Gordon Patterson: A heavy loss to media family

Published Jul 23, 2016

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Johannesburg - Gordon Patterson, who has died in a botched robbery, is being mourned by staff of Independent Media, owners of the Pretoria News.

Patterson, who was gunned down on Thursday in the driveway of his home in Randpark Ridge, started his career in media and advertising on The Star more than 30 years ago.

He loved print media, and recognised its power as a communication and advertising medium. But, at the same time, he knew print had to adapt or be swallowed in the tsunami of changes around the world.

He was unflinchingly honest and his prominent voice within the Audit Bureau of Circulations led to the eradication of some of the unsavoury practices in our industry around sales figures which had developed over the years.

At the time of his death, he was the business director of the local operations of the international media and marketing giant, the Omnicom Group.

Those who worked with him remember his willingness to share experiences and insights.

“He was a wonderful mentor and many people owe their success to him,” said Ronell Buitenbos, Independent Media’s head of Direct Retail Advertising: Gauteng.

“He helped me with my first pitch to clients. He said this is the way to do it. And you don’t do that"

Travel editor Brendan Seery called him one of the best underwater photographers in South Africa who contributed a number of features to the Travel supplement.

Saturday Star

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