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MEDIA MAVERICK
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STRATEGY. STORY. INFLUENCE. IMPACT.
COMPLEX PROBLEMS.
CONNECTED THINKING.
MEANINGFUL IMPACT.
We help organisations navigate complex challenges where media, communications, sport, technology, stakeholders, reputation and growth collide.
START A CONVERSATION
WHAT WE DO →
THE MAVERICK DIFFERENCE
WE DON'T JUST COMMUNICATE. WE CONNECT THE DOTS.
The hardest business challenges rarely belong to one discipline. They sit at the intersection of media, reputation, audiences, sport, technology, stakeholders and growth. Media Maverick operates precisely at that intersection — bringing strategic thinking, deep sector experience and practical execution to problems that require more than a single solution.
25+
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
19
RADIO STATIONS LED
500+
PROFESSIONALS LED
7
SECTORS OF EXPERTISE
OUR CAPABILITIES
WHERE EXPERTISE MEETS EXECUTION.
01
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
PR, corporate communications, reputation management, crisis, stakeholder engagement and strategic narrative.
02
MEDIA & DIGITAL
Media strategy, planning, buying, broadcast advisory, digital media, OTT, content distribution and AI.
03
SPORT & MAJOR EVENTS
Integrated communications, media operations, sponsorship, fan engagement and major-event strategy.
04
GROWTH & AFRICA
Market entry, Africa expansion, strategic partnerships, commercial representation and cross-border growth.
05
GOVERNANCE & ADVISORY
Board advisory, governance, ESG communications, executive advisory and strategic decision support.
06
CONTENT & EXPERIENCES
Content strategy, production, storytelling, digital experiences and audience engagement.
Each capability is supported by deep specialist expertise. See below.
SPECIALIST EXPERTISE
DEEP EXPERTISE. BROAD PERSPECTIVE.
Our specialist capabilities are built from decades of operating inside media, broadcasting, sport, technology and complex stakeholder environments.
BROADCAST ADVISORY
RADIO & BROADCAST ADVISORY
Strategic advisory for broadcasters — station strategy, format development, programming, audience, commercial and digital transformation.
BUILD A STRONGER STATION →
TRAINING
RADIO TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Building the next generation of broadcasters, producers and broadcast leaders across on-air, programming, news, management and digital.
TRAIN YOUR BROADCAST TEAM →
EDUCATION
STUDENT RADIO MANAGEMENT & STATION SETUP
From concept to campus. Strategic partner for universities seeking to establish, transform or professionalise student radio.
DEVELOP YOUR STUDENT RADIO →
CRISIS
CRISIS & REPUTATION MANAGEMENT
When the stakes are high, communication becomes a leadership function. Prepare, respond, recover and rebuild.
PREPARE FOR A CRISIS →
EXECUTIVE TRAINING
EXECUTIVE MEDIA & SPOKESPERSON TRAINING
Preparing leaders to communicate with clarity, confidence and discipline — especially when the questions are difficult.
PREPARE YOUR SPOKESPEOPLE →
INNOVATION
BROADCAST, DIGITAL RADIO & AI INNOVATION
Digital radio, DRM, streaming, AI-enabled broadcasting and hybrid broadcast/digital transformation strategy.
TRANSFORM YOUR MEDIA STRATEGY →
WHERE WE PLAY
AN ECOSYSTEM, NOT A LIST.
Media Maverick operates at the intersection of disciplines that most organisations keep separate. Our value is in connecting them.
One strategic ecosystem. One connected story.
SPORT & MAJOR EVENTS
SPORT IS MORE THAN THE GAME.
Media. Culture. Tourism. Economic development. Diplomacy. Community. Brand.
STORY
AUDIENCE
MEDIA
STAKEHOLDERS
BRAND
IMPACT
From major international sporting events to cricket governance, sponsorship strategy and fan engagement — we bring integrated communications expertise to sport's most complex challenges.
Integrated Communications · PR · Crisis & Reputation · Media Strategy · Broadcast · Sponsorship · Brand Partnerships · Stakeholder Engagement · Government Relations · Fan Engagement · Host-City Communications · Digital · Content · International Media · Africa
PLAN A MAJOR EVENT →
GROWTH & AFRICA
AFRICA IS NOT ONE MARKET.
Connecting international organisations with African opportunities — and African businesses with global markets. We bring local market intelligence, strategic relationships and cross-border experience to Africa's most complex growth challenges.
Market Entry Strategy
Africa Market Expansion
Strategic Partnerships
Commercial Representation
Media Partnerships
Content Distribution
Digital Ecosystems
Stakeholder Engagement
Local Market Intelligence
Cross-Border Partnerships
Business Development
Communications
EXPAND INTO AFRICA →
GOVERNANCE & INNOVATIONA MEDIA MAVERICK INNOVATION
SEE THE STORY BEHIND THE NUMBERS.
VIGIL is Media Maverick's emerging intelligence platform — combining governance insight, AI-driven analysis and strategic narrative to help boards, executives and institutions see the story behind the numbers before it becomes a crisis.
EXPLORE VIGIL →
Governance Intelligence
Board Narrative
AI-Driven Analysis
Strategic Insight
Risk & Reputation
Decision Support
WHY MAVERICK?
BROAD ENOUGH TO SOLVE COMPLEX PROBLEMS. SPECIALISED ENOUGH TO KNOW HOW.
01
OPERATING EXPERIENCE
We have worked inside complex organisations, not just advised from the outside. That difference matters when the stakes are high.
02
MEDIA DEPTH
25+ years across radio, television, digital, OTT, content and communications. We understand media from the inside.
03
STRATEGIC BREADTH
Media, communications, sport, technology, governance and growth. We connect disciplines that others keep separate.
04
AFRICAN CONTEXT
Understanding the complexity and opportunity of African markets — from local intelligence to cross-border strategy.
05
STRATEGY + EXECUTION
Moving from strategic thinking to practical implementation. We don't just advise — we help you execute.
MAVERICK ENOUGH TO THINK DIFFERENTLY.
WHO WE HELP
IS MEDIA MAVERICK RIGHT FOR YOU?
Every sector has its own language, pressures and stakeholders. We bring deep sector understanding alongside strategic communications expertise.
CORPORATES
CEOs, boards and executive teams navigating complex communications, reputation and stakeholder challenges.
SPORTS ORGANISATIONS
Governing bodies, clubs, leagues and major-event organisers seeking integrated communications and commercial strategy.
BROADCASTERS
Radio stations, television networks and digital broadcasters seeking strategic advisory, training and transformation.
UNIVERSITIES
Institutions seeking to establish, transform or professionalise student radio and campus media platforms.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Government departments, public institutions and state entities requiring strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES
Tech businesses entering African markets or seeking to communicate complex propositions to diverse stakeholders.
MEDIA ORGANISATIONS
Publishers, broadcasters and digital media businesses navigating transformation, strategy and commercial development.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Global bodies, NGOs and international institutions operating across African markets and complex stakeholder environments.
AFRICAN BUSINESSES
African companies seeking to grow regionally, build reputation and connect with international partners and markets.
START A CONVERSATION →
SELECTED WORK
STRATEGY IN ACTION.
BROADCAST LEADERSHIP
SABC — 19 RADIO STATIONS
Executive leadership across 19 SABC radio stations. Strategic oversight of 19 station managers and 500+ broadcast professionals. Encompassing radio strategy, programming, commercial development, digital transformation and organisational leadership.
Radio Strategy · Programming · Commercial · Digital Transformation · Leadership
VIEW CASE STUDY →
STUDENT RADIO
MUT RADIO — FROM CONCEPT TO CAMPUS
Strategic advisory and management for Mangosuthu University of Technology's campus radio platform. Digital-first broadcasting, AI integration, DRM, content strategy, talent development and audience development for youth audiences.
Campus Radio · Digital · AI · DRM · Content · Training
VIEW CASE STUDY →
BROADCAST TRAINING
BROADCAST TRAINING & CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT
Professional development programmes for radio stations, universities, campus radio, community radio and public broadcasters. Covering on-air presentation, programming, producing, news, management and digital broadcasting.
Training · Programming · On-Air · Management · Digital
VIEW CASE STUDY →
SPORT & COMMUNICATIONS
SPORT, GOVERNANCE & COMMERCIAL STRATEGY
Strategic communications, media, sponsorship, stakeholder engagement and commercial strategy across sport, cricket governance and major events in the African context.
Sport · Cricket · Governance · Sponsorship · Media · Africa
VIEW CASE STUDY →
CHALLENGE. STRATEGY. EXECUTION. IMPACT.
VIEW ALL WORK
CARL SHEIK | FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL
CARL SHEIK
STRATEGIC ADVISOR. VALUE CREATOR. MEDIA MAVERICK.
Governance | Strategic Communications | Media & Sport | Pan-African Growth | Strategic Partnerships
Independent Non-Executive Director | Former GM: SABC Radio
Carl Sheik is a strategic adviser and independent non-executive director with more than 25 years of experience across media, broadcasting, digital, sport, technology, commercial partnerships and governance.

As the founder of Media Maverick, Carl brings executive leadership experience, strategic value creation, communications expertise and Pan-African market insight to complex organisational challenges.

His career includes serving as General Manager of SABC Radio, where he led 19 radio stations, 19 station managers and more than 500 professionals. His experience spans strategic communications, media transformation, sport, strategic partnerships, Africa market expansion, governance and emerging media technologies.
25+
Years of Experience
19
Radio Stations Led
500+
Professionals Led
1/1
AFRICA
Multi-Market Experience
Broadcasting · Digital Media · Sport · Technology · Governance · Commercial Strategy · Africa · Cricket · Radio · Communications
START A CONVERSATION →
INSIGHTS
THINKING THAT MOVES THINGS FORWARD.
1
MEDIA
The Future of Radio in Africa: Strategy, Digital and AI
How African broadcasters can build stronger stations, smarter operations and more relevant audiences in a rapidly changing media landscape.
READ MORE →
2
SPORT
Sport as a Communications Platform: Beyond the Game
Why the most sophisticated organisations use sport as a vehicle for reputation, stakeholder engagement, brand and commercial growth.
READ MORE →
3
GOVERNANCE
When Reputation Becomes a Leadership Function
Crisis, reputation and communications are no longer PR problems. They are board-level strategic challenges that require executive leadership.
READ MORE →
VIEW ALL INSIGHTS →
ABOUT
CARL SHEIK
STRATEGIC ADVISOR. VALUE CREATOR. MEDIA MAVERICK.
Governance | Strategic Communications | Media & Sport | Pan-African Growth | Strategic Partnerships
Independent Non-Executive Director | Former GM: SABC Radio
Carl Sheik is a strategic adviser and independent non-executive director with more than 25 years of experience across media, broadcasting, digital, sport, technology, commercial partnerships and governance.
As the founder of Media Maverick, Carl brings executive leadership experience, strategic value creation, communications expertise and Pan-African market insight to complex organisational challenges.
His career includes serving as General Manager of SABC Radio, where he led 19 radio stations, 19 station managers and more than 500 professionals. His experience spans strategic communications, media transformation, sport, strategic partnerships, Africa market expansion, governance and emerging media technologies.
25+ YEARS
Strategic Experience
19 STATIONS
Radio Leadership
500+ PROFESSIONALS
Teams Led
SPORT & GOVERNANCE
Cross-Sector Expertise
Broadcasting · Digital Media · Sport · Cricket · Technology · Governance · Commercial Strategy · Africa · Radio · Communications · Executive Advisory
START A CONVERSATION →
INDUSTRIES
WE UNDERSTAND YOUR WORLD.
Every sector has its own language, pressures and stakeholders. We bring deep sector understanding alongside strategic communications expertise — from boardrooms to broadcast studios, from stadiums to campuses.
SPORT & MAJOR EVENTS
Governing bodies, clubs, leagues, major events, cricket governance and commercial sport.
BROADCASTING & MEDIA
Radio, television, digital media, OTT, streaming and broadcast transformation.
TECHNOLOGY
Tech companies, digital platforms, AI businesses and emerging technology organisations.
CORPORATE
Listed companies, multinationals, private businesses and executive leadership teams.
PUBLIC SECTOR
Government, state entities, public institutions and regulatory bodies.
EDUCATION
Universities, campus radio, student media, institutional reputation and digital transformation.
AFRICA MARKET EXPANSION
International organisations entering Africa and African businesses expanding regionally and globally.
SPORTS GOVERNANCE & SPORT BUSINESS
Sport governance, commercial strategy, sponsorship, stakeholder engagement and sport business development.
OUR WORK
CHALLENGE. STRATEGY. EXECUTION. IMPACT.
Every engagement begins with a problem, not a pitch. We listen first, think deeply, then build a strategy that connects to real outcomes. Here is how we think and what we do.
THE CHALLENGE
We start by understanding the real problem — not the surface issue. What is at stake? Who are the stakeholders? What does success look like?
THE STRATEGY
We build a strategy that connects media, communications, reputation, audiences and stakeholders to a clear outcome. No generic frameworks.
THE EXECUTION
We move from thinking to doing. Strategy without execution is just a document. We help organisations implement, adapt and deliver.
THE IMPACT
We measure what matters — reputation, audience, commercial outcomes, stakeholder confidence and organisational capability.
SEE OUR WORK →
HAVE A COMPLEX CHALLENGE?
Tell us what you're trying to solve. We'll start with the problem, not the pitch.
CONTACT
Strategic Communications · PR · Crisis & Reputation · Media Strategy · Media Buying · Sport / Major Events · Sponsorship · Radio Advisory · Radio Training · Student Radio · Executive Media Training · Africa Expansion · Digital / Technology · Governance · VIGIL · Other
 Cape Town | South Africa
 Africa-facing | International perspective
 +27 81 796 6878
 carlito@maverickconsulting.co.za
Carl Sheik | CEO
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START A CONVERSATION
Whether you have a specific brief or just a complex problem you're trying to solve — we'd like to hear from you.
→ SOLVE A COMMUNICATION CHALLENGE
→ BUILD A RADIO STATION
→ PREPARE FOR A CRISIS
→ TRAIN YOUR BROADCAST TEAM
→ DEVELOP YOUR STUDENT RADIO
→ PREPARE YOUR SPOKESPEOPLE
→ PLAN A MAJOR EVENT
→ EXPAND INTO AFRICA
→ EXPLORE VIGIL
+27 81 796 6878
carlito@maverickconsulting.co.za
mediamaverick.co.za
MEDIA MAVERICK
Strategy. Story. Influence. Impact.
WHAT WE DO
Strategic Communications
Media & Digital
Sport & Major Events
Growth & Africa
Governance & Advisory
Content & Experiences
SPECIALIST EXPERTISE
Radio & Broadcast Advisory
Radio Training
Student Radio
Crisis & Reputation
Executive Media Training
Digital Radio & AI
COMPANY
About Carl Sheik
Our Work
Industries
Insights
VIGIL
Contact
CONTACT
+27 81 796 6878
carlito@maverickconsulting.co.za
mediamaverick.co.za
Cape Town | South Africa
Africa-facing | International perspective
© 2026 Media Maverick. Strategy. Story. Influence. Impact.
MEDIA MAVERICK
BOARDROOM. BROADCAST STUDIO. STADIUM. DIGITAL PLATFORM.
One brand. One strategic ecosystem. One connected story.
"Media Maverick is the strategic partner organisations call when media, reputation, audiences, sport, technology, stakeholders and growth collide."
MEDIA + COMMUNICATIONS
SPORT + MAJOR EVENTS
BROADCAST + RADIO
AFRICA + GOVERNANCE
START A CONVERSATION →

MEDIA MAVERICK

COMPLEX PROBLEMS.CONNECTED THINKING.MEANINGFUL IMPACT.

WE DON'T JUST COMMUNICATE. WE CONNECT THE DOTS.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

RADIO STATIONS LED

PROFESSIONALS LED

SECTORS OF EXPERTISE

WHERE EXPERTISE MEETS EXECUTION.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

MEDIA & DIGITAL

SPORT & MAJOR EVENTS

GROWTH & AFRICA

GOVERNANCE & ADVISORY

CONTENT & EXPERIENCES

DEEP EXPERTISE. BROAD PERSPECTIVE.

RADIO & BROADCAST ADVISORY

RADIO TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

STUDENT RADIO MANAGEMENT & STATION SETUP

CRISIS & REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE MEDIA & SPOKESPERSON TRAINING

BROADCAST, DIGITAL RADIO & AI INNOVATION

AN ECOSYSTEM, NOT A LIST.

SPORT IS MORE THAN THE GAME.

Media. Culture. Tourism. Economic development. Diplomacy. Community. Brand.

STORY

AUDIENCE

MEDIA

STAKEHOLDERS

BRAND

IMPACT

AFRICA IS NOT ONE MARKET.

Market Entry Strategy

Africa Market Expansion

Strategic Partnerships

Commercial Representation

Media Partnerships

Content Distribution

Digital Ecosystems

Stakeholder Engagement

Local Market Intelligence

Cross-Border Partnerships

Business Development

Communications

SEE THE STORY BEHIND THE NUMBERS.

EXPLORE VIGIL →

Governance Intelligence

Board Narrative

AI-Driven Analysis

Strategic Insight

Risk & Reputation

Decision Support

BROAD ENOUGH TO SOLVE COMPLEX PROBLEMS. SPECIALISED ENOUGH TO KNOW HOW.

OPERATING EXPERIENCE

MEDIA DEPTH

STRATEGIC BREADTH

AFRICAN CONTEXT

STRATEGY + EXECUTION

MAVERICK ENOUGH TO THINK DIFFERENTLY.

IS MEDIA MAVERICK RIGHT FOR YOU?

CORPORATES

SPORTS ORGANISATIONS

BROADCASTERS

UNIVERSITIES

PUBLIC SECTOR

TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES

MEDIA ORGANISATIONS

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

AFRICAN BUSINESSES

START A CONVERSATION →

STRATEGY IN ACTION.

SABC — 19 RADIO STATIONS

MUT RADIO — FROM CONCEPT TO CAMPUS

BROADCAST TRAINING & CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT

SPORT, GOVERNANCE & COMMERCIAL STRATEGY

CHALLENGE. STRATEGY. EXECUTION. IMPACT.

CARL SHEIK

STRATEGIC ADVISOR. VALUE CREATOR. MEDIA MAVERICK.

Years of Experience

Radio Stations Led

Professionals Led

COMPLEX PROBLEMS.
CONNECTED THINKING.
MEANINGFUL IMPACT.