Bulletin Sound Desk Writer/ Reader (English,JHB, Gauteng) at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION:

• To monitor SABC News and Current Affairs bulletins and programmes, approved news services and public events, and write / read newsworthy and relevant English Audio News stories, enhancing soundbites in line with the public mandate and editorial objectives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Monitor, cut and capture newsworthy, interesting and memorable soundbites / audio content quickly and accurately from all SABC approved sources, including live transmissions/streams, news services and packaged content.
• Communicate in advance with live programmes for running orders and inform the editors of breaking news.
• Write short, crisp, precise, compelling, and topical English Audio News stories to deadline with the best enhancing soundbites / audio content and seek editorial advice whenever necessary.
• Deliver news bulletins within set durations and on time.
• Use exact and appropriate language.
• Check and/or transcribe all soundbites / audio content correctly and promptly.
• Contextualise stories properly to ensure a clear understanding.
• Keep big news stories alive with fresh angles, audio clips, and regular updates.
• Rewrite strong angles with breaking/developing news and the latest information.
• Search reliable and verified news and media sources for breaking stories, leads, and new facts.
• Contact team members and newsmakers directly to verify information and meaning, and for updates.
• Establish and maintain news networks and contacts.
• Check facts and soundbite/audio clarity to ensure high-quality, broadcast-worthy, and publishable content.
• Liaise with editors, teams, and technical support on news stories and soundbites / audio content, including for advice, feedback, and requirements.
• Conduct telephonic/online interviews and get voice notes for soundbites / audio content.
• Voice soundbite / audio content reports.
• Correct any mistake immediately.
• Handle all enquiries and complaints professionally and timeously.
• Use multi-media platforms to promote news content, including on social media, and adhere to digital media guidelines/policies.
• Ensure overall high quality, accuracy, and balance of radio / audio news content, grammar, language, and style.
• Adhere to South Africa’s Constitution, all legislation, ICASA’s licence conditions and regulations, the BCCSA and Press Council codes and rulings, the SABC editorial policies, SABC News style guide, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

REQUIREMENTS:

• National diploma (NQF 6) / degree in journalism, media studies, or a relevant equivalent qualification.
• 4 years’ proven working experience in the audiovisual news media environment.
• Excellent news sense, general knowledge, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and spoken command of English to optimise the impact of editorial content.
• Good, clear broadcast voice.
• Well-developed computer literacy for the news broadcasting-cum-publishing environment.
• Advanced knowledge of radio / audio news and current affairs production and broadcasting processes and systems.
• Good understanding of multimedia news platforms and use of social media as a journalistic tool.
• Good understanding of broadcasting and publishing laws and regulations, as well as news/media developments, trends, and technologies.
• Sound understanding of social, economic, and political developments.
• Professional communication and interaction with all stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to work under pressure, including long and irregular hours.

Deadline:11th May,2026