What is your background?
Axel Coassi: I trained in accounting, then switched to digital
around 2010, first as a blogger, and over time, certifications allowed
me to work as a Digital Manager for several years. During those years,
I was a digital strategy consultant, trainer for digital programs, etc.
Anet Karl Herman: I started computer graphics during my vacations from 9th to 12th
grade. And right after graduating from high school, I decided to specialize in graphic design. That's where
I got my degree in Visual Communication. I also did training in
Community Management to add value to my graphic design skills. And
now I work as a Computer Graphics Consultant and Art Director for quite a few national and international
projects.
What are your activities today?
Axel Coassi: Digital Manager for Agence VIOU, our digital project
management agency, which is highly focused on designing digital
communication strategies and creating content that stands out for the deployment of corporate strategies
.
Anet Karl Herman: I am the Artistic Director at Agence Viou, where I have the important task of
bringing clients' ideas to life through highly original visuals to support their communication
campaigns. At Viou Media, I am also the artistic eye and hand behind the content
rendering.
What is VIOU MEDIA?
Viou Media is media for everyone, created by Anet Karl Hermann and Axel Coassi to cover
the most important news from across Africa and around the world, providing information to readers who have a smartphone and an internet connection and want to consume news at a glance.
In Ivory Coast and Africa, it is also a development partner for businesses and government
organizations.
Why did you decide to launch a media outlet? To meet what needs? Why did you choose this format?
We wanted to create a media outlet that takes a more qualitative approach to news and
topics of discussion in Côte d'Ivoire. The country is overwhelmed with so-called
"media" content that only talks about BUZZ and things that are of little use to the young
people coming up behind. There is a clear need for more serious,
higher-quality news. We also want to raise awareness of broader issues that affect the world as a whole.
We have chosen a visual format because images are powerful and captivating. They allow us to share information in a simple way, which can be saved to our phone galleries in just a few clicks. Viou information can be saved and consumed later. Even though the Viou website is still under construction, the general idea behind this medium is to captivate readers with highly expressive visuals.
What is the editorial line?
The media outlet's editorial line is apolitical, neutral, and dedicated to reporting accurate news. We also produce weekly reports. Our ambition is to capture a large audience on the African continent.
You are active on the LinkedIn social network. What are the strengths of this network? Why did you choose it?
Viou has established a presence on all other social networks and could not overlook LinkedIn
, which today brings together decision-makers. The goal is to become part of the daily lives of current decision-makers and grow with the next wave. The strengths of this network lie precisely in the quality and diversity of the channels on which it is deployed. We want to be everywhere.
You launched your VIOU Media activities in 2019. It is now 2023. How do you see your activities
evolving?
In 2019, we were a media outlet that promoted the new wave of entrepreneurs, and COVID
had a major impact on our business. This year, we took the opportunity to refine our editorial
line and review our rebranding. Change is certainly happening at its own pace, but we are doing everything we can to ensure our credibility and develop our positioning. The year 2024 looks set to be more Viousible.
What are the characteristics of your audience?
She is familiar with the internet and knows how to use social media to find the right information.
Her readers are mainly students, entrepreneurs, and young executives between the ages of 20 and 45. Finally, she is primarily African.
What are your strengths compared to the competition?
Our creativity and our ability to make information accessible, both in form and substance.
