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.

Given the employment equity policy of Media24, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups.