A Kilkenny-based journalist has launched her media relations and social media business Solas Media Solutions to help South East businesses get noticed in a noisy market.
With over 17 years’ experience as a regional journalist, Kerry native Christine Tobin has most recently worked throughout the pandemic as producer of the flagship radio talk show KCLR Live.
“I have been at pains to see how many struggling businesses are closing and letting staff go. There are some who could survive and more whose business could grow, but they’re are not accessing quality and affordable media relations and social media services.
“They are on their knees and need an experienced, resourceful and innovative communications expert on their side. They are being forced to pivot in their business but don’t know how to.”
Exposure
Christine is helping business owners and leaders in the South East to get positive radio and print media exposure and to generate sales and opportunities through innovative and engaging social media content.
“I work with thought-leaders, start-up founders, SME operators, marketers and campaigners, with my services focusing on media plans, social media strategies, key message development, media relations, interview skills, press release and blog writing, video for social media, professional press photos and more.”
She says she knew Solas Media Solutions would be perfect for the market here.
“It’s exactly what our businesses need right now. A unique kind of service to guide them with social media strategies and management, media relations and key message development.
“Businesses need to know what to say, where and when to say it and how to say it. And they need to know where to find their customers online and how best to engage with them,” she says.
By providing a menu of set price packages, rather than per hour, clients have a clear road map of fees and no cost surprises.
Experienced
Christine started her career with The Kerryman and Kerry’s Eye, before her role as senior journalist and online editor of the Cork Independent.
Emigrating to New Zealand in 2012, she landed the role of Deputy Editor with the Northern Advocate in Whangarei and was later promoted to Production Editor and Business Editor. She regularly had stories printed in the NZ Herald.
She also worked as the communications specialist for Northland Inc, the regional economic development agency for the region, which had multiple and diverse workstreams and was responsible for a multi-billion dollar budget.
During her time in New Zealand, Christine set up Solas Media Solutions and worked with over 50 businesses, from political candidates, start-ups, small businesses and writers, to business coaches and spiritual mediums – bagging them lots of positive print media and radio exposure.
But the pull home was too much and in 2019, she and her Kilkenny husband and two little Kiwi Cats (Jack and Henry) made North Kilkenny their forever home.
She worked as producer of KCLR Live, presented by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, and has worked through the pandemic connecting with the people of Carlow and Kilkenny.
“During my career, I have written over 10,000 news stories and received over 160,000 press releases to my newsroom inboxes during that time. I have managed many newsroom social media pages, which are always at the cutting edge of online innovation.
“I’m thrilled that I’m already getting stuck in to the South East’s strategy for coping with Covid-19.”
If you want a safe pair of hands working on your key messages, contact Christine for a free, initial consultation.
