Senior Reporter - Gauteng at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

Main Purpose of the Position:

• To identify, initiate, investigate, research and produce incisive journalism, that is fair, accurate and compelling in accordance with SABC News and Current Affairs’ editorial objectives and the public broadcasting mandate.

Key Accountabilities:

• Conceptualise and produce stories for News and Current Affairs across platforms in accordance with SABC News’ editorial objectives and public mandate.
• Present and produce weekly diary of proposed stories to the Editor/s.
• Conduct interviews and provide in-depth and comprehensive treatment of stories for SABC News’ broadcasting and digital publishing platforms.
• Provide story leads to Editor/s, break evidence-based stories and coordinate interviews for various News and Current Affairs platforms as required.
• Attend diary meetings and contribute to editorial discussions on self-initiated and other stories.
• Conduct primary investigations for original, incisive, and compelling content.
• Professionally live Tweet coverage of breaking and rolling events and stories.
• Ensure that all treatment of stories adheres to the SABC Editorial Policies, BCCSA and Press Council codes, as well as to all other broadcasting regulations and policies.
• Ensure balance and appropriate contextualisation of stories.
• Support themed coverage and special productions with background information for depth and breadth.
• Contribute textual and audio-visual news items and features to the digital news platforms.
• Ensure appropriate and audience-friendly visualisation of all numerical and textual data.
• Employ evidence-based insights to generate ground-breaking story ideas and angles.
• Work with relevant research agencies, think tanks and universities to enrich news production.
• Contribute to panel discussions on matters of journalistic and editorial interest.
• Collaborate with specialist researchers to deliver content-rich stories for all News and Current Affairs platforms.
• For TV, work closely with video journalists / video editors to ensure visuals, interviews and the edited products are of the highest standard.
• Perform post-production tasks as required, including but not limited to, ensuring the transcribing, editing and final mixing of the story.
• Be a reputable and trustworthy representative of SABC News and Current Affairs.
• Adhere to the SABC Editorial Policies, BCCSA and Press Council codes and ensure high quality editorial and production standards.
• Adhere and comply with the organisational policies and procedures.
• Observe journalistic and editorial ethics, as well as craft protocols, and uphold SABC News and Current Affairs’ integrity.

Requirements:

• National Diploma/Bachelor’s degree in Journalism / Media Studies – NQF 6/7 .
• 8 years’ experience in News and Current Affairs field reporting.
• Proven and demonstrable ability to produce for more than one broadcasting / publishing platform is a must.
• A well-established and active digital media presence.
• Proven track record of exceptional of journalistic performance.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of News and Current Affairs production systems and processes.
• Advanced understanding of public broadcasting principles and obligations.
• Clear broadcast voice.
• Ability to work under pressure, irregular hours and to tight deadlines is essential.
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft, Internet, Dalet/Dira/Audacity and ENPS etc).
• Exceptional news sense and editorial judgement.
• Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence.