Multimedia Journalist: Consumer (SunDefender): Daily Sun at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth investigations into consumer scams, fraudulent business practices, and corporate misconduct affecting Daily Sun's readership
• Research and expose deceptive advertising, pricing manipulation, and unfair business practices across various industries
• Investigate complaints from readers about poor service delivery, faulty products, and unresolved consumer disputes
• Collaborate with regulatory bodies, consumer protection agencies, and legal experts to verify facts and understand consumer rights
• Develop source networks within consumer advocacy groups, regulatory organizations, and industry whistleblowers
• Create compelling articles, video content, podcast, infographics, and social media posts that explain complex consumer issues in accessible language
• Develop educational content that helps readers identify and avoid common scams and exploitative practices
• Produce investigative documentary-style video content exposing corporate wrongdoing and consumer violations
• Create step-by-step guides and interactive content showing consumers how to file complaints, seek redress, and protect their rights
• Design visual content including comparison charts, pricing analysis, and warning alerts for consumer protection
• Act as Daily Sun's consumer ombudsman, helping readers resolve disputes with businesses and service providers
• Coordinate SunDefender consumer clinics and community events where readers can receive advice on consumer rights
• Build relationships with consumer protection organizations, legal aid clinics, and regulatory bodies to support reader advocacy
• Follow up on published investigations to ensure businesses address identified problems and implement corrective measures
• Maintain databases of consumer complaints, resolution outcomes, and business response patterns
• Analyze consumer complaint trends, pricing data, and market practices to identify emerging threats to consumer welfare
• Conduct comparative analysis of products, services, and pricing to inform consumer decision-making
• Research regulatory changes, new legislation, and industry developments that impact consumer rights
• Utilize data journalism techniques to uncover patterns in consumer exploitation and business misconduct
• Monitor international consumer protection trends and best practices applicable to the South African context
• Work closely with Daily Sun's legal team to ensure all consumer investigations meet journalistic standards and legal requirements
• Coordinate with regulatory bodies such as the Competition Commission, Financial Services Conduct Authority, and Consumer Commission
• Verify legal claims and consumer rights before publication to ensure accuracy and avoid potential litigation
• Build relationships with consumer law attorneys and legal aid organizations to support reader advocacy efforts
• Stay current on consumer protection legislation, regulations, and legal precedents affecting consumer rights

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Law, Economics, or related field with focus on consumer affairs or investigative journalism
• Understanding of multimedia content creation including writing, video production, and digital storytelling
• Knowledge of South African consumer protection laws and regulatory framework
• Minimum 3-5 years experience in journalism with demonstrated focus on investigative reporting or consumer affairs
• Proven track record of conducting investigations that resulted in business accountability or regulatory action
• Experience in multimedia content creation across digital platforms including social media, video, and interactive content
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders including regulators, legal experts, and consumer advocates
• Experience working with consumer protection organisations or regulatory bodies
• Training in mediation or conflict resolution
• Knowledge of additional South African languages relevant to consumer advocacy
• Knowledge of data analysis software for investigating pricing trends and market patterns
• Understanding of legal research databases and regulatory information systems
• Basic understanding of financial analysis and business accounting principles
• Investigative research skills including source development, document analysis, and fact
• Knowledge of common consumer scams, fraudulent business practices, and exploitation tactics
• Ability to translate legal and regulatory language into accessible consumer education content
• Skills in building trust with vulnerable consumers while maintaining journalistic objectivity
• Understanding of business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement principles