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Interview:
Greg Tingle, Director of Media Man Australia, by Michelle
Lovi -
The Surface - 25th October 2003
Greg
Tingle [Media Man Australia]
Interviewed by THE SURFACE - 25 Oct 03
Greg
Tingle, 32, began Media Man Australia in February
2003. His career as “a media and public relations
entrepreneur and crusader” has taken off rapidly,
and Greg is currently involved in a range of exciting
projects.
“I
don't see [the Media Man] as a job, in the traditional
sense of the word—it's a role I play in the position
as director of my media company. The role incorporates
elements such as garnering positive media attention
for my clients and I, publishing articles and PR's
on MMA, submitting articles, pitches and scoops to
other publications like newspapers, journals, radio
stations and news media websites. I also do Internet
broadcasting to a potential worldwide audience. I'm
also a TV presenter at Sydney 's Channel 31.
“I
am always seeking out new, worthwhile opportunities,
and that involves keeping my ear pretty close to the
ground, and dealing with an array of interesting,
often influential, powerful types.”
Greg
names a number of great perks he receives as a PR/media
guru: “Invites to all the best gigs in town,
free inscribed books, videos, CDs, all of which need
reviewing, of course. Carte blanche to meet and deal
with some of the world's most fascinating people.
My clients and I often get fantastic service at cafe's.
I seem to have a knack for getting things done for
me by all sorts of people. I think the “power”
thing is not all hype. I even got unsightly flags
on the streets of Maroubra taken down after writing
a public letter of complaint outlining the visual
pollution and commercialisation of our otherwise beautiful
suburb of Maroubra Beach. The motivation is always
there to learn more.”
Favourite
aspects of his role as the Media Man include: “Meeting
and dealing with so many wonderful, interesting people.
I am expanding my horizons every day. Interviewing
people at Channel 31 has a sentimental significance
for me, as the producer, Joy Hruby, gave me my break
in television. I need to mention that the Internet
provides constant learning and business opportunities.
Seeing my ideas and research come to fruition, and
benefiting so many, is most gratifying. I also like
to expose fraud. Encouraging free thought and expressing
freedom of speech in satisfying. Dealing with so many
wonderful, supportive folks, many of whom reside in
the good ol' USA.”
Being
able to communicate a message that so many other people
will read and consider is probably the most rewarding
aspect of being a journalist, according to Greg. “I
am still coming to terms with being referred to as
a journalist, even though I have my formal qualifications.
I need to put in more hard yards, and until I win
a major journalism award, I don't mind if I am not
thought of as a journalist.”
Greg
has been the ‘Media Man' since he registered
the business name in February 2003. “In my mind
I have been the Media Man for almost 2 years. It's
a gimmicky name, I concede, but memorable, and I can
back up the bold claim now!”
His
motivation for starting his business comes from a
desire to be heard, and to make a positive difference.
“I'm naturally a self starter, and the media
business doesn't seem like very hard work to me…
it's enjoyable, but time consuming. I made a commitment
to myself that I would make it work.”
Greg
has received a great deal of media attention and experience
over the years, which contributed to this self-commitment.
In 1998–2000, Greg wrote scripts and sales copy
for Optus Vision and Telstra. He was interviewed in
2000 by 2UE's John Laws about his experience as a
technology volunteer at the Olympic Games.
In
2001, Greg started his first website, Australian Sports
and Entertainment Portal, where he began writing and
reporting on pro wrestling. The following year he
started writing articles on the technology business,
which were published on Australia.Internet.com. He
then started hanging around the local community TV
station, becoming a regular, and a highlight of “Joy's
World”.
Then
in mid 2002, Greg enrolled in the News Media and Journalism
Certificate III at Petersham TAFE. “As a requirement
we had to create a business plan based on a media
related business. I thought, Media Man Australia…
that's me alright. I registered the business, and
began submitting articles to anyone that would listen.
In late 2002 I made the front-page of the Southern
Courier with ‘Jump On Board'. In March 2003 I
started Internet broadcasting, that is very powerful
indeed. My website made me a global business. Last
month [September] I received government funding to
support my media endeavours.”
As
the Media Man, the biggest story Greg has covered
to date was the coverage of the California elections.
“I now have a great relationship with Ric Drasin
and his wife, via the wrestling and Arnold Schwartzeneger
connection. This got me mentioned in the Boston Phoenix
and Sacramento Bee! We trade emails and phone calls
regularly with our many friends in California and
New York.”
Greg
also has a number of other projects in the works.
“I have started my book, ‘Don't bullshit
a bullshitter, from Newport Boy to Media Man'. Two
weeks ago I was spotted by Hi't! Reality TV, produced
by Brett Clements and Peter Dodds… they hired
me to be one of the judges and to do their online
strategy, specialising in search engines, portals
and blogging. We [MMA] are also promoting some local
and international talent at The Basement, in the Sydney
CBD.”
Greg's
dedication to his career is admirable; he puts in
a lot of hours to achieve his goals. “It's a
labour of love. I have basically no ‘spare time'.
The little spare time I have is shared with my wonderful
girlfriend, soon wife, and my beautiful daughter.”
His
inspiration lies in the knowledge he is able to make
a positive difference. “Looking at other successful
people, and getting motivated to go out there and
do it myself. When I have a set back, I just work
harder and smarter, to ensure I get the result I require.
If someone says ‘ Greg Tingle can't do that',
know that I will do whatever it takes to prove that
I can. When other successful media and PR folks say,
‘keep doing what you're doing, I love your work',
I know I am on the right track. At times there are
doubts, but then I remember that I used to dig ditches
on the Sydney Water Board many moons ago, and now
I am an Internet publisher, broadcaster, and people
stand up and take notice when I speak at media forums
in and around Sydney. I should say that it inspires
me when people ask me for interviews, and I do like
to be heard you know!”
In
five years' time, Greg hopes to be “fluctuating
between my TV and computer and the local beach, some
300 km's from Sydney. I will be making serious, positive
waves in the Australian and international media and
public relations business. All areas of my life will
be balanced.”
For
aspiring journalists, promising PR whizzes and future
media gurus, Greg has some valuable advice to share:
“Keep learning, exploring, speaking to others
that made it. Don't quit. Get passionate about some
particular subjects, and light a fire under yourself.
Work hard, work smart and keep submitting good work.
Be honest to yourself and those that you communicate
with. Be prepared to fight through the pain barrier.
Most of all, have fun!”
Personal
Profile:
Age:
32
Lives in: Balmain
Favourite music: Air Supply, The Carpenters, KISS,
Rammstein
Favourite movie: Barbarella, Planet of the Apes and
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Favourite book: Derryn Hinch, That's Life
Favourite food: Thai Red Curry Chicken
Your style: Unique, fast, loud, unparalleled and defiantly
noticeable!
Website:
www.mediaman.com.au
Links:
Greg
Tingle interview - 2nd July 2003
Media
Man Australia: Sponsorships, Clients and Affiliates
Media
Man Australia: Services
Media
Man Australia: Multimedia Interviews
Article:
Government Grants: A hand out or a hand up, by Greg
Tingle
Eastern
Suburbs BEC: New Enterprise Incentive Scheme
Channel
31 Community TV Sydney
2UE
Media
Man Australia: Links
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