Position Title             : Senior Reporter

Report Line                : Assignment Editor  

Division                      : News and Currant Affairs

Scale Code                : 401 ( Peromnes 8, Paterson CU)

Position Id                 : 60019027   

 CLOSING DATE: 18 NOVEMBER 2025

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 editorial objectives and the public broadcasting mandate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conceptualise and produce stories for news and current affairs across platforms in accordance with SABC News editorial objectives and public mandate.
• Present weekly diary of proposed stories to the editor.
• Conduct interviews and provide depth and comprehensive treatment on stories for SABC News broadcasting and digital publishing platforms.
• Provide story leads to editors, break evidence-based stories, and coordinate interviews for various news platforms as required.
• Attend diary meetings and contribute to editorial discussions on self-initiated stories.
• Conduct primary investigations for original, incisive, and compelling content.
• Live tweet coverage of rolling events and stories.
• Ensure that all treatment of stories adheres to the SABC Editorial Policies, BCCSA and Press Codes as all other broadcast regulations and policies.
• Ensure balance and appropriate contextualisation of stories.
• Support themed coverage and special productions with background information for depth and breadth.
• Contribute audio-visual and textual features and news items to digital news platforms.
• Ensure appropriate and audience-friendly visualisation of any numerical and textual data.
• Employ evidence-based insights to generate ground-breaking story ideas and angles.
• Work with relevant 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 platforms.
• Work closely with the video journalist to ensure visuals and interviews are of the highest standard.
• Work closely with the video editor to ensure the insert is edited to ensure a product 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

REQUIREMENTS 

• National Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism/Media Studies - NQF 7 or close equivalent
• 8 years’ proven experience in news and current affairs field reporting
• Preference will be given to candidates who are fluent in Tshivenda, Xitsonga or Sepedi
• Proven ability to produce for more than one broadcasting platform is a must.
• A well-established digital media presence.
• Proven track record of exceptional of journalistic performance.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of television news and current affairs production processes and systems.
• Advanced understanding of public broadcasting principles and obligations
• Clear broadcast voice.
• Ability to work under pressure, irregular hours and tight deadlines is essential.
• Advance computer skills (Microsoft, Internet, Dalet/Audacity, and ENPS).
• Exceptional news sense and editorial judgement.
• Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.
• Advanced knowledge of SABC Editorial Policies, broadcast legislation, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Must have a valid driver’s licence