Meet James Thomas,
seasoned Policy Adviser, Journalist & Communications Specialist
James has worked for more than 25 years at the highest levels of journalism, public advocacy, government, business, and NGOs.
An award-winning journalist with experience across Nine, Seven, ABC, Sky, CBS Paramount USA and TV2 Denmark, James has ‘newsroom insights’, strong media contacts, solid writing and TV production skills, and the ability to deliver content that resonates with the public and stakeholders.
As a former senior adviser to two Cabinet Ministers, he has rare political and strategic insight into executive government, federal budgetary processes, and stakeholder engagement.
James currently heads Thomas Communications, where he combines his experience, knowledge, and network to create customised solutions for clients.
Meet James Thomas,
seasoned Policy Adviser, Journalist & Communications Specialist
James has worked for more than 25 years at the highest levels of journalism, public advocacy, government, business, and NGOs.
An award-winning journalist with experience across Nine, Seven, ABC, Sky, CBS Paramount USA and TV2 Denmark, James has ‘newsroom insights’, strong media contacts, solid writing and TV production skills, and the ability to deliver content that resonates with the public and stakeholders.
As a former senior adviser to two Cabinet Ministers, he has rare political and strategic insight into executive government, federal budgetary processes, and stakeholder engagement.
James currently heads Thomas Communications, where he combines his experience, knowledge, and network to create customised solutions for clients.
Add a skilled professional in communication and strategy to your team.
Thomas Communications will work with you to deliver persuasive and engaging communication that connects with your audience to foster engagement, build trust and deliver on your business objectives.
Media Relations
Thomas Communications is founded by former journalists with over 25 years of newsroom insights, production skills and journalistic contacts.
We understand the starting point for effective media relations is respect.
Journalists are storytellers, hungry for unique content, seeking to leave society better informed and ultimately, better off.
Thomas Communications ensure clients’ stories are told in a manner that serves their business whilst also delivering newsworthy content for journalists – the foundation to any successful media engagement.
Media Training
Whether it's a Senate Inquiry, a live TV interview or a press conference - public scrutiny can be challenging and even experienced CEOs can stumble under the pressure.
Most media training promises to immunise spokespeople from these pressures. They rarely succeed. Here’s why.
Whilst it has its place in the media training spectrum, subjecting people, without adequate preparation, to difficult and aggressive questions with cameras rolling tends to leave subjects rattled and fearful of their next media engagement. As such, they feel they need to spend more time and money on more media training, chasing a cure to anxiety levels that paradoxically increase with each aggressive training session.
At Thomas Communications we do things differently. We don’t seek to break you, in order that you be rebuilt. We don’t think that is realistic – especially in one day. Instead, we aim to strengthen you. We start by building on the skills you already have. And then, throughout the day, we add to your confidence with tips and tricks on core messaging, presentation skills and techniques for handling difficult questions in all media contexts – live, pre-recorded, print, tv and radio.
Your Reputation
Honesty, timeliness, empathy for customers and the ability to outline a plan for action – these are the skills and traits needed when communicating with the market in difficult times. Thomas Communications protects your company and its brand by ensuring your customers and stakeholders remain at the forefront of your thinking and communications during a crisis.
We start with strong ethical grounding and believe good advice requires honesty, preparedness to diverge from group think and judgement derived from experience. Trust in and with the team we are working with is equally as important. Client confidentiality is paramount in everything we do.
Media Production
We supply premium corporate video, photography, and visual press releases.
Thomas Communications has Over 25 years of experience working on the highest rating TV shows in the country. We have access to the best camera operators, drone operators, editors, producers and photographers in the business.
Government Relations
Government Relations requires much more than securing a meeting with a minister. Getting results for your business often requires broad engagement with backbenchers, opposition members, department officials, and political staffers. Your strategy requires consideration of budgetary cycles and a public facing communications and media strategy that supports your interactions with government.
As experienced former political staffers and journalists, we are uniquely placed help you navigate the Australian political landscape.
Thomas Communications don’t just open doors. We lay foundations for enduring relationships with the decision makers that are key to your success.
We are builders, we had no idea how to access decision makers or talk to journalists. Thomas Communications helped us engage the NSW government for a Covid policy outcome that saved our business potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. Thank you.
Shaun Hanley
Founding Partner
Living Space Constructions
Thomas communication’s honest dealing, media connections and political nous helped us successfully elevate EV Maritime’s presence in Australia’s market for electric ferries.
Michael Eaglen
Co-Founder & Chief Executive
EV Maritime
James Thomas has been an invaluable adviser to Triforce across various domains. He is our go-to MC for major corporate events at venues such as the SCG and shapes our key engagements with journalists and executive government. We appreciate very much James' honesty. It is rare to see someone put our business before his own - a dynamic which has ensured success for all of us. Thank you.
Abbas Aly
Director
Triforce Australia
Get in touch
If you need guidance in navigating the media landscape, or have any questions relating to our services and how we can help, we would love to hear from you. Contact James directly using the details below, or complete the form and we will be in touch shortly.