News24 Journalist (Crime And Courts) at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Job Description
Main purpose:

• To produce relevant, exclusive and factually correct news reports and analysis for News24 and its national audience on court proceedings in Gauteng's high and lower courts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Investigate and research original crime and court content and ideas for news, feature and analysis stories;
• Report on breaking crime incidents, and from crime scenes and court as and when events happen;
• Breaking developing crimes and court judgments as per News24’s processes;
• Interview and report on the experiences of victims and witnesses of crime;
• Report on and investigate the inner workings of the police, Hawks, metro police and NPA where necessary;
• Report on the latest research and studies into crime and justice;
• Write quality news and feature articles, adhering to strict deadlines and News24’s style;
• Create target-market-specific articles and multi-media content;
• Generate ideas for news and features stories on a daily basis;
• Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by the particular publication; Comply with the requirements of the South African Press Code;
• Cultivate and maintain a strong network of contacts in the South African Police Service, Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority;
• Will be required to take photographs and shoot video on your mobile phone as and when required to enrich your reportage.
• Live reporting into News24 live blogs on developing stories.
• Secure newsmakers for in-depth interviews on topical issues.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma or degree in journalism, languages, politics or media studies;
• Demonstrable experience writing for a mainstream newspaper, digital news publication, news agency or news broadcaster.
• At least 7 years’ experience as a journalist, preferably as a a crime reporter;
• Good general knowledge;
• Insightful knowledge of South Africa’s socio-economic landscape;
• Impeccable understanding and insights on the nature of crime in South Africa;
• Insightful knowledge of the workings of the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, the country’s courts.
• Strong knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
• Demonstrable network of contacts at all levels of law enforcement and/or the courts;
• Valid driver’s license;

 Skills & Competencies:

• Proficient in relevant computer software packages and applications;
• Passion for media, knowledge of current affairs;
• Established network of contacts (over and above official spokespersons);
• Strong command of written and spoken English;
• Creativity and initiative;
• Able to work under extreme pressure and to strict deadlines;
• Good time management, the ability to multitask effectively and complete tasks timeously;
• Sound news judgment;
• Knowledge of the online news environment and digital publishing tools, including mobile video and photos;
• Knowledge of social media;
• Detail orientation;
• Good people skills;
• Quality orientation and the ability to deliver clean copy;
• Good decision-making abilities;
• Persistence and results orientated;
• Strong questioning and listening skills;
• The ability to work independently and be resilient