New media in public

sector communications

Simon Wakeman

Head of Marketing

podcasting

• create a new two-way communication channel

for young people in Medway

objectives

• get young people actively involved in

producing the podcast

• help the organisation learn about

podcasting as a communications tool

equipment

• don’t underestimate time investment

• accessibility

we learnt…

• accessibility

• pick the best technology

social networks

• more than just an online billboard

• invest time to interact and respond

we learnt…

• need to offer value to community

• social networks effective for issues that

people actually care about?

twitter

Medway

Council

100

Medway

Council

RSPB

100

765

SCC

478

Medway

Council

RSPB

100

765

SCC

478

1243 people

Medway

Council

RSPB

100

765

SCC

Medway

Council

RSPB

• to provide interesting content

• to maximise shareability

we’re learning…

• to maximise shareability

• to be human

• to monitor and respond

social media relations

• role of social media

monitoring in issues management

we learnt…

• be ready to engage when appropriate

• we needed to think about how

to deal with this kind of thing...

things to think about...

• need effective social media monitoring

• need to define roles/skills for social media

• need to explain social media to the organisationneed to explain social media to the organisation

• need clear policies for staff (in and out of work)

• how to avoid bandwagon jumping and fit this

into your comms / marketing strategies

• disruption of traditional hierachies/elites

• digitally-enabled community groups

more than just communications

• duty to involve / promote democracy

• more collaborative and participative

future for local government

www.simonwakeman.com

simon.wakeman@medway.gov.uk

+44 (0) 7771 701902

twitter: simonwakeman