Media Relations

At Barkal Communications, media is a fundamental pillar of our strength.

With unrivalled experience in this realm, we offer premier media relations services. Backed by decades of expertise and relationships, we offer top-notch strategic guidance across all types of media - traditional, controlled, and social - to drive our clients' goals forward. Our deep-rooted connections and refined expertise in media allow us to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences in the UK, USA, EU, BRICs, and beyond. Thanks to this, we can effectively place client stories and orchestrate impactful media engagements that yield optimal results for them.

By teaming up with Barkal, you gain access to extensive expertise in various industries and unparalleled international connections that go beyond just the UK. From the USA and Europe to BRIC countries and more, our network knows no bounds. We also provide exclusive insights on media opportunities, unlocking new doors for potential partnerships and interviews.

Through his expertise, Barkal's founder and MD, Ahmed Badawi, has earned recognition as a sought-after contributor for esteemed publications such as The Guardian and Royal Africa Society. In addition to sharing his knowledge through writing, he has also been swift in addressing misinformation, countering flawed reporting by prominent sources such as the Financial Times, the New York Times, and The Economist magazine. Not only has Ahmed authored the IFC’s media engagement handbook, but he has also represented them as a spokesperson and wrote speeches for the IFC’s managing director.

As a media professional, Ahmed has advised governments on navigating media relations and has been a frequent source of insight for notable outlets such as the BBC, Forbes magazine, and Radio France Internationale (RFI). It is no surprise that media runs in his blood: with a father who devoted 50 years as a broadcaster to the BBC World Service and an elder sister who has achieved numerous international accolades as a veteran BBC television journalist, it’s safe to say that media relations are ingrained in our DNA at Barkal Communications.

At Barkal, we take immense pride in our team of experts, led by our founder. Our media consultants include, amongst many others, seasoned professionals such as a former editor of the Financial Times and very experienced journalists from the New York Times, and the NBC, and CBS American television networks.

We stand by our promise that our media connections are unmatched in London.

They reach across various platforms including newspapers, radio, television, and even social media influencers in the UK and internationally, including major markets such as the USA, Europe, the BRIC countries, and beyond.

At Barkal Communications, we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled media engagement services. With our extensive connections and strategic expertise, we excel at strategic and discreet media relations. Our team is constantly innovating and utilising persuasive tactics to ensure our clients' narratives are heard worldwide. With our established and personal relationships with key media outlets, we have the proven ability to effectively promote our clients' interests.

We have a wide range of experience, working with government entities, corporations, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals to manage their press relationships and communication needs. Our approach is both perceptive and savvy, deploying both traditional and new media platforms to build profiles, share narratives, socialise views, and enhance or repair reputations.

Our unique approaches effectively elevate the voices of our clients, while our team owns unrivalled expertise and extensive reach in media relations.

Trust Barkal Communications for unparalleled media relations services - no matter the location.

Our media relations services include:

• crafting media engagement plans

• coordinating impactful press and campaigns

• writing and socialising compelling press copy

• identifying influential journalists from both traditional and new media

• crafting compelling news angles and associated content to ensure optimal coverage

• securing strategic, reputation-enhancing coverage for our clients

• Countering negative press with rapid rebuttals and spokesperson services

• Providing reputational issue management and crisis support

We create a tailored media strategy with every client that will achieve their specific goals.