Music Compiler: 5FM at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main purpose of position

• The main purpose of this position is to provide strategic direction to the overall sound of the station and to manage the overall playlist through selection and research to retain and grow the station’s P1 audience and increase Time Spent Listening (TSL).

Key Accountabilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the station’s music strategy and Music Policy in accordance with the station’s format and ICASA license conditions
• Conduct research, develop and introduce new angles /genres where applicable to enhance station’s music strategy.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate environment to support the Programmes Manager in achieving goals and objectives of overall programming strategy.
• Manage, maintain, modify and update the station’s music universe and categories on a regular basis in line with the station strategy.
• Ensure that the station’s categories are up to date to ensure a seasonal & thematic approach in line with the target audience’s consumption patterns and station format.
• Ensure that the music details are correctly captured on the systems to ensure accurate reporting.
• Ensure daily housekeeping to eliminate any database or system errors.
• Create and maintain back-up and emergency database of music playlist.
• Maintain general maintenance of the scheduling and playout databases to ensure that it remains in working order.
• Program detailed clocks to ensure accurate scheduling of music, imaging, promos and advertisements.
• Administer and manage the music committee.
• Manage new music submissions to ensure that all submissions are accounted for.
• Receive new music from various sources and apprise the music committee.
• Advise the station on music trends based on research.
• Compiling and reconciliation of daily logs to ensure accurate output on the playout system.
• Export and integrate daily music logs on the playout system and circulate a copy to the on-air team.
• Assist with scheduling promos and station imaging on a regular basis.
•  Listen to new music for appropriateness and ensure it is catalogued before going on air.
•   Advise the music committee on new music and new developments in the industry for decision making purposes.
•  Research and source new artists and new music releases suitable for needs of the station.
• Select and schedule music for air-play, and also arrange artists for interviews in line with station mandate, identity and music policy.
• Contribute to the development of the music policy, SOPs, SLA’s and procedures in order to maintain unique sound for the station.
• Conduct regular informal desktop research to keep abreast with industry developments and ahead of competitors.
• Utilise audience and programme research in order to adjust scheduling strategy.
• Provide all relevant music content for the station’s digital platforms.
• Utilize SABC archive material and facilitate the acquisition of new material for specialized music genres where applicable – jazz, gospel, choral, maskandi, classical, folk, etc.
• Capture PRS details correctly for all speciality music shows and music mixes.
• Compile weekly / daily charts in line with recommendations from the music committee.
•  Ensure smooth flow of music on automated shows by loading all elements such as song intro, hooks, outro on the relevant systems.
• Maintain good relationships with Record Companies, Artists and Promoters.
• Pro-actively facilitate discussions with internal and external stakeholders around music programming.
• Lead and participate in station music policy development and playlist meetings (music committee meetings).
• Maintain and facilitate good relationships with internal and external stakeholders with regards to collecting music royalties.
• Ensure that the ICASA local content quotas are adhered to for the performance period.
• Conduct regular spot checks to ensure adherence to daily playlists and implement correctional measures.
• Maintain the music master database to ensure a credible playlist data.
• Arrange and document all on-air interviews.
• Adhere to SABC policies regarding music compilation and music submission i.e to prevent PAYOLA and other irregularities.
• Create a system to catalogue all new tracks so that they are easily identified and correctly reported to the collecting societies.
• Reflect accurate local/international music details in accordance with ICASA and SAMRO requirements.
• Report all faults and maintain documentation.
• Provide detailed monthly/quarterly music reports i.e ICASA and SAMRO Reports.
• Provide music committee reports and recommendations where necessary.
• Provide music listening session scorecards, as and when needed.
• Proactively give regular feedback to industry stakeholders.

Requirements: 

• Matric and National Diploma (NQF 6) in Sound engineering / Broadcasting / Media and any other related field.
• 4 years’ experience in the broadcasting environment of which 2 years should be in the music compilation environment at a radio station.
• Understanding of SABC policies and SOPs.
• Knowledge of South African broadcasting legislation.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the South African Music Industry
• Knowledge of music trends, and industry players.
• Basic understanding of radio broadcasting systems and various scheduling software.
• Basic understanding of sound broadcasting.
• Problem solving skills
• Project management skills
• Good communication skills, verbal and written.
• Research skills.
• Basic digital media skills.

Deadline:29th June,2026