Hi, I'm John Fraser. With a solid background in journalism, communications, and media consultancy, I've worked across the UK, South Africa, and Hong Kong for over four decades. My expertise spans writing, editing, media relations, and production, with additional experience in hosting wine-tasting podcasts and presenting business shows on radio. Having relocated to the UK, I am passionate about using my skills in writing, research, and communications to contribute to insightful and engaging projects. I'm always eager to connect with organizations that value thorough research and clear, compelling content.

John Millar Fraser

Hi, I'm John Fraser. With a solid background in journalism, communications, and media consultancy, I've worked across the UK, South Africa, and Hong Kong for over four decades. My expertise spans writing, editing, media relations, and production, with additional experience in hosting wine-tasting podcasts and presenting business shows on radio. Having relocated to the UK, I am passionate about using my skills in writing, research, and communications to contribute to insightful and engaging projects. I'm always eager to connect with organizations that value thorough research and clear, compelling content.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m John Fraser. With a solid background in journalism, communications, and media consultancy, I’ve worked across the UK, South Africa, and Hong Kong for over four decades. My expertise spans writing, editing, media relations, and production, with additional experience in hosting wine-tasting podcasts and presenting business shows on radio.

Having relocated to the UK, I am passionate about using my skills in writing, research, and communications to contribute to insightful and engaging projects. I’m always eager to connect with organizations that value thorough research and clear, compelling content.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Reporter at Commercial Radio, Hong Kong
December 31, 1981 - July 17, 2025
Worked as a reporter providing news coverage and reporting for Commercial Radio in Hong Kong.
Reporter at Freelance news agency, Brussels
December 31, 1999 - July 17, 2025
Ran a freelance news agency with exclusive coverage as European Editor for various media outlets including IRN/LBC, SABC Radio, Glasgow Herald, Daily Mail, Voice of America, and The Evening Standard.
Trade and Industry Editor at Business Report
December 31, 2001 - July 17, 2025
Served as Trade and Industry Editor. Additionally reviewed restaurants for the Sunday Independent.
Trade and Industry Editor and then Resources (Mining) Editor at Business Day
December 31, 2005 - July 17, 2025
Edited the Trade and Industry section, then the Resources (Mining) section. Founded and edited 'The Exporter' trade supplement. Also contributed restaurant, DVD, and book reviews.
Communications Manager at Aflease and Uranium One (Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed mining firms)
December 31, 2007 - July 17, 2025
Managed communications including drafting press releases, arranging briefings and conferences, media interaction, speech writing, planning site visits, annual reports, internal communications, and website updates.
Anchor and Executive Producer at Classic FM radio
December 31, 2012 - July 17, 2025
Anchored and produced the Classic Business drivetime business show. Managed Classic FM newsroom as news editor and occasional newsreader. Introduced on-air wine tasting and hosted wine shows. MC for business journalist awards and various industry events.
Ghost-writer and Editor at Various banking sector and state energy firm clients
December 31, 2012 - July 17, 2025
Ghostwrote material and edited economic reports; wrote articles for IPS News Wire on trade matters.
Communications Consultant and Writer at Various clients including industry bodies and Toyota Financial Services Division
December 31, 2013 - July 17, 2025
Wrote media releases, arranged media events, launched PR campaigns, consulted on media relations and reputation management, and edited website content.
Editor and Publisher at ZA Confidential
May 1, 2013 - Present
Launched and edited ZA Confidential, a subscription newsletter and website. Hosted wine-tasting podcasts, researched and wrote trade articles for IPS Newswire.
Editor and Researcher at Investment Solutions
September 30, 2014 - July 17, 2025
Edited and helped research and write the book ‘Half Way There’ on BRICS for authors Chris Hart and Glenn Silverman.
Writer, Researcher and Media Consultant at Cova Advisory (now EY Cova)
November 30, 2021 - July 17, 2025
Edited and researched guides on energy efficiency, provided writing, research, media monitoring, and consultancy services.
Writer and Media Consultant at EY South Africa
November 1, 2021 - Present
Produced thought leadership articles, LinkedIn posts, press releases, website content, and provided media consultancy.
Media Consultant at Impact Investment Operations
January 1, 2020 - Present
Provided media consultancy services for a venture capital firm focused on impact investments.
Writer at Business Day
January 1, 2020 - Present
Produced op-eds, book and restaurant reviews; assisted non-profit SA Day with community clean-up and beautification efforts.
Editor at Crash and Burn biography by Glen Orsmond
December 31, 2024 - July 17, 2025
Edited the biography titled 'Crash and Burn: A CEO's crazy adventures in the SA airline industry' by Glen Orsmond.
Reporter at Commercial Radio, Hong Kong
December 31, 1981 - July 17, 2025
Served as a reporter covering news and events for Commercial Radio in Hong Kong during early career.
Freelance Reporter / European Editor at Freelance news agency / various
December 31, 1999 - July 17, 2025
Ran a freelance news agency providing exclusive coverage as the European Editor for multiple international media outlets including IRN/LBC, SABC Radio, Glasgow Herald, Daily Mail, Voice of America, The Evening Standard, among others.
Trade and Industry Editor, then Resources (Mining) Editor at Business Day
December 31, 2005 - July 17, 2025
Worked initially as Trade and Industry Editor and later as Resources (Mining) Editor. Founded and edited the paper's 'The Exporter' trade supplement. Contributed restaurant, DVD, and book reviews as well.
Communications Manager at Aflease and Uranium One (Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed mining firms)
December 31, 2007 - July 17, 2025
Managed communications including drafting news releases, arranging briefings, news and analyst conferences, media and analyst interaction, speech writing, planning and hosting site visits, annual reports, internal communications, websites, and shareholder communications for mining firms.
Anchor and Executive Producer at Classic FM
December 31, 2012 - July 17, 2025
Anchored and executive produced the Classic Business drivetime business show. Ran the Classic FM newsroom as news editor and occasional newsreader. Introduced on-air wine tastings and hosted related shows. Served as MC at awards and other industry events, and delivered media handling training for diplomats and business executives.
Writer, Editor, Media Consultant at Various including EY South Africa, Investment Solutions, Cova Advisory
January 1, 2012 - Present
Provided ghost-writing, editing, media consultancy, research, media monitoring, and communications strategy for financial services firms, state energy firms, industry bodies, charities, and consultancies. Edited books and produced content for Business Day and other outlets.
Reporter at Commercial Radio, Hong Kong
December 31, 1981 - July 17, 2025
Reported on various news stories during the year 1980-1981.
Freelance Reporter / European Editor at Freelance News Agency
December 31, 1999 - July 17, 2025
Ran a freelance news agency covering European news. Provided exclusive coverage as European Editor for clients including IRN/LBC, SABC Radio, Glasgow Herald, Daily Mail, Voice of America, and others.
Trade and Industry Editor at Business Report
December 31, 2001 - July 17, 2025
Covered trade and industry topics and reviewed restaurants for the Sunday Independent.
Trade and Industry Editor, then Resources (Mining) Editor at Business Day
December 31, 2005 - July 17, 2025
Edited trade, industry, and mining sectors. Founded and edited 'The Exporter' trade supplement. Also contributed to restaurant, DVD, and book reviews.
Communications Manager at Aflease and Uranium One (JSE listed mining firms)
December 31, 2007 - July 17, 2025
Managed communications including drafting news releases, organizing briefings and conferences, media relations, speech writing, site visit planning, annual reports, internal communications, and coordinating shareholder releases.
Anchor and Executive Producer at Classic FM
December 31, 2012 - July 17, 2025
Anchored and produced the drivetime business show. Managed Classic FM newsroom, edited news, conducted newsreading duties. Hosted wine tasting shows and presented other music shows. Performed MC work for various industries and hosted events.
Ghost-writer and Editor at Various clients (banking sector, state energy firm, IPS News Wire)
December 31, 2012 - July 17, 2025
Ghost-wrote materials for the banking sector and state energy firm, edited economic reports and articles on trade matters.
Communications Consultant and Media Relations at Various clients
December 31, 2013 - July 17, 2025
Wrote media releases, arranged media events, launched PR campaigns, consulted on media relations and reputation management, edited websites, and assisted with communications strategy.
Editor and Publisher at ZA Confidential
May 1, 2013 - Present
Launched and edited a subscription newsletter and website. Hosted regular wine-tasting podcasts and wrote trade articles for IPS Newswire.
Editor and Researcher at Investment Solutions
September 30, 2014 - July 17, 2025
Edited and researched a new book on the BRICS, working with authors Chris Hart and Glenn Silverman.
Writer, Researcher and Media Consultant at Cova Advisory (now EY Cova)
May 31, 2025 - July 17, 2025
Edited and researched guides on energy efficiency, provided media consultancy, writing, research, and media monitoring for tax consultancy and subsequently EY South Africa.
Guest Commentator at Power FM, Mix FM, 702 radio, GB News
December 31, 2015 - July 17, 2025
Provided weekly commentary discussing business and economic issues.
Industry Writer and Reviewer at Business Day and Non-Profit SA Day
January 1, 2020 - Present
Produced op-eds, book and restaurant reviews. Assisted non-profit with urban cleanliness and beautification projects.
Editor at Publication of Biography by Glen Orsmond
December 31, 2024 - July 17, 2025
Edited 'Crash and Burn: A CEO's crazy adventures in the SA airline industry'.

Education

A-Levels at Brighton College
January 1, 1975 - December 31, 1977
BSc at Bristol University
January 1, 1977 - December 31, 1980
A-Levels at Brighton College
January 1, 1975 - December 31, 1977
BSc (honours) at Bristol University
January 1, 1977 - December 31, 1980
A-Levels at Brighton College
January 1, 1975 - December 31, 1977
BSc (honours) at Bristol University
January 1, 1977 - December 31, 1980

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Agriculture & Mining, Non-Profit Organization, Energy & Utilities, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality
    uniE621 Review for Business Day Newspaper
    I am a regular book reviewer and also edit books.
    uniE621 Review for Business Day Newspaper
    I am a regular book reviewer and also edit books.