Politics Reporter

Applications are invited for the above-indicated vacancy within Newzroom Afrika. The incumbent will report to the politics editor.
Job purpose

The politics reporter is a key member of the Politics Desk, who is responsible for ensuring that the news gathering process is conducted in a timely, accurate and engaging manner. Under the leadership of the Politics Editor and the Assignments team, you will shape and create news stories that set Newzroom Afrika apart from other broadcasters in South Africa and beyond.
Key responsibilities
Monitor news feeds, including searching social media and engaging with reporters, to gather and evaluate relevant news and information
Write accurate scripts which adhere to the channel’s editorial policy and style guide
Curate submissions from citizen journalists
Writing scripts for on-air talent, cutting visuals using a newsroom production system, finding guests, commissioning and writing graphics and other related tasks as required
Develop innovative ideas for writing news.
Stay updated with the latest politics news and events.
Research stories and prepare interview questions as required.
Seek out and set up interviews with people who have information on each story.
Discuss and develop ideas to write strong and sophisticated stories to attract citizens/viewers.
Research, write and submit stories within established timelines.
Conduct in-studio interviews with newsmakers.
Go out on stories, media briefings etc. and conduct live crossings.
Write breaking news and stories in unique and interesting ways to increase viewership.
Write real and accurate stories so as to avoid any defamation cases.
Analyse the information gathered to determine which facts are pertinent to the story.
Build and maintain strong relationships with news contacts.
Work with editors, graphic artists, and social media team to find interesting ways to tell stories.
Make sure all parcels and packages have been sub-edited before editing.
Make sure all stories have been through quality control before going on air.
Advise research team and programmes on guests that should be booked relating to stories.
Be aware of legal issues relating to sensitive news stories and have a firm understanding of the BCCSA Code of Conduct and the Press Code
Ensure Newzroom Afrika’s editorial guidelines, style guide and company policies are adhered to.
Come up with own stories and exclusive content
Work with the Editors and Input team to ensure live crossings, story deadlines and other key information is effectively communicated to all team members
Ensure that forward planning is done timeously and maintain an events calendar
Ensure diary contains balance of events and unique stories to set Newzroom Afrika apart from competitors
Ensure deployment for breaking news stories is done efficiently
Secure regular exclusive interviews with heavyweights across a variety of programmes on Newzroom Afrika
Check reporter scripts for language, content and accuracy
Be prepared to work long hours and weekends
Skills and competencies
Ability to identify strong unique stories
Strong sense of ethics and understanding of editorial independence
Must be prepared to work shift hours, including early morning and late evening
Team player with a passion for news and current affairs
Strong contacts base in various sectors
Knowledge of newsroom production systems and workflows
Excellent knowledge of South African and global issues
Understanding of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission’s code of conduct
Good understanding of legal and ethical issues with regards to television broadcasts
Strong decision-making skills
Team Player
Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
Adapt and flexibility in a changing environment
Optimising content and technology
Clear knowledge, expertise of content life cycle, 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
**Requirements**:
Minimum five years reporting experience with an emphasis on television news
Journalism or other relevant qualification
Good grasp of English and other South African official languages
Values
Result driven
Integrity
Viewer centric
Innovative
Teamwork