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Primedia Limited - Primedia Moves On Convergence And Enilsts Markowitz
Primedia Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration number 1993/003355/06)
Share code: PMA ISIN: ZAE000035119
Share code: PMN ISIN: ZAE000035127
Media Release - 7 July 2005
PRIMEDIA MOVES ON CONVERGENCE AND ENILSTS MARKOWITZ
Primedia today announcesd a new appointment to its senior management team.
Following six years of uninterrupted service at ICASA, where he acted as special
advisor to the Chairperson of ICASA, Michael Markowitz has joined Primedia as
Director, Convergence, with immediate effect. This appointment follows the
enlisting of the services of convergence specialists Digital Ink, who`s Sam
Michel has over the last 12 months been working across the Primedia group to
identify and develop the digital convergence strategy for Primedia. Prior to
joining Digital Ink, Sam Michel was Group Executive Marketing of MTN and founder
of Airborn, MTN`s technology incubator.
Primedia has a broad range of media assets which together can benefit from the
symbiotic relationship they have with mobile services, as well as from the
opportunities flowing from the upcoming Convergence Act.
By leveraging these assets, through in particularly through mobile services,
Primedia is poised to become a more leading force in South Africa as it follows
its international counterparts to exploit the new convergence era.
Following six years of uninterrupted service at ICASA, where he acted as special
advisor to the Chairperson of ICASA, Michael Markowitz has joined Primedia as
Director, Convergence. This appointment follows the enlisting of the services of
convergence specialists Digital Ink, whose Sam Michel has over the last 12
months been working across the Primedia group to identify and develop the
digital convergence strategy for Primedia. Prior to joining Digital Ink, Sam
Michel was Group Executive Marketing of MTN and founder of Airborn, MTN`s
technology incubator.
Following thiese appointments and continued strategic insight, from Digital
Ink, Primedia will shortly launch its first initiative in this area, initiative,
been that of aa wireless application service provider (WASP), dedicated to
leveraging the group`s vast media assets.
Revenue from WASP services are growing exponentially and the South African WASP
industry will soon exceed R1 billion.
The WASP, to be named Prime1 and which will be housed in Primedia`s broadcast
and internet division, operated by Primedia`s leading internet portal
iafrica.com, will include on-air competitions, interactive SMS and other mobile
media initiatives.
Commenting, Primedia CEO, William Kirsh, said: `Primedia has some of the best
consumer facing brands in the country which collectively reach an approximate 22
million people, most of whom interact with digital devices. The opportunity for
us is therefore considered to be quite significant. Our move into this very
exciting space is aalso natural step to be taking. rategy for media companies
today`.. Furthermore, our approach is to leverage the opportunities across the
group in conjunction with experts, and thereby de-risking them` Added Kirsh
`Primedia is on a strong growth trajectory and I believe this new initiative
will add to this momentum`.
`We are particularly excited to work with Primedia on this initiative`, says Sam
Michel. `WASP services really take off when combined with a strong media
partner, since media costs are a large component of any WASP business model. The
breadth and strength of Primedia`s media will allow us to make Prime1 a
significant player in the industry within a relatively short period,` says Sam
Michel.
Michael Markowitz saidsaid, `I look forward to making a contribution in this
space and being part of the team that delivers on Primedia`s convergence
strategy... There are many new opportunities across all markets and platforms,
and the experience that I have gained over the last six years should greatly
assist in the development of these initiatives`
Greater detail on Primedia`s convergence strategy will be will be revealed in
Primedia`sin Primedia`s year end resultsend results which will be released at
the end of August.
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END
8 July 2005
Sponsor:
Investec Bank Limited
Date: 08/07/2005 12:35:05 PM
Produced by the JSE SENS Department
