MARINE BUSINESS NEWS
NEWS UPDATE
8 September 2023
Publishers note
I remember vividly, many years ago, I had a journalist visit an event I was associated with. His editor sent him down with a preconceived idea for a story that he wanted. When he arrived, his intention was to produce a story about how boating was elitist, only for the wealthy, and not within reach of the normal everyday Aussie.
My visitor was polite and respectful, and I equally responded with the same courtesy. I was going to give him a story, but to do so, he was going to have to sit with me over a coffee and have a chat.
When the conversation ended a couple of hours later, my visitor was on a new writing path. He wanted to write about the benefits of the boating lifestyle, the opportunities for everyone to participate, and how, with a boat, you could have fabulous occasions to bring your family and friends together.
He went away, and late in the afternoon, I received news that he was on his way back to the show. He had submitted his story to the editor, and his new visit was in search of a boat that may suit his young family. Never having owned a boat, he wanted to arrive home armed with a convincing story for his wife. No doubt our conversation resonated more than I anticipated.
Much later in the day, I was pleased to see he had come up to visit our office again; however, his persona was not the same as when he left me earlier in the day. The young journalist had just received a call from the editor saying that his story had been pulled. Apparently, according to the editor, “there was not enough tension in the headline.” Feelgood didn’t sell. Tension did.
I have no doubt that times have changed, and broadcast media is way more balanced than the occasional hard-fisted editors of the past. That said, the media does very much influence our views and what we believe to be the truth.
Why do I tell this story? Over recent years, a day rarely goes by that we don’t hear something about Electric Vehicles and how they will “soon” dominate our roads. That may be the case one day, but I incorrectly created perceptions as to how and when that would apply to boating.
Last month, I had the opportunity to chat with Brunswick supremo, David Foulkes, CEO of the Brunswick Corporation. We spoke about a lot of things, but my biggest takeaway from the fabulous and very engaging conversation with him was the reality of the electrification of the marine industry. He made a lot of sense, and I feel better informed about what the future of our industry looks like. I hope you enjoy the interview. You can read it here.
Marine Business News is an Australian owned marine industry news service publishing local and international news. If you have news stories you would like to share, please let us know by contacting our newsroom via our email at NewsRoom@MarineBusinessNews.com.au.
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Stay safe on the water,
Domenic Genua - Publisher
In Conversation with David Foulkes CEO at the Bunswick Corporation
During the 2023 Sydney International Boat Show, Marine Business News was fortunate to be able to sit and chat with David Foulkes, CEO at Brunswick Corporation.
This is how the conversation went.
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Quintrex and Hunts Marine – a 68 Year Partnership!
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Record Sign-up for 2023 Horizon Yachts Rendezvous
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MIA Survey in the Field & Upcoming Regional Members Meeting
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Sam’s Approach to Project Management Steers Shipyard Success at Rivergate
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Full steam ahead for two new Marine Rescue NSW vessels
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