Evans Effah took a risk to join what was to become Pulse Ghana when it launched. From a comfortable perch in an already established media company in Ghana, he jumped into a new role that would see him work his way to become a multidisciplinary Editor, to now the Head of Editorial Operations.
Tell me about your background, and how you came to be involved in editorial work and/or digital publishing.
My name is Evans Effah. I have a degree in Linguistics and Psychology from the University of Ghana and a masters degree in Brands and Communications Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. I have about 12 years of work experience in media. I started to work as a sales executive for one of Ghana’s popular radio stations, Citi FM in 2011. I transitioned to mainstream media with Citi FM as a reporter for the station and subsequently as an online journalist. By the time I was leaving Citi FM in 2014, I was a senior online journalist.
Tell me about how you got into Pulse. How you heard of the role, and your whole interview process. And also how you have transitioned within the organization.
I joined the Ringier family in 2014 as an Editor, for now, defunct Allsports.com.gh. Ringier entered the Ghanaian media space with an all sports website, Allsports.com.gh. I didn’t go through the whole rigorous interview process because I was literally hand-picked by the then Managing Editor (Director of Content), Godfred Akoto Boafo to come and help him with this new website, Allsports.com.gh. It took me about 4 months to finally decide to join the Ringier family because I wasn’t so sure if I wanted to join a new company or business. I guess, the delay was a result of the fear of the unknown – not knowing how things were going to turn out, remember I was working with a very respected and established media company. But joined Allsports (now Pulse Ghana) eventually in August 2014 as Editor. In 2015, the CEO of Ringier Africa came to Ghana to announce the introduction of Pulse.com.gh and how Allsports.com.gh was going to be incorporated into the new website as a sports category. So my first role with Pulse.com.gh was a Snr. Editor. I subsequently became Sports Editor and my current role is Lead and Head of Editorial Operations.
Tell me about your current role at Pulse.
My current role at Pulse GH (Head of Editorial Operations) involves leading the editorial team, in terms of the direction of content to pursue, I also ensure the house style is followed to the letter and the website is up to date. Literally supervising the work of the editorial team members, giving guidance, nurturing and shaping their ideas to suit best practice. I also ensure that all client or paid articles are published promptly. Lastly, I also have to ensure writers are provided with all the logistics they need to get their work done.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day, the first thing I do is quickly scan through the website to see if we missed out on any major story the previous day for action to be taken ASAP. Then I monitor competitors and social media to know what’s trending or current in terms of news. Writers are then assigned to perform specific and pressing tasks for the day. Hold internal and external meetings. See to the execution of all client work and projects.
I know that work can get tiring sometimes. What do you do when this happens? How do you draw inspiration? What are your sources of inspiration?
First I take a breather and then I engage with my fellow journalists through conversations. It provides fresh perspectives and renewed motivation.
How do you have fun? How do you spend your time when you’re not on the job?
When I’m not working, I spend time with my family or playing video games or watching a movie. Occasionally I will also hang out with my close friends.