EPG Editor at MultiChoice

About the Job

Purpose of the Position:

• To aggregate, generate and maintain high quality, accurate and relevant programming metadata across all platforms on allocated channels and content.

Key Performance Objectives

Schedule metadata

Schedule key activities:

• Source schedule from channel provider 30 days in advance of broadcast.
• Format and data validation of schedules supplied in Excel.
• Report back to channels on any format and data errors identified and provide guidance on issue resolution.
• Ingest schedules (Synergy, Excel and XML).
• Data verification:

Images key activities:

• Create and assign programme titles.
• Research and assign programme types and genres.
• Create, link and match episodes to enable series recording functionality.
• Edit synopses according to style guide and decoder requirements.
• Sign-off schedules.
• Perform daily updates of schedules based on supplier schedule changes.
• Ingest new schedule and compare to existing schedules.
• Perform data verification steps.
• Sign-off and push scheduled updates to various platforms.
• Push schedules to DStv Now, web and decoders for IS20, E36, DTT and OTT.
• Operational improvement: suggest improvements to workflows of the EPG department.
• Source images from channel provider 30 days in advance of broadcast.
• Verify image size, relevance, appropriateness and resolution.
• Ingest images.
• Check for missing images and feedback to channels.
• Proactively manage and escalate issues to EPG Specialist.
• Rich metadata enhancement:

Research, determine and assign:

• Extended cast information
• Keywords
• Extended synopses
• Additional promotional material, i.e. trailers, images, behind the scenes content
• Awards information
• Cast biographies
• Programme ratings (e.g. IMDB, RottenTomatoes)

Reporting

• Track issues on allocated channels and escalate on fortnightly channel performance report.
• Aggregator reports: Track and report on quality of metadata received.
• M-Net reports: Track and compile monthly reports on completeness of metadata received.
• Analyse and compile reports on synopsis and metadata quality on allocated channels.
• Compile on-air and QA incident reports

Channel Management

• Ensure schedule readiness for launches i.e. schedule formats are correct, all metadata is present, meets EPG departmental requirements and provide feedback to channel and EPG Specialist.
• Provide first-line training on MultiChoice schedule formats to channels.
• Check for missing metadata in supplied schedules and escalate to channels.
• Liaise with allocated channels regarding EPG data quality and on-air errors.
• Liaise with aggregators regarding EPG data quality and on-air errors.
• Investigate and provide feedback to query escalations from command centre, content, channels and customer care.
• Manage and track time spent on scheduling allocated channels and resolving channel issues.
• Document and maintain channel information e.g. channel contacts and special arrangements.
• Support to third party VOD: Provide TX details and escalate missing assets to the channel.
• Support to other business units: Adhoc writing, editing and proofing.

Quality Assurance

• Quality assure programme metadata for all MultiChoice programming (across the EPG department):
• Review and verify correct workflow on allocated channels/platforms in order to avoid customer impact:

   

  • Check programme types, PG ratings, themes, loglines, YOR, director and cast.
  • Check that programme titles are linked to correct language.
  • Check that episodes have been correctly series linked.
  • Check that images are correctly assigned.
  • Rich metadata (extended cast information, keywords, extended synopses, additional promotional material, awards information, cast biographies, programme ratings)
• Analyse, investigate and escalate conflicting and suspicious programme metadata across all DStv platforms and channels.
• Review synopsis quality to ensure EPG standards are met.
• Rewrite synopses for selected channels and content.
• Provide editorial support to EPG editors.

• Review images for accuracy and EPG standards compliance.
• Contribute to departmental SOPs
• Perform on-air monitoring on own channels when required

Qualifications Essential

• Degree or diploma in languages, media or communications essential

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of writing or editing experience.
• Minimum of 2 years Quality Assurance / Moderating in media or education.
• Experience in Programme Scheduling.
• Exposure to the video entertainment industry will be advantageous.
• Ability to analyse video entertainment content.
• Computer skills: MS Office essential.

Technical Competencies (List the key technical competencies)

• Stakeholder relationship management
• Scheduling management
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to re-write /edit copy