The Top Business team has two of the most knowledgeable gurus in the media industry. This is an extract from an interview with myself and Neil Raath.
So Neil, where did it all begin? Neil: "After studying Video Technology at Technikon Natal, I joined the SABC TV News department as a cameraman in 1997. Since then, my career path has taken me through many other disciplines including live TV broadcasting, documentary film making and investigative journalism. Over more than two decades, I have received several awards and accolades in TV journalism and for my work in Live Outside Broadcasting. On my journey, I have interviewed icons like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, controversial people such as Robert Mugabe and Jacob Zuma. I have worked with entertainment greats like John Cleese and Charlize Theron to sporting personalities, most notably Oscar Pistorius during his rise to fame and then his fall from grace. I have witnessed our country’s best and worst moments in recent history, from building a democracy and our victories in World Cups to the sheer tragedies of the Richmond and Marikana massacres. I’ve been on the ground covering taxi violence, political unrest and public movements in the form of Xenophobic attacks and the fees must fall protests, to name just two. All these stories have revealed one important fact, the media is very powerful and with that, comes great responsibility. The media can make or break a company, a politician, an idea or even just an average person. The media can drive a narrative, even if it’s not the perspective that best suits the situation. At the end of the day, it is our duty to tell the public a balanced story covering all sides, but having said this, we can only use the facts presented to us. Working for shows like Special Assignment, Third Degree and Check Point, has allowed us to dig deeper into stories that require investigation, but the facts are still key to telling the right story, even if it takes longer to find them. My work in Television Broadcasting has been exceptionally rewarding and has given me an intimate connection to South Africa. I’ve experienced all our different cultures and met many interesting people. I’ve traveled to almost every part of this beautiful land we live in and I’ve discovered the real South Africa, not just the version seen through another’s eyes." So you can see where I'm going with this and why The Top Business team has two of the most knowledgeable gurus in the media industry. Iman Rappetti, the reporter in front of the camera and Neil Raath the director behind the camera. Iman and Neil will be presenting on our zoom platform where you can interact with these gurus and squeeze them for advice, tips, and insight on how to tame the reporter and turn those intimidating interviews into a pleasant and rewarding experience. The masterclass will be streamed live on 20 April from 10.00 am to 11.00am To register here Click on the link to read the incredible career paths of the two of the media giants Iman Rappetti and Neil Raath. This is a goodies I’ll see you online
Grant Adlam