Event report
Breakfast Meeting with AFP : "How to Talk to The Press"
A practical conversation on how businesses can build trust with the media, tell clearer stories and strengthen their public visibility.
On Thursday, 4th of June 2026, we were pleased to host an exclusive breakfast session on “How to Talk to the Press”, organised in partnership with Agence France-Presse (AFP) at Sankara Nairobi, Autograph Collection.
Led by Eric Randolph, AFP East Africa Bureau Chief, and Paul Omondi, AFP East Africa Commercial Manager, the session offered FCCK members and partners a practical look into how journalists work, what makes a story newsworthy, and how businesses can engage more effectively with the media.
The discussion highlighted that media relations are not only about visibility, but also about reputation, credibility and trust. For companies, knowing how to communicate with the press can influence how they are perceived by investors, regulators, employees and the wider public.
Eric Randolph shared insights into the newsroom perspective, explaining how journalists assess stories, manage competing priorities and look for clear, relevant and timely information. He also emphasised the growing demand for stories that show Africa at work - businesses creating jobs, innovating, producing and providing solutions to real challenges.
Paul Omondi presented AFP’s global media ecosystem and explained how companies can better structure and distribute their stories through AFP’s communication and content services, while maintaining a clear distinction between editorial journalism and corporate communications.
Key Takeaways
Journalists need clarity and relevance: businesses must make their stories easy to understand, timely and connected to wider issues.
Relationships matter: building trust with journalists before pitching a story can improve engagement and credibility.
Africa needs more business stories: companies have an important role to play in showing innovation, employment, production and solutions across the continent.
The session concluded with an open Q&A on media pitching, press release distribution, editorial independence and how businesses can better position their stories for both local and international audiences.
We warmly thank Agence France-Presse, our speakers, and all members and partners who joined us for this insightful discussion.
