KwaZulu-Natal Reporter at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Main Purpose:

Produce relevant, compelling and factually correct news, analysis, feature and other content on issues relevant and pertaining to KwaZulu-Natal for News24 and its national audience to strict deadlines each day.

 Job Outputs:

• Investigate and research article content for news, analysis and feature stories on newsworthy issues and events in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa;
• Produce enterprise news ideas and stories focusing on court and crime, education, politics, social ills and human interest which will set the national news agenda;
• Produce breaking news according to News24’s standards and norms;
• Maintain and grow a diverse network of contacts across all sectors, including, but not limited to, provincial, local and national government, schools, universities, think tanks, NGOs and interest groups.
• Write quality news and feature articles, adhering to strict deadlines;
• Create target-market-specific articles;
• Generate at least one in-depth feature ideas per quarter;
• Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by News24;
• Comply with the requirements of the South African Press Code.

 Skills & Competencies:

• A strong and deep understanding of the social ills plaguing the province, the workings of local and provincial governments, the police and the politics of the region.
• Able to write fluently and clearly in English;
• Creativity in problem-solving and idea generation;
• Able to work under extreme pressure and to strict deadlines;
• Good time management and the ability to multitask effectively and follow through;
• Sound news judgment;
• Knowledge of the online news environment;
• Demonstrable network of contacts in the education sector;
• Demonstrable attention to detail;
• Good people skills;
• Sound decision-making abilities
• Persistence and results orientation;
• Questioning and listening skills;
• The ability to work independently;
• Resilient;
• Initiative.

 Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or degree in journalism, languages or media studies
• Experience writing for a mainstream newspaper or magazine or reporting for an online or wire news operation or a broadcast news service;
• Good general knowledge;
• Knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
• Valid driver’s licence;
• Passion for media.