News24 Is Recruiting: Journalist (Crime And Courts) – South Africa
CLOSING DATE: 21 APRIL 2023
Job Description
Main purpose:
To produce relevant, exclusive and factually correct news reports and analysis for News24 and its national audience on court proceedings in Gauteng’s high and lower courts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Investigate and research original crime and court content and ideas for news, feature and analysis stories;
Report on breaking crime incidents, and from crime scenes and court as and when events happen;
Breaking developing crimes and court judgments as per News24’s processes;
Interview and report on the experiences of victims and witnesses of crime;
Report on and investigate the inner workings of the police, Hawks, metro police and NPA where necessary;
Report on the latest research and studies into crime and justice;
Write quality news and feature articles, adhering to strict deadlines and News24’s style;
Create target-market-specific articles and multi-media content;
Generate ideas for news and features stories on a daily basis;
Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by the particular publication; Comply with the requirements of the South African Press Code;
Minimum Requirements:
Diploma or degree in journalism, languages, politics or media studies;
Demonstrable experience writing for a mainstream newspaper, digital news publication, news agency or news broadcaster.
At least 7 years’ experience as a journalist, preferably as a a crime reporter;
Good general knowledge;
Insightful knowledge of South Africa’s socio-economic landscape;
Impeccable understanding and insights on the nature of crime in South Africa;
Insightful knowledge of the workings of the criminal justice system, including, but not limited to, the country’s courts.
Strong knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
Demonstrable network of contacts at all levels of law enforcement and/or the courts;
Valid driver’s license;
Skills & Competencies:
Proficient in relevant computer software packages and applications;
Passion for media, knowledge of current affairs;
Established network of contacts (over and above official spokespersons);
Strong command of written and spoken English;
Creativity and initiative;
Able to work under extreme pressure and to strict deadlines;
Good time management, the ability to multitask effectively and complete tasks timeously;
Sound news judgment;
Knowledge of the online news environment and digital publishing tools, including mobile video and photos;
Knowledge of social media;
Detail orientation;
Good people skills;
Quality orientation and the ability to deliver clean copy;
Good decision-making abilities;
Persistence and results orientated;
Strong questioning and listening skills;
The ability to work independently and be resilient
