News Reporter

Applications are invited for the above-indicated vacancy within Newzroom Afrika. The incumbent will report to the National Assignment Editor.

Job purpose

The News Reporter is a key member of the input desk, who is responsible for ensuring that the news gathering process is conducted in a timely, accurate and engaging manner. Under the leadership of the national assignment editor and the assignments team, you will shape and create news stories that set Newzroom Afrika apart from other broadcasters in South Africa and beyond.

Key responsibilities:

Monitor news feeds, including searching social media and engaging with reporters, to gather and evaluate relevant news and information

Write accurate scripts which adhere to the channel’s editorial policy and style guide

Curate submissions from citizen journalists

Writing scripts for on-air talent, cutting visuals using a newsroom production system, finding guests, commissioning and writing graphics and other related tasks as required

Develop innovative ideas for writing news.

Stay updated with the latest news and events.

Research stories and prepare interview questions as required.

Seek out and set up interviews with people who have information on each story.

Discuss and develop ideas to write strong and sophisticated stories to attract citizens/viewers.

Research, write and submit stories within established timelines.

Conduct in-studio interviews with newsmakers.

Go out on stories, media briefings etc. and conduct live crossings.

Write breaking news and stories in unique and interesting ways to increase viewership.

Write real and accurate stories so as to avoid any defamation cases.

Analyse the information gathered to determine which facts are pertinent to the story.

Build and maintain strong relationships with news contacts.

Work with editors, graphic artists, and social media team to find interesting ways to tell stories.

Make sure all parcels and packages have been sub-edited.

Make sure all stories have been through quality control before going on air.​​​​​​​

Advise research team and programmes on guests that should be booked relating to stories.

Be aware of legal issues relating to sensitive news stories and have a firm understanding of the BCCSA code of conduct and the press code

Ensure Newzroom Afrika’s editorial guidelines, style guide and company policies are adhered to.

Come up with own stories and exclusive content

Work with the editors and input team to ensure live crossings, story deadlines and other key information is effectively communicated to all team members

Ensure that forward planning is done timeously and maintain an events calendar

Ensure diary contains balance of events and unique stories to set Newzroom Afrika apart from competitors

Ensure deployment for breaking news stories is done efficiently

Secure regular exclusive interviews with heavyweights across a variety of programmes on Newzroom Afrika

Check your scripts for language, content and accuracy

Be prepared to work long hours and weekends

Be responsible for maintaining a forward planning diary of headline news, events and evergreen stories that are submitted on a weekly a basis

Skills and competencies:

Ability to identify strong unique stories

Strong sense of ethics and understanding of editorial independence

Must be prepared to work shift hours, including early morning and late evening

Team player with a passion for news and current affairs

Strong contacts base in various sectors

Knowledge of newsroom production systems and workflows

Excellent knowledge of South African and global issues

Understanding of the broadcasting complaints commission’s code of conduct

Good understanding of legal and ethical issues with regards to television broadcasts

Strong decision-making skills

Team player

Ability to multi-task and work under pressure

Adapt and flexibility in a changing environment

Optimising content and technology

Clear knowledge, expertise of content life cycle, content management systems and process.

Ability to collaborate at all levels

Ability to work well within the team

Ability to manage conflict

Excellent writing skills

Requirements:

Minimum 5 years reporting experience with an emphasis on television news

Journalism or other relevant qualification

Driver’s license

Good grasp of English and other South African official languages

Values:

Result driven

Integrity

Viewer centric

Innovative

Teamwork