Leadership in Pre-Production

• Takes initiative in pre-production meetings, leading discussions on story angles and treatments.
• Collaborates with reporters, editors, and presenters to shape compelling narratives.
• Identifies unique perspectives and storytelling techniques that enhance audience engagement.

Content Management & Updates

• Ensures all broadcast content is timely, relevant, and continuously updated to reflect the latest developments.
• Monitors breaking news, industry trends, and audience preferences to keep content fresh.
• Works closely with researchers and journalists to fact-check and refine stories.

Scriptwriting & Editorial Support

• Assists in crafting scripts, intros, and headlines that are clear, engaging, and aligned with editorial guidelines.
• Provides feedback to writers to enhance clarity, tone, and storytelling impact.
• Ensures all written content is in line with the station’s brand voice and audience expectations.

Content Creation for On-Air Production

• Oversees the creation of packages, features, and pre-recorded segments.
• Works with video editors, graphic designers, and sound engineers to produce visually and audibly engaging content.
• Ensures final content meets broadcast standards and resonates with the target audience.

Communication

Liaison & Coordination

• Acts as the key link between the Programme Editor and Assistant Programme Editor, ensuring smooth communication and workflow.
• Translates editorial decisions into actionable production plans.
• Ensures alignment between editorial vision, production schedules, and on-air execution.

Cross-Department Communication

Effectively communicates with all departments, including:

• Graphics – to ensure visual elements support storytelling.
• Input – to manage incoming content and newsroom coordination.
• Technical Operations – to oversee seamless broadcast execution.
• Logistics – to coordinate crews, equipment, and remote productions.
• Ensures production teams are informed, aligned, and working towards a common goal.

Team Communication & Collaboration

• Maintains clear, consistent, and effective communication with team members at all levels.
• Provides direction, feedback, and problem-solving support during production.
• Encourages a collaborative environment where ideas and input are valued.

Daily Leadership & Decision-Making

• Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative and making decisive calls in high-pressure situations.
• Guides and supports team members through challenges, deadlines, and breaking news scenarios.
• Sets the tone for professionalism, creativity, and efficiency in daily operations.

Writing

Strong News Knowledge & Editorial Judgment

• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of South African and global news.
• Stays updated on current affairs, political developments, economic trends, and social issues.
• Uses editorial judgment to prioritize newsworthy stories and ensure balanced coverage.

Writing & Storytelling Excellence

• Writes clear, compelling, and engaging scripts that align with the visual elements.
• Crafts narratives that enhance audience understanding while maintaining accuracy.
• Adapts writing style to suit different formats (live reporting, packaged segments, breaking news).

Content Editing & Visual Coordination

• Edits and cuts bytes, interviews, and soundbites to enhance storytelling.
• Selects and requests appropriate visuals (videos, graphics, archive footage) to support narratives.
• Works with editors and technical teams to ensure seamless integration of audio-visual elements.

Planning

Editorial Leadership & Content Development

• Leads pre-production meetings, suggesting story angles and treatments.
• Ensures all content is continuously updated to reflect the latest developments.
• Assists in writing scripts, intros, straps, and headlines for broadcast.
• Oversees the creation of on-air content such as news packages and special segments.
• Maintains a strong knowledge of South African and global news.
• Writes to visuals, ensuring seamless storytelling.

Accuracy, Fairness & Editorial Integrity

• Ensures all stories are factually accurate and unbiased.
• Fact-checks sources, scripts, and interviews before they go on air.
• Edits and cuts bytes, interviews, and selects visuals to enhance storytelling.

Leadership & Team Management

• Acts as the critical liaison between the Programme Editor and Assistant Programme Editor.
• Demonstrates daily leadership by guiding production teams and newsroom staff.

Communicates effectively with all departments, including:

• Graphics (visual storytelling)
• Input (news gathering and research)
• Technical Operations (studio and field production)
• Logistics (resource and crew coordination)
• Maintains effective communication with team members, fostering collaboration and efficiency.

Live Production & Crisis Management

• Supervises live broadcasts, ensuring smooth execution and quick decision-making.
• Handles breaking news situations and unexpected technical challenges under pressure.
• Works with technical directors, anchors, and control room staff to ensure a seamless on-air experience.

Digital & Multimedia Integration

• Collaborates with digital teams to create content for online and social media platforms.
• Ensures news stories are repurposed effectively for multi-platform distribution.
• Utilizes emerging broadcast technologies and digital storytelling techniques.

Resource Management

• Coordinates crew, equipment, and studio logistics to optimize workflow.
• Implements strategies for efficient content production without compromising quality.

Research

Fact-Checking & Editorial Integrity

• Ensures all stories are accurate, balanced, and unbiased by verifying sources.
• Cross-checks information from multiple credible sources before broadcasting.
• Upholds journalistic ethics and ensures compliance with broadcasting standards.
• Check electronic media, social media and articles of interest.
• Deliver accurate and relevant news stories.
• Deliver exclusive stories and/or exclusive story lines from verified sources.
• Maintain a diverse range of sources (reputable news outlets, expert analyses, audience feedback, social trends).

Requirements

Qualifications

• Diploma in Journalism and/or Media Studies is essential
• Bachelors Degree in Journalism and/or Media Studies is recommended

Experience

• 5 – 8 years in Television Production
• Drivers Licences is essential