities: Insights from the Global Response Playbook

    As cities around the world grapple with a wave of disinformation, how can they fight back and restore public trust? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Ika Trijsburg, leader of the Disinformation in the City project, to tackle this urgent question. Ika unveils the Global Response Playbook, a powerful toolkit designed to help cities counter false information at a local level. She walks us through its three-phase approach—pre-empting, pre-bunking, and debunking—and shows how cities can become hubs of trust and resilience. Drawing on many years of experience in city diplomacy and local government, Ika shares stories and insights on why disinformation impacts every layer of city life, from elected officials to public service teams. With her unique perspective, Ika emphasises the power of collaboration and the critical role cities play in protecting their communities. Full of actionable insights and real optimism, this episode is a must-listen for government communicators and public sector leaders who are ready to step up in the fight against disinformation. Discussed in this episode:How disinformation challenges local governments and impacts public trust.A three-phase strategy to tackle disinformation.Why cities are well-positioned to address disinformation where people experience policy firsthand.The importance of community-focused strategies to build trust and counter disinformation.Partnerships within and beyond government strengthen resilience to disinformation.How cities worldwide can share strategies and amplify impact through diplomatic collaboration. Show notes:-             Disinformation in the City Response Playbook | University of Melbourne -             Disinformation in the City Project | University of Melbourne -             Melbourne Centre for Cities | University of Melbourne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  2. EP#168: From disaster to dialogue: crisis, community, and communication

    29 OCT

    EP#168: From disaster to dialogue: crisis, community, and communication

    What happens when disaster strikes? In this second-part episode of the GovComms Podcast, crisis communication expert Michael Player shares his experiences managing some of New Zealand’s most significant crises, including the Rena oil spill and Pike River mining disaster. Michael gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he led teams through media storms, community unrest, and logistical challenges in the heart of chaos. Michael reveals the strategies that helped him succeed under pressure—building strong communication teams, adapting plans in real time, and working closely with local communities. His stories showcase the power of collaboration and the human side of crisis management. As crises become more common, how can we be better prepared? Michael discusses the need for frequent training and the importance of involving communities in recovery efforts. Whether you're in government communication or just curious, this episode offers key insights into managing chaos and building trust when it matters most. Discussed in this episode:·     Managing communication during disasters ·     Assembling strong, adaptable crisis teams. ·     Community involvement in disaster recovery efforts. ·     Frequent tabletop exercises for crisis prep. ·     Balancing media demands and operational focus. ·     Collaborating across government and local agencies.  Show notes:-             Tragedy at Pike River Mine – Rebecca Macfie -             The Rena grounding | NZ GOV -             Pike River | NZ GOV Royal Commission -             Exercise and Preparedness Tools | FEMA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  3. EP#167: Comms unlocked: insights on influence, ethics and a lasting career in Government

    15 OCT

    EP#167: Comms unlocked: insights on influence, ethics and a lasting career in Government

    What does it take to navigate a decades-long career in government communications while navigating ethics, changing media landscapes, and building lasting influence? In this special two-part episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Michael Player, a communications veteran with nearly five decades experience. From his very first job to his long stint with NZ Police, Michael shares the highs and lows of working in public sector communications. Join us as Michael reflects on the ethical backbone of the profession, revealing how great communicators must speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable. Michael’s journey is full of wisdom for both introverts and extroverts alike, proving that in a people-first profession, it’s the quiet listeners who often make the biggest impact. This episode is packed with insights on how to navigate the shifting tides of today’s media landscape, where misinformation abounds, and how to maintain influence in an ever-evolving field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Michael’s career lessons on leadership, ethics, and crisis management will inspire you to step up, take initiative, and become a true communications leader. Discussed in this episode:·     Importance of initiative and building rapport ·     Ethical responsibility and speaking truth to power ·     The three A’s: accessibility, affordability, ability ·     Being a good listener ·     The evolving media landscape and digital platforms ·     Career advice: patience and continuous learning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  4. EP#166: The AGILE approach to digital advocacy: transforming communications

    1 OCT

    EP#166: The AGILE approach to digital advocacy: transforming communications

    How can digital communications spark real-world change and drive social impact? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Nicholas Bruneau, a global leader in digital advocacy and purpose-led marketing. Together, they explore how Nicholas’ AGILE Framework for social impact communications inspires organisations to leverage digital tools, tell compelling stories, and mobilise communities. Through real-world examples like the “Raise Your Hand” campaign, which raised over $4 billion for global education, Nicholas reveals how digital strategies can inspire lasting movements and revolutionise public sector communications. Discussed in this episode:·     Digital communications for social impact through advocacy. ·     AGILE Framework empowering public sector organisations. ·     "Raise Your Hand" campaign ·     Storytelling and digital tools to drive community engagement ·     Post-pandemic shifts and growing risk aversion in digital strategy ·     Data-driven strategies for greater communication impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  5. EP#165: Applying Behavioural Science to Fight Misinformation and Sustain Change

    18 SEPT

    EP#165: Applying Behavioural Science to Fight Misinformation and Sustain Change

    What if small behavioural tweaks could transform government policies and change society for the better? In this exciting episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Sharon Rosenrauch, Principal Behavioural Scientist at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. They uncover the powerful impact of behavioural science in the public sector, diving into how these insights can tackle misinformation, drive lasting change, and strengthen collaboration between scientists and communicators. Plus, she introduces game-changing tools like the EAST framework that are helping government departments revolutionise their strategies for more effective communication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  6. EP#164: Building Trust and Enhancing Government Resilience

    21 AUG

    EP#164: Building Trust and Enhancing Government Resilience

    In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, Adrian Brown, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Impact, explores the evolving role of government in society and the importance of public legitimacy, trust, and resilience. Adrian discusses how governments can adapt to crises like COVID-19 by becoming more agile and citizen-centered, and highlights the role of innovation in public administration. Adrian also shares strategies for improving government-citizen communication, the significance of cross-sector collaboration, and the ethical considerations necessary for successful government innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  7. EP#163: Managing High-Stakes Events and Data Driven Government Communication

    7 AUG

    EP#163: Managing High-Stakes Events and Data Driven Government Communication

    In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Alison Senti, a strategic communications professional with a career spanning both public and private sectors. Alison shares her journey from hotel management and legal marketing to consulting at KPMG, and various positions within government departments. Alison outlines the role of government communicators during major events, drawing on her experiences with the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. This episode also explores the importance of social cohesion, evaluation, and accountability in government communication. Alison shares insights on the future of the public sector and reflects on the evolving landscape of government communication and the vital role it plays in supporting public trust and policy implementation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  8. EP#162: Navigating Crises and Pre-bunking Disinformation

    24 JULY

    EP#162: Navigating Crises and Pre-bunking Disinformation

    In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Bob Jensen, a leading expert in crisis communication with over four decades of experience in emergency and disaster risk management. The episode dives into Jensen's extensive career, including his roles in the US Air Force, the State Department, and FEMA, as well as his work with international organizations like the World Bank. Jensen shares insights from his career, emphasizing the importance of having robust systems in place for effective crisis communication and the need for regular training and exercises to ensure preparedness. Jensen discusses the critical role of crisis communication in managing public perception, particularly in the face of disinformation. He introduces the concept of pre-bunking, where organisations anticipate and address potential disinformation before it spreads, and highlights the increasing use of AI by malicious actors to create deepfakes and spread false narratives. Jensen stresses the importance of understanding and countering these tactics, using technology to detect manipulated content, and developing clear, proactive communication strategies. The conversation also touches on the challenges of communicating the impacts of climate change and the necessity of making such information relatable and understandable for the public. Jensen emphasises the importance of empathy and respect in communication, particularly when addressing widespread issues like climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
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Through conversation with industry greats, experts and innovators from around the world, GovComms delivers the latest insights and best practice in government communication. We provide the resources to help you, the government and public sector, communicate policies, services and regulations with impact. A podcast by contentgroup, leaders in government communication. Watch our episodes in video on contentgroup's YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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