GovCon Media Matters
Mark Amtower
GovCon influencer and preeminent LinkedIn strategist offering the BEST in-depth LinkedIn training. I help consultants and contractors build SME positions in the federal market. Author, speaker, podcaster, consultant.
#WJLA has shuttered the windows on #GovernmentMatters. Government Matters originally aired on News Channel 8, part of WJLA but with limited distribution. Morris Jones, a long-time DC area newsman, was the first host. It migrated to the parent station on Sunday mornings.
Then there was a series of other hosts, including Francis Rose , formerly of Federal News Network and other GovCon media. Most recently Mimi Geerges was the host.
In what seems to be a cost-cutting effort by WJLA in a weak economy, the show was axed and the staff laid off.
In my four decades of observing, consulting and being part of the GovCon mediascape, I have seen numerous attempts to launch media platforms, some successful, some not. I have seen long-time properties close, some before their time, some after their time had passed.
In my not (never?)-so-humble opinion, WJLA is being short-sighted. When the economy is weak, the federal market is the place to be. WJLA had a media property with some brand equity and a track record, and rather than invest in it to grow it, they jettisoned Government Matters.
My friends and former colleagues Francis Rose and John Meyer have purchased time at WJLA to launch a new show, Fed Gov Today, along with a podcast. Francis is currently at #AFCEAWest podcasting live from the #Carahsoft booth. The new show will air on WJLA staring in late April.
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Francis and John have a solid track record together and I think they have a decent shot at succeeding. They have the chops to do this and do it well.
Disclaimer: I am the host of the longest running GovCon podcast/show in the market (AmtowerOff Center on the #FederalNewsNetwork- 16 years);
I am a columnist for WashingtonTechnology, part of the GovExec family (14 years);
I am a resident GovCon Expert for Executive Mosaic and write for their GovConWire occasionally (3 years);
and I also write occasionally for Bloomberg Industry (less than 1 year).
As a result, I am very familiar with the GovCon media landscape as a GovCon marketing consultant as well as a card-carrying member of the media.
Creative communicator focused on engaging audiences to inform and inspire | VP, Communications & Public Relations @ Maximus | Author, Hard Talk: Confessions of an Accidental Marketing and Communications Professional
2 年Thanks for sharing this update, Mark. Agree with your statement about the federal market being the place to be, and because it's the largest market in the world, how can they not be making money? Perhaps you could help WJLA reimagine a new format for Government Matters?
Government Marketing Visionary | Fractional CMO | Co-Author, "Government Marketing Best Practices 2.0: What You Need to Know for Accelerated Success"
2 年Well said Mark! Agree Lou Anne, it hasn’t been the same since Francis left. As a Government Marketing expert, the unique paid programming Government Matters offered my clients was a nice addition to the government’s media landscape, and a void will be felt for sure. CNt wait to see what John and Francis have planned!
Government Influencer sharing knowledge to those that market and sell technology to the U.S. Public Sector (Federal, State & Local).
2 年As always Mark you summed it all up perfectly. It was never the same once Francis Rose left and I’m excited for what he and John Meyer are launching.
Being let go because of mistakes and bad decisions made by other people is an unfortunate rite of passage in the media industry regardless of the corner it happens in
Director @ General Dynamics Mission Systems | Strategic Communications, Marketing
2 年??