Bulletin Editor UW-FM & Tru-FM - Port Elizabeth at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main Purpose of the Position:

To lead, guide and provide editorial direction to the isiXhosa and English radio production team to deliver compelling and incisive news bulletins in accordance with SABC News and Current Affairs’ editorial objectives and the public mandate.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead the isiXhosa and English team in identifying and selecting stories and in compiling rundowns (running orders) in accordance with SABC News and Current Affairs’ editorial objectives and the public mandate.
• Lead effective and creative brainstorming sessions to determine content breadth and quality.
• Work within tight deadlines to identify news stories appropriate for the target audience.
• Manage and direct staff to write and process news stories timeously.
• Ensure the overall quality and accuracy of news content, language context, style, and tone.
• Ensure compliance with SABC News and Current Affairs’ ethical, editorial and production standards.
• Optimise news impact with illustrative, audiovisual and appropriately contextualised scripts, including for digital / social media.
• Advise on the best stories to lead news bulletins and update stories as new information becomes available.
• Keep up to date with all reporters and brief the team on the latest news developments.
• Ensure a balance in news bulletin stories and address gaps as soon as possible.
• Supervise the performance of the team and give constructive feedback on stories and bulletins delivered timeously.
• Continually communicate with relevant editors to find further newsworthy angles and follow-ups.
• Liaise with technical support regarding the specific delivery of news items and bulletins.
• Assist bulletin writers / readers with accurate news reading delivery and pronunciation.
• Submit daily production reports to the line manager and indicate problems requiring attention, including solutions.
• Together with the line manager, process leave applications and check impact on rosters and required ICASA / radio station output.
• Compile monthly roster for the bulletin desk and ensure adequate staffing.
• Communicate with platforms on structural changes, including time slots and bulletin durations.
• Lead productive and creative editorial team sessions to determine appropriateness of editorial content for bulletins.
• Ensure that news content meets the highest editorial and linguistic standards as per the SABC Editorial Policy.
• Be alert to any content that may require audience advisories, warnings and disclaimers and ensure that these are read prominently prior to airing the story concerned.
• Assign writing and production responsibilities to the team members.
• Adhere to the SABC Editorial Policies and to the BCCSA and Press Council codes.
• Provide input in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and also implement and monitor them.
• Implement the SABC’s Performance Management System in accordance with policy, procedures and deadlines.

Requirements:

• National diploma / bachelor’s degree in journalism, media studies, communication or relevant equivalent qualifications.
• 6 years’ proven experience in the editorial and writing environment, two of which must be in a supervisory capacity.
• isiXhosa and English proficiency and fluency, including exceptional writing, reading, translating and speaking skills.
• Understanding of all legislation, regulations and policies impacting broadcasting.
• Knowledge and understanding of radio and digital news production processes.
• Exceptional journalistic and editorial acumen.
• Ability to work under pressure and perform outstandingly to tight deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of the relevant systems and broadcasting operations.