Fourteen years in journalism in Africa and abroad, ten years in broadcasting, spokesperson for five organisations. This is the extent of Pieter’s media expertise. As parliamentary, political and foreign correspondent, manager and policy maker in broadcasting he has vast media experience.
He has done countless international interviews in good and crisis times for the SABC, the Independent Electoral Commission, Shell, Sanlam, The City of Cape Town and the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Pieter is acknowledged as a consummate professional and regarded by many in the electronic media as “master of the sound bite”.
He has unrivalled experience in crisis management and communication when it comes to natural and man-made disasters.

Print Articles

Pieter writes on a variety of topics covering his professional experience and personal interests – from major events to public transport’ elections to aviation; fly fishing to communication leadership.

Die Burger1994 Verkiesing BY

 

JHBMedia24 Sentral BYJHB

 

Die BurgerOpenbare vervoer Die Burger 5 Maart 2013

Piscator 2011 Bookpiscator 2011 book

 

RapportRapport Olimpiese Spele

Radio Interviews

 

 

Pieter Cronjé praat uit Rusland waar hy by ‘n internasionale konferensie in Saransk optree

 

 

Pieter Cronjé en Regter Johann Kriegler praat oor die 1994-verkiesing, 20 jaar later

 

 

 

Cronjé as former Communication Director and spokesperson for the Independent Electoral Commission in 1994 speaks on Heart 104.9, twenty years later

 


 

Pieter Cronjé speaking about the aftermath and South African’s state of mind after the funeral of former Pres. Nelson Mandela





Media Survival Kit

As journalism and broadcast professional spokesperson for five organisations, Pieter advises and coaches many clients on media interaction and interview skills. He compiled the Media Survival Kit on the do’s and don’ts of media interviews.

 

Mindset

  • You are the expert – It’s part of your job, not a burden
  • An interview enables you to talk to thousands, even millions. How long will this take you otherwise?
  • You are shaping the image of your organization

Do’s

  • Respond quickly, be available
  • Know your facts and stick to them
  • Use clear and simple language
  • Stick to your area of responsibility and expertise
  • Be courteous, professional. Do NOT get angry
  • Clarify the deadline, angle of the story
  • Keep commitments, meet deadlines
  • Offer to review a draft, but the journalist is not obliged to supply it
  • Correct factual errors only if the draft is sent to you – not the tone or style
  • If the topic is controversial or technical, respond by email
  • Apologies, sincerity are in order
  • In a crisis, stick to one spokesperson – tell the truth, tell it all, tell it fast

Do NOT

  • attack “the media”, “journalists”, or this journalist
  • guess or speculate
  • give “off the record” comment
  • panic
  • complicate
  • threaten
  • be arrogant

Radio, Television

  • What is the topic? Who is the audience?
  • When? Where? How long?
  • Is it live or recorded?
  • Which programme? Who is the presenter/host?
  • Who else is participating?
  • Is this a telephonic or studio interview?
  • Is this a phone-in, are you opening lines?
  • What is the angle of the programme?
  • Get all contact details – studio, producer
  • Accept short deadlines, notice
  • Learn the art of the “sound byte” (telling your story in a short elevator ride)
  • Avoid technical jargon and buzzwords. Keep it short and simple
  • Stay calm, focus and stay on message
  • Stay informed, be available
  • Answer the direct question first, then elaborate if necessary
  • Talk to the presenter, not the listeners (except in a relaxed interview)

Social Media

Pieter Cronjé is active on Social Media. He has a Facebook and LinkedIn profile.