In episode four of Comms Vs. Corona, Ben and Janine taste some Yorkshire beers and discuss the TikTok phenomenon. They also discuss Ben’s recent regression to student-like ways and Janine’s rapid acceleration into middle age.

Good news

Janine and Ben talk about TikTok star Grandad Joe, the 87-year-old with 1.6 million followers who produces feel-good content with his granddaughter. They also discuss some greedy sheep and highlight The 2.6 Challenge – a fantastic initiative to support UK charities who can’t fundraise using traditional methods during lockdown.

Good views

Ben praises the companies that are finding creative ways to amplify the Government’s ‘stay at home’ message - particularly the ITV and BT partnership to share tech tips in primetime ad slots to help the non-tech savvy to stay in touch with people during the pandemic. Janine discusses the Nationwide ad campaign ‘Voices’ and reminds us that comms don’t have to be swanky to be effective.

Lockdown lessons

Ben reveals he’s a chocolate thief and a video games and comic book addict. Janine talks about her newfound love of gardening and stargazing.

Links

•Grandad Joe – the 87-year-old TikTok star: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-52236389
•Sheep flock to McDonalds: https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2020-04-21/flock-of-sheep-visit-empty-mcdonald-s-restaurant-during-lockdown/
•The 2.6 challenge: https://www.twopointsixchallenge.co.uk/
•BT and ITV present Top Tips on Tech: https://www.bt.com/tech-tips
•Nationwide Voices campaign: https://www.thedrum.com/creative-works/project/vccp-nationwide-voices

Shoutouts

•Northern Monk brewery for their unusual roast dinner brown ale – a collab with Aunt Bessie’s
•Vocation brewery for their ‘Breakfast Club’ blueberry and waffle stout – whopping 6.9%!

About the hosts

Ben Ormsby is the Yorkshire Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com and a PR practitioner with over 10 years’ experience in both agency and client-side roles. Janine Radcliffe is a communications and marketing specialist and now runs her own business called Radwood Communications. They met each other a number of years ago when they were both working in-house for a large public sector organisation and, despite each going their separate ways, they have remained good friends. Now, they speak once a week and record their ramblings for your listening pleasure.

Keep in touch

Follow us on Twitter: @CommsVs
Email us: [email protected]