Riyaz Patel
Writer-Editor-Connector
Media & Communications in International Team Environments
Dublin/Johannesburg/Moscow (1501) South Africa
Employed
Open to opportunities
Polished and incredibly connected MA professional with a stellar 15 year record of managing international hybrid newsrooms and communication programmes... A ‘media diplomat’ with the editorial gravitas to earn global audience trust and the leadership attributes to manage, yet work within a team.
— Mary Holland Scholar (Ireland)
— Steve Biko Scholar (Zambia)
— Mary Holland Scholar (Ireland)
— Steve Biko Scholar (Zambia)
Regional Communications Manager
Russia Today - RT
Since January 2016
Dublin/Johannesburg/Moscow
- Develop communication plans and enterprise stories which support RT’s strategic brand positioning
- Craft high-impact talking points and briefing materials for senior management
- Boost brand awareness through integrated communications and marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent implementation of brand/corporate identity
- Manage communications budget and programme specific finances
- Administer regional social media accounts; ensuring it's embedded in team strategy and consistently maximised to achieve company objectives
- Nurture relations with African media houses and online platforms to optimize brand visibility and reach
- Deep research to refine innovative programs to maximize profit and value added concepts for RT brand
- Build capacity by providing in-house communication training sessions
Communications Manager - Media Programme
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
February 2010
to November 2011
Johannesburg
- KAS Africa brand and reputation management
- Strategic guidance to Africa Director and senior managers in Berlin
- Shrewd finance management yielded 20-30% saving on annual programme spend
- Developed relations to deepen engagement with African media houses, think tanks and influencers
- Conceptualised and implemented high-profile media leader engagement platforms
- Coordinated design and content of annual reports and conference programmes
- Reviewed funding applications and partnership proposals resulting in sustainable alliances
Digital Communications Strategist
ZAYACOM
Since February 2015
Johannesburg/Dublin
- Deliver convincing and compelling digital media strategies for NGOs and NPOs
- Evaluate and boost impact of client’s digital media presence
- Coordinate research, production, publishing of text, images, video, audio and infographics ensuring meaningful engagement
- Tap into extensive global network to enhance visibility and maximise content distribution
- Bespoke in-house digital media training
Senior Lecturer - School of Journalism & Media Studies
Rhodes University
February 2012
to January 2014
Grahamstown
South Africa
- Instilled exceptional practice based skills in students (undergrad and postgrad) while breaking down complex research
- Enhanced writing by introducing poetry in lesson plans; drawing commendations from peers and students
- Persuaded skeptical colleagues to infuse International Mandela Day into curriculum by demonstrating the striking nexus between Journalism, Democracy and Development
- Successfully ushered in 'Digital Storytelling' concept
- Negotiated sustainable partnerships with local community organizations
- Completed dissertation on: The language the BBC used to frame 'Operation Cast Lead' – Israel's War on Gaza (2008-2009)
Senior Sub-Editor
eNCA
February 2014
to December 2014
Johannesburg
- Managed a team which edited, fact checked, redrafted and enhanced copy ensuring it's crisp, consistent, coherent and error-free
- Determined story ideas and refined angles and treatment
- Enhanced output by conducting individual coaching sessions with desk writers and field reporters
- Engaged and briefed political, business and civil society leaders
Night Content Editor
RTE
March 2005
to December 2009
Dublin
Ireland
- Took charge of the news production cycle while serving as the last point of QA before publishing
- Directed the 'first line of attack' on major stories that emerged overnight
- Activated strong communication skills to cultivate relations with emergency personnel which yielded RTE 'Exclusives'
- Refreshing approaches to storytelling through cooperative working environment
- Resident RTE analyst on developmental trends emanating from Southern Africa
- Courted by powerhouse Irish NGO quartet: Concern, Trocaire, Dochas and Irish Aid
Senior Political & Foreign Correspondent
South African Broadcasting Corporation
March 1998
to October 2004
Johannesburg
South Africa
- Offered broader perspectives on political activity; unpacking the impact of policy beyond the formal framework of formal institutions
- Innovative approach to WSSD 2002 coverage led directly to some 100 families (12 babies) being sheltered, clothed and fed
- Dedicated Nelson Mandela and foreign heads of state correspondent
- Executive Producer on the African Connection Rally – 22 day, 11 country odyssey which began at Africa’s northernmost point in Tunisia and ended at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of the continent
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Microsoft Office & Apple Suit
Expert
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Google Analytics
Advanced
-
Google Public Data
Advanced
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Storyful Multisearch
Advanced
-
i-Movie
Advanced
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Adobe Premiere
Intermediate
Advanced Writing and Reporting
International Finance and Microeconomics
Journalism in a Globalised World
Critiquing Development and Human Rights
International Media Law and Ethics
Digital and Social Media
International Finance and Microeconomics
Journalism in a Globalised World
Critiquing Development and Human Rights
International Media Law and Ethics
Digital and Social Media
Social Media Management & Monitoring
Turning Fans Into Buyers
Optimising Social Media Strategy
Creating Ads In The Digital Space
SEO
Growth Hacking
Turning Fans Into Buyers
Optimising Social Media Strategy
Creating Ads In The Digital Space
SEO
Growth Hacking
Introduction to Advocacy
Advocating for Rights and Representation
Advocacy Communications
Advocating for Rights and Representation
Advocacy Communications
150 hours English Teaching Master Course
- Campaigns and Advocacy
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Biographies
- Self-development
- Football
- Athletics
- Historical Period Dramas
- Documentaries
