The world today faces huge geopolitical, macroeconomic, and ideological threats and challenges. Millions of people are vulnerable to divisive, polarising, and often violent messaging through social media and other channels. Democracy is under threat and its institutions undermined by the spread of falsehoods and toxic narratives. Rogue states, extremist political forces, and armies of bots and trolls sew confusion and disenchantment. As a result, confidence in mainstream media, government, and experts in all fields has tumbled.
Rostra Consulting director Tony McMahon has worked with government and NGO clients to design communications strategies implemented through civil society, faith networks, and influencers. He has brought to this his long experience in journalism, public relations, and operating in government.
This involves:
- Client meetings with senior figures in the political, corporate, business, and NGO sectors
- Researching the threat picture and understanding what motivates the enemies of democracy
- Shaping a response to the challenge, drawing on previous experience
- Identifying and onboarding partners to create networks in target communities
- Outlining a theory of change defining the core objective of the program
- Detailed risk mitigation, due diligence, and regular reporting to the client
Tony McMahon has developed programs delivered in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom, France, central Asia, the Balkans, and other regions. Not only does he understand the concept of strategic communications but brings a human touch that breaks down barriers of mistrust and suspicion. Examples of successful programs can be shared on request.
