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Why Analyzing Media Sentiment by Frequency is Holding You Back

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Why Analyzing Media Sentiment by Frequency is Holding You Back

By Philip Odiakose

As someone who has spent over 15 years working directly with public relations measurement and intelligence and more than a decade helping brands make sense of their media performance, I can say with confidence (and a touch of media analysis fatigue) that not all PR metrics are doing what we think they are doing. And when it comes to sentiment analysis, many of us have been led by tradition, not truth. In my constant pursuit to help PR and comms professionals access metrics rooted in objectivity and research, I had to take a deeper look into how sentiment is currently being measured. After spending time digging into the methodology, analysing patterns, and comparing outcomes, it became clear: sentiment analysis by frequency has overstayed its welcome.

    “Too often, we focus on counting sentiment rather than weighing it — frequency tells us how much, but deeper analysis tells us how much it matters.”

For too long, we have boxed sentiment into just three labels — positive, negative, and neutral — and then celebrated (or panicked) based on how large each segment appears. If a brand has 60% positive sentiment, someone somewhere is already serving small chops and cutting cake. But ask the hard question: what does that 60% actually mean? Does it carry weight? Is it impactful? Is it meaningful? I recall being in a strategy session where an agency CEO saw a 60% positive sentiment report and asked, “So… should I be excited or worried?” And truthfully, the data didn’t answer that. In another situation, a client saw 35% negative sentiment and wanted to escalate to crisis mode. Again, I had to ask, what kind of negative are we talking about?

    “When it comes to sentiment analysis, it’s not enough to know the quantity of sentiment; you need to understand the intensity and quality of that sentiment. Without that, data can lead you astray.”

You see, frequency analysis doesn’t tell you intensity. It doesn’t ask, how positive is this positivity? Or how damaging is this negativity? In reality, a comment like “The brand dey try sha” (Nigerian slang for “they are doing okay”) and another saying “This brand saved my life!” are both tagged as positive but are clearly worlds apart in tone and impact. That is where the problem lies — we have focused too much on counting sentiment without weighing it.

Research provides a more meaningful approach. The empirical formula I recommend is:

    Sentiment Score (StSc) = (Number of Positive Mentions – Number of Negative Mentions) / Total Number of Mentions

This gives us a normalized sentiment index between -1 and +1, where 0 is neutral, and the extremes show very strong positivity or negativity. So if a brand has 3 positive and 2 negative mentions out of 10 total, the score becomes (3 – 2)/10 = 0.1 — slightly positive. But if it is 8 positive and 1 negative, the score is 0.7 — that is significant. Now compare that to simply saying “80% positive,” and you see why frequency alone is not enough. The difference is in the depth of interpretation. This formula still isn’t widely used across the media intelligence space, but one company that’s already ahead of the curve is Truescope (North America) — where my friend and industry expert, Todd Murphy, serves as President of North America.

    “Objective metrics that account for sentiment weight and distribution are what truly empower PR strategies. It’s not about having more positive mentions — it’s about understanding the level of positivity and negativity and its true impact on brand perception.”

 To fix this gap in analysis, we have developed the Future-Proof Sentiment Score Framework – A P+ Measurement Services Proprietary Sentiment Score Framework. This includes a more advanced Sentiment Weight Score and Distribution Matrix, which doesn’t stop at “positive/negative/neutral,” but goes further to classify sentiment into strongly, moderately, and slightly — for both positives and negatives. This matrix brings clarity to brands and communications teams. It helps you know when to celebrate, when to adjust, and when to truly raise the red flag. Starting from Q2 2025, all clients of P+ Measurement Services will have access to this upgraded sentiment analysis dashboard, alongside a dedicated dashboard that tracks the media performance of competitive CEOs. And I can say with confidence — it changes the game.

    “Let’s stop being impressed by pie charts that look shiny but don’t provide actionable insight. Understanding the meaning behind sentiment and the true impact on your brand is what matters.”

I will give you a practical example. A multinational brand we monitored recently saw 35% negative sentiment and was ready to call a crisis meeting. But our deeper analysis showed 80% of that negativity was slightly negative—things like delayed customer service or pricing feedback. Meanwhile, their strongly positive mentions were increasing daily, driven by user experience reviews. Instead of reacting emotionally, the brand realigned calmly. No panic, just action. That is the power of context.

So, let us stop being impressed by shiny pie charts. Let us stop reporting frequency without understanding what it means. A sentiment report that doesn’t answer so what? and what next? is simply not useful. This is why I always say: vanity metrics may look nice in a report, but they can’t guide strategy. Objective, research-backed metrics can.

    “Vanity metrics can’t guide strategy. Only research-backed, objective metrics help you turn insights into action.”

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about a better dashboard. It is about moving our industry forward. For those interested in the technical side, I am happy to share more about lexicon-based sentiment scoring and resources like the Harvard General Inquirer—empirical research that goes beyond assumptions and digs into real language science. But even without the jargon, the message is simple: frequency tells you how much, but only deeper analysis tells you how much it matters.

Philip Odiakose is a leader and advocate of public relations monitoring, measurement, evaluation and intelligence in Africa. He is also the Chief Media Analyst at P+ Measurement Services, a member of AMEC, NIPR, AMCRON, ACIOM and Founding Member of AMEC Lab Initiative

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Subscribers to Enjoy Free Upgrades on Select DStv, GOtv Packages

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DStv and GOtv

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

MultiChoice Nigeria has commenced a one-month campaign tagged Open Time, offering new and existing subscribers free package upgrades.

A statement from the company disclosed that the promotion runs from June 1 to 30, 2026, and gives eligible DStv and GOtv customers access to higher subscription packages at no additional cost in the month of June.

However, these upgrades are on select DStv or GOtv packages. Subscribers will automatically be upgraded to a higher package at the price of their current subscription for the duration of the offer.

MultiChoice said the upgrade is intended to give subscribers a broader viewing experience for the month, spanning drama, sport, action and children’s programming available on the higher-tier packages.

Customers who pay for DStv Compact Plus or DStv Compact bouquets will be upgraded to DStv Premium, while DStv Confam customers will be upgraded to DStv Compact. DStv Yanga customers will receive access to DStv Confam.

Similarly, GOtv Supa and GOtv Max subscribers will receive access to the GOtv Supa Plus package, while GOtv Jolli subscribers will be upgraded to GOtv Max.

The upgrades will remain active for as long as the customer’s account is fully paid during the campaign period. At the end of the promotion on June 30, subscriptions will revert to their original packages.

Subscribers can renew or activate their accounts via the DStv and GOtv websites, the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps, USSD, banking channels or at payment points nationwide.

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Fringe Wigs Now Available at Twinkles Beauty

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Twinkles Beauty

Twinkles Beauty has added fringe wigs to its catalogue, bringing one of the most directional styles in contemporary hair fashion to its growing international customer base. The launch positions the brand to meet demand for a look that has moved steadily from editorial runways into everyday wardrobes, earning a permanent place among the styles modern women return to consistently.

The fringe wig delivers something that most other wig styles do not: an instant change to the entire aura of the face. A well-constructed fringe alters the visual proportion of the forehead, draws attention to the eyes, and produces a finish that reads as intentional and precise. Unlike the bone straight wig, which leads with length and sleekness, or the body wave unit, which leads with movement and texture, the fringe wig leads with structure at the very front of the style. It is a design decision that changes everything about how a look is perceived, and it is why the fringe has maintained its relevance across decades of changing fashion without ever feeling dated.

Twinkles Beauty was founded with a clear commercial mandate: make premium human hair accessible to women who have historically been underserved by international pricing structures and inconsistent quality standards. The brand has built its operational foundation across Nigeria & Ghana before extending its delivery network to customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and multiple additional international markets.

Every product in the Twinkles Beauty catalogue, from its frontal wigs to its precision-cut bob units and glueless options designed for everyday wear, is held to the same sourcing and construction standard regardless of the length or style category it falls under.

The fringe wig collection enters that catalogue with the same expectation. Units are constructed from premium human hair, with lace options that blend against a range of skin tones and cap architecture built for secure, comfortable wear. The collection covers multiple length options, meaning a customer who prefers the clean, above-the-shoulder finish of a shorter fringe unit and one who wants the same style at a longer, more dramatic length are both accommodated within the same launch. The fringe detail is consistent across lengths, delivering the defining characteristic of the style at every size available.

The addition reflects a pattern that has defined how Twinkles Beauty has grown its catalogue over time. New collections are introduced in direct response to what the brand’s customer base is purchasing and requesting, not simply in response to broad market trends. This intentional design means the store covers the full range of what a woman shopping for premium human hair actually wants. The collection spans from the ultra-sleek finishes that bone straight and HD lace units provide, to the textured, high-volume options that deep wave and curly units deliver, and now to the sharp, face-framing precision that the fringe collection brings.

Fringe Wigs

Shopping on Twinkles Beauty

The full fringe wig collection is available now at Twinkles Beauty. Placing an order is a straightforward process:

  1. Visit twinklesbeauty.co and click the Shop tab in the navigation menu.
  2. Browse the Wigs category and select Fringe Wigs from the available options.
  3. Choose your preferred unit and review the product specifications, including length, density, lace type, and colour.
  4. Add your selected unit to the cart and proceed to checkout.
  5. Complete payment using any of the secure payment methods displayed at the checkout stage. Pricing is finalised on the product page and does not change at checkout.
  6. Receive your order confirmation and use the Track Order feature on the website to monitor your delivery.

Customers with questions before or after purchase can reach the Twinkles Beauty support team directly through the Contact Us page. The brand also maintains an active presence on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for customers who want to see products styled before making a selection.

International customers in the US, Canada, and the UK move through the same checkout process and receive the same delivery standards as customers ordering from within West Africa. Transparent pricing, reliable logistics, and consistent product quality apply across every market Twinkles Beauty serves.

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MultiChoice Nigeria Strengthens Dealer Partnerships at Engagement Forum

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MultiChoice Dealer Partnerships

MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with its dealer network at the MultiChoice Dealer Enterprise 2.0 forum held on Monday in Lagos.

The forum brought together the company’s mega dealers across Nigeria to discuss evolving market realities, customer expectations and new initiatives designed to support long-term business growth.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, described dealers as critical partners in the company’s growth journey and customer experience delivery.

“Our dealers remain the bridge between our business and millions of customers across the country. As the market evolves, it is important that our partnership model also evolves to ensure sustainable growth and shared value across the ecosystem,” she said.

The company unveiled enhancements to its dealer engagement across its DStv and GOtv businesses, reinforcing its commitment to supporting dealer profitability, operational growth and long-term sustainability.

Speaking on the initiatives, Chimaobi Eluigwe, Vice President, Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the move reflects MultiChoice Nigeria’s intention to build a stronger and more rewarding partnership while positioning the dealer network for future growth.

“We are intentional about creating opportunities that allow our dealers to grow sustainably with the business. This is about strengthening partnerships, improving value creation and ensuring our dealers remain well-positioned for the future,” he said.

Dealers at the forum welcomed the initiatives, describing them as a positive step toward strengthening collaboration and improving business confidence.

According to Cordelia Ikeanyi, Managing Director at Eastland General Resources, the renewed engagement and enhanced benefits structure demonstrate MultiChoice Nigeria’s commitment to recognising the value dealers bring to the business.

“This is a step in the right direction for dealers. The improved communication and engagement from MultiChoice have made partners feel more valued and included, and the new initiatives will support business expansion and help us explore untapped opportunities,” she said.

Also speaking at the forum, Ifeanyi Onyibo, CEO of Radac Communications Limited, noted that dealers have experienced more engagement and clearer communication in recent months, describing the renewed approach as a positive development for the dealer ecosystem.

“There has been a noticeable improvement in communication and engagement, and initiatives like this give partners greater confidence in the direction of the business,” he said.

The forum also featured a feedback session where dealers shared market insights, customer trends, and recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening customer experience across the country.

Awards were presented to top-performing dealers in recognition of their sales performance, customer service excellence and commitment to growing the MultiChoice business nationwide.

With the Dealer Enterprise 2.0, MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with dealers to strengthen partnerships, improve collaboration and drive shared growth across the country.

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