With many organisations struggling with digital social media, some people come to their aid. Nick Booth is one of those people.
Online, his name is largely synonymous with Podnosh, a business that helps organisations and even the government to become fluent in social media.
Nick was formerly a reporter for the BBC. He was a documentary maker mostly doing regional doing regional pieces in the West Midlands. Nick also reported on political trends working alongside Radio 4 to produce a podcast series called Analysis.
However, Nick wanted to start getting involved with communities instead of just reporting on them. He took his audio skills to create something new.
Podnosh
“It was set up as a podcasting site 10 years ago when the trend was first emerging. At the time, I was listening to a lot of trivial podcasts so I wanted to make podcasts that you could get your teeth into, that had a bit of substance in them; hence the name.”
It has since evolved into a business that helps charities, voluntary organisations and even the government to use social and digital media to further their causes.
Nick says that their traditional broadcast methods of communication aren’t hitting the mark, which is why he’s trying to bring them into the 21st century. But the transition, he says, is difficult.
The general election and Podnosh’s clients being mostly in the public sector means budget cuts are going to inevitably affect Nick’s business. Regardless, he’s optimistic and believes that change also brings opportunity.
His business is ultimately trying to teach people how to get more from less while also promoting civic engagement.
“Our core work is trying to create rich enough civic conversation where you can build trust and turn it into public good. That’s what we’re for. That’s what we’re about.”
On Birmingham’s media landscape
The same way of thinking leads Nick to believe that Birmingham’s creative industry risks falling behind other cities. This is because of a lack of collaboration in its local government.
Authorities not working together and the lack of innovation in the local economy means a powerhouse like Manchester is 5 years ahead of Brummies. However Nick thinks there’s an opportunity to start catching up.
Nick also shared his thoughts about Birmingham’s hyperlocal media blogs. It was part of this podcast.
