Planning Producer at eMedia Investments

Key Deliverables

Guest Booking & Contributor Coordination

• Identify, source and secure credible, relevant and diverse guests and contributors for television, digital, podcast and special news programming.
• Build and maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of experts, analysts, commentators, spokespersons and subject matter specialists.
• Assess and verify the credibility, relevance and suitability of contributors in line with editorial requirements.
• Coordinate guest availability, bookings, interview schedules and logistical requirements within agreed production timeframes.
• Arrange and test remote contributions using approved broadcast and digital platforms.
• Provide guests with accurate and timely briefings covering interview topics, schedules, technical requirements and relevant production information.
• Maintain efficient guest-booking processes to support newsroom deadlines and programme requirements.

Editorial Planning & Production

• Research developing and scheduled news topics to identify appropriate contributors and strengthen editorial coverage.
• Develop relevant interview angles, contributor recommendations and briefing information in support of editorial objectives.
• Collaborate with Planning Editors, Bulletin Editors, Producers and Reporters to identify and secure contributors who add authority, relevance and diversity to news coverage.
• Monitor breaking news and proactively source appropriate contributors for developing stories and live coverage
• Support contributor planning for major events, elections, special broadcasts and extended news coverage.
• Ensure appropriate representation of relevant perspectives and viewpoints, particularly on significant or contentious issues.
• Contribute editorial ideas and recommendations that strengthen programme quality, audience relevance and engagement.

Digital Content Production

• Source and coordinate contributors for digital-first interviews, podcasts, livestreams and online programming.
• Coordinate contributor participation across television, website, mobile, social media and other digital platforms.
• Identify contributors and interview opportunities suited to specific platform and audience requirements.
• Support the production of exclusive digital interviews, explainers and multimedia content.
• Source and contributor content is appropriately coordinated and adapted for television and digital audiences.
• Support live digital coverage by securing and coordinating relevant contributors during breaking news and major events.
• Contribute to integrated multiplatform storytelling that maximises the reach, relevance and effectiveness of editorial content.

Content Production & Story Development

• Produce or coordinate accurate, balanced and engaging editorial content that supports television and digital programming.
• Research and prepare accurate briefing material, interview notes and supporting information for anchors, producers and editorial teams.
• Develop clear and relevant interview questions and supporting content aligned with the editorial objectives of each programme or story.
• Coordinate with Reporters, Correspondents, Editors, Anchors and production teams to ensure contributors and related content are broadcast ready.
• Ensure all contributor-related production requirements and applicable broadcast checklists are completed within agreed deadlines.
• Maintain current knowledge of local, national and international news developments to support effective contributor identification and editorial planning.
• Ensure contributor content supports accurate, balanced and credible journalism across all platforms.

Contributor Relationship Management

• Build and maintain professional relationships with contributors, experts, public institutions, government representatives and relevant organisations.
• Maintain regular and professional communication with contributors to support ongoing engagement and future editorial requirements.
• Develop relationships with emerging experts and new voices to strengthen diversity and breadth of editorial sources.
• Manage scheduling, availability and operational challenges professionally to minimise disruption to programme production.
• Ensure contributors receive clear, timely and professional communication throughout the booking and production process.
• Address contributor concerns promptly and escalates material issues to the appropriate editorial management.
• Protect the organisation's professional reputation through ethical, respectful and effective stakeholder engagement.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Editors, Producers, Reporters, Anchors, Digital teams and other newsroom stakeholders.
• Participate actively in editorial planning meetings and contribute relevant contributor, interview and content recommendations.
• Communicate booking status, contributor availability, production requirements and changes promptly to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure editorial and production teams receive accurate information required to prepare for interviews and broadcasts.
• Coordinate effectively across multiple teams to ensure seamless contributor participation in live and recorded programming.
• Resolve communication and coordination challenges promptly to minimise operational disruption.
• Contribute to a collaborative newsroom environment that supports effective planning, accountability and high-quality editorial output.

Personal Development

• Maintain and implement an Individual Development Plan aligned with professional and organisational objectives.
• Participate in approved learning and development initiatives that strengthen editorial, production, digital and stakeholder-management capabilities.
• Maintain current knowledge of journalism, media trends, digital platforms and emerging broadcast technologies.
• Develop knowledge of emerging subject matter experts, industry developments and new approaches to contributor engagement.
• Participate in mentoring, peer learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Apply new knowledge and industry best practice to improve contributor planning and editorial performance.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and improvement.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements 

Qualifications

• National Senior Certificate - NQF Level 4 - Essential
• National Diploma - NQF Level 6 - Essential

Experience

• Newsroom or Editorial Environment - Operational - 3 years - Essential

Competencies 

• Drivers Licences - Code B - Intermediate 

Technology Proficiency

• Media Management Software (Dalet or any other NRCS) - Intermediate 

Language Proficiency

• English - Advanced

Technical / Job Specific Competencies

• Accuracy / Attention to Detail
• Continuous Learning
• Information Monitoring
• Planning and Organising
• Stress Tolerance