News Reporterx 2 (KZN)

Applications are invited for the above-indicated vacancy within Newzroom Afrika. The incumbent will report to the Input Editor.

Job prupose

The KZN news reporter is a key member of the Newsroom who is assigned to stories daily. The KZN news reporter under the leadership of the input editor and assignments editor plays a critical role in contributing to the news agenda that sets Newzroom Afrika apart from other broadcasters in South Africa and beyond. You will also be a key interface between members of the public to bring us fresh stories throughout the day. The KZN news reporter is a key member of the Newsroom who is assigned to stories daily.

The news reporter will cover stories for both the English and isiZulu channel.

Key responsibilities:

• Pitch thoroughly investigated stories daily as part of the contribution to the daily diary.
• Write well-researched blurbs in conjunction with assignments as part of the contribution to the daily diary.
• Accept and research story ideas given by the assignments editor
• Compile a strong, compelling and balanced forward planning diary weekly in conjunction with the assignments editors and input editor
• Contribute to the forward planning calendar
• Conduct research and present unique story ideas daily/weekly
• Produce at least two exclusive news story per week
• Develop a strong contact base to help generate unique story ideas and exclusive stories
• Under the guidance of the input editor and assignments editor to respond timeously and appropriately to breaking news and developing stories
• Check the wires, news sites and newspapers for stories of interest
• Conduct preliminary interviews before heading out on stories
• Cover stories in High Court, regional court and magistrates court on a regular basis
• Cover stories in the legislature as and when required
• Cover political stories as and when required
• Arrange and conduct strong live and pre-recorded interviews daily
• Cover stories for both our English and iZulu channel
• Ask probing questions and follow up questions during live and pre-recorded interviews and press briefings
• Conduct in-depth in-studio interviews that are informative and professional as required
• Brief camera operator timeously about the daily assignments
• Ensure a variety of voices are represented in stories
• Write strong quality scripts with depth in line with the visuals accompanying the story
• Check archives for appropriate visuals accompanying the stories
• Provide a shot-list with the submitted script
• Provide a summary of bytes were unable to transcribe soundbites
• Check facts to ensure the story is factual and balanced
• Meet deadlines set daily
• Required to travel to stories as and when required
• Maintain good communication between input editor, assignments desk, output desk
• Provide regular updates to the output and assignments desk as the stories develop
• Send strong and fresh regular updates to the output desk while out on stories
• Live tweet while out on assignments from the official Newzroom Afrika account
• With the assistance of the social media desk compile accurate tweets for the social media
• Attend training as and when required
• Develop a firm understanding of Newzroom Afrika’s disciplinary and leave policies
• Develop a firm understanding of Newzroom Afrika’s travel policy

Skills and competencies

• Three to five years of experience in journalism
• Three-year tertiary qualification in journalism or similar field
• Knowledge of Newzroom production systems and workflows
• Mojo experience will be an added experience
• Good grasp of English and isiZulu languages
• Must be prepared to work shift hours, including early morning and late evening
• Team player with a passion for news and current affairs
• Strong contact base in various sectors
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Adapt and flexibility in a changing environment
• Optimising content and technology
• Clear knowledge, expertise of content lifecycle, content management systems and process.
• Ability to collaborate at all levels
• Ability to work well within the team
• Ability to manage conflict
• Excellent writing skills

Values

• Result driven
• Integrity
• Viewer centric
• Innovative
• Teamwork

Posted on 08 Jul 10:39, Closing date 17 Jul