Fresh Openings at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

• To provide comprehensive, accurate, and insightful coverage of parliamentary proceedings, political developments, and government affairs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Cover parliamentary sessions, committee meetings, and political events with accuracy and depth
• Develop and maintain relationships with MPs, government officials, political parties, and key stakeholders
• Research, investigate, and analyse complex political issues and policy developments
• Write compelling news stories, features, and analysis pieces
• Conduct interviews with political figures and subject matter experts
• Break news stories and provide real-time coverage during significant political events
• Collaborate with editorial team to ensure comprehensive political coverage
• Mentor junior journalists and interns in political reporting techniques
• Fact-check and verify information to maintain journalistic integrity
• Adapt content for various platforms including web, mobile, and social media

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Deep understanding of South African political system, parliamentary procedures, and governance structures
• Comprehensive knowledge of media law, ethics, and regulatory frameworks
• Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats and platforms
• Excellent interviewing and interpersonal communication abilities
• Strong research and investigative journalism techniques
• Digital journalism skills including social media, multimedia content creation
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in high-pressure environments
• Understanding of political analysis and ability to provide context to breaking news
• Knowledge of freedom of information legislation and parliamentary access procedures
• Familiarity with broadcast and digital media production processes

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Political Science, Communications, or related field
• 5-8 years of journalism experience with minimum 3 years in political reporting
• Proven track record of breaking political news and developing exclusive stories
• Experience covering parliament, government institutions, or political campaigns
• Strong portfolio of published work demonstrating political reporting expertise
• Valid drivers’ license
   

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Main purpose of role:

• This is a writing editor position. The job entails managing and directing News24’s KwaZulu-Natal coverage, assigning stories to reporters and covering others, and managing the editing and publication of news from the province.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Submit a news diary daily, which you and your team will report on, ensuring that the province’s most important news is covered
• Compile and produce in depth stories, special projects and features
• Edit submitted news copy from team members to ensure it meets all quality benchmarks, is free of errors and meets the standards of the Press Code, all relevant legislation and News24’s style guide;
• Assist the head of news with identifying and evaluating national and regional news events and enterprise hard news and feature stories;
• Assign stories to reporters and freelancers, briefing them clearly on the angle(s) of coverage;
• Debrief reporters during or after the editing process, as necessary;
• Keep abreast of local, provincial, national and important international news.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent and demonstrable writing and news editing skills, including identifying unique angles and copy editing;
• An excellent contact base in the province, in areas including the police, courts (both civil and criminal), health, local government, and civil society
• A firm grasp of what makes a News24 story, and what types of stories drive subscriptions
• Strong people-relations skills;
• Good time management, the ability to multitask effectively and complete tasks;
• Problem-solving ability;
• Detail orientated;
• Planning and organising skills;
• Able to work under extreme pressure;
• Excellent leadership skills, with an emphasis on talent development;
• Show initiative and act independently;
• Resilient;
• Inquisitive

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification;
• 6-9 years editorial experience in an established newsroom;
• Newsroom management experience would be preferential;
• Experience in a digital environment would be an added advantage;
• Thorough working knowledge of news production, media ethics and the media environment.