Commissioning Editor: Entertainment at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

CLOSING DATE: 07 MARCH 2024

MAIN PURPOSE OF POSITION

• To plan, acquire, commission, research, develop and oversee the production, transmission and aggregation of local entertainment programming. Ensure all programmes acquired, produced and delivered are of exceptional quality, within specific channel mandates, brand, market needs and revenue generation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage the value chain of the acquisition of local entertainment content across the formats and sub-genres required by the SABC audio-visual platforms
• Provide effective input and support to the development of Local Production’s planning and content strategies based on market & competitive research
• Ensure all programmes acquired, commissioned and produced is done utilizing market research in trends, innovations and mandates and revenue goals
• Lead the editorial and creative execution of the programmes
• Provide creative and business direction to internal stakeholders towards the promotion, aggregation, broadcast, commercial exploitation and marketing of the programmes
• Editorial oversight of programmes  ensuring that programmes are delivered in line with policies, technical requirements, budget, contractual obligations, quality and channel needs
• Provide programme formats, sub-genres and ideas for tendering
• Develop partnerships with external stakeholders to deliver content quality, innovation and pricing
• Work closely with all commissioned companies in the development and production of programmes
• Responsible for approval of all phases of development, production, delivery and aggregation including but not limited to format bibles, talent, creative execution, production design, key creatives and transmission versions
• Communicate all creative and production information to relevant internal stakeholders for promotion, broadcast and commercialization
• Set all contractual terms and conditions in line with SABC’s policies and procedures and ensure timeous delivery of all contractual obligations, terms and conditions and deliverables
• Ensure Video Entertainment’s universal access strategies are applied to all produced programmes
• Advise the independent production industry of Video Entertainment’s requirements and ensure programmes comply with legal, contractual and copyright requirements.
• Ensure that commissioned programmes meet language requirements
• Regular performance reviews of all content and design, implementation and reporting of target and target improvement
• Assist channels with the scheduling, viewer advisory and ICASA reporting on all programmes
• Conceptualise and provide creative input into programmes that generates the required audiences and revenue objectives
• Keeping abreast of industry trends locally and in internationally to inform production strategies in R&D, Development, Production, Post-Production and Aggregation.
• Oversee the channel cost per minute for the production requirements together with Production Management
• Ensure that Production companies deliver productions within approved budget and implement risk mitigation strategies per production
• Manage all cash flow aspects of delivery through the approval against “Delivery Requirements”
• Manage financial risk by ensuring all signed invoices are approved against approved deliveries.
• Monitor and report on the operational risk and compliance matters with regards to all productions.
• Ensure all commissioning processes are followed in terms of proposal evaluations, shortlisting and pitching.
• Approve talent aligned to SABC’s talent strategy, marketing objectives and channel brand and identity
• Ensure all timelines and processes are followed in terms of Standard Operating Procedures within division
• Oversee and report on Occupational Health and Safety matter on productions
• Provide necessary information  to PR and SABC marketing on all programmes
• Implement Risk Management Plan in line with organizational Risk Framework in relation to all productions.
• Provide monthly production reports on all productions detailed risks, delivery, mandate and editorial matters.
• Ensure that all mandates reporting documentation is received by production companies. These include Final Control Sheets (FC sheets), Delivery Requirements Specifications (contract annexure) and language requirements on all productions.
• Foster relationships with business partners through collaboration, coaching, educating and appreciating of business priorities.
• Manage internal and external relationships to support efficient content delivery.
• Address all Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) complaints.
• Ensure producers’ delivery towards Video Entertainment’s Transformation Plans.
• Provide industry development support when required on productions.
• Seek editorial partnerships with external parties to ensure rigor in terms of cost efficiencies, language, culture, history and environment.
• Manage all live productions from an executive producing perspective

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Content disciplines / Television production or related qualifications.
• 5 years Television production experience and/or broadcasting experience.
• More than 5 years editorial and production management experience
• 2 years in a senior position in an editorial and production environment, in any of the disciplines
• Strong editorial skills and format creation  
• Knowledge of commissioning processes and the allocation of resources to reach objectives on time and within budget
• Strong understanding of production and broadcast technology
• Good project management skills.
• Ability to act on research and to understand local and global broadcast trends
• Ability to work with clients and suppliers effectively
• A good communicator, motivator and problem solver
• PC literacy is essential (Ms Word, Excel and Power Point)
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• A self-starter willing to take the initiative
• Understanding of the public sector regulatory framework
•  Understanding of the broadcasting regulatory framework in South Africa
• Valid driver’s licence
• Production management, design and finance knowledge
• Creative flair