GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

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

    OCT 29

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

    OCT 15

    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
  3. EP#162: Navigating Crises and Pre-bunking Disinformation

    JUL 24

    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
  4. EP#161: LinkedIn Mastery, Storytelling Secrets and the Key to Social Media Success

    JUL 10

    EP#161: LinkedIn Mastery, Storytelling Secrets and the Key to Social Media Success

    In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke sits down with Stanley Henry, founder and CEO of The Attention Seeker, a New Zealand-based, New York-inspired advertising agency. Stanley shares his fascinating journey from growing up in South Auckland to establishing a successful career in hospitality, which eventually led him to start his own agency. He emphasises the importance of understanding and engaging with audiences by creating content that resonates with them rather than focusing solely on the message the speaker wants to convey. Stanley elaborates on how The Attention Seeker transitioned from leveraging LinkedIn for personal branding to becoming a full-service agency offering content creation across multiple platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. He details their iterative content production process, which involves constant testing and refining based on performance data to ensure effective communication. Stanley also discusses the diverse range of clients they serve, from small businesses to large corporations, and the consistent onboarding process that ensures a deep understanding of each client's needs. Throughout the conversation, Stanley provides valuable insights for government communicators, stressing the need to focus on what their audience wants to hear and to integrate their messages into existing narratives. He cites the example of Jacinda Ardern's social media strategy to illustrate how effectively listening to and engaging with the audience can lead to successful communication. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

About

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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