General News and Court Reporter

Main purpose

To produce relevant, exclusive and factually correct news reports and analysis for News24 and its national audience on general news in Gauteng, and court proceedings in the province’s higher and lower courts.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Produce original fast and slow court reporting and ideas for news, feature and analysis stories;
• Report on breaking news stories from local courtrooms, including civil cases;
• Interview and report on general news stories;
• Write quality news and feature articles, adhering to strict deadlines and News24’s style;
• Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by the particular publication
• Live reporting into News24 live blogs on developing stories;
• Secure newsmakers for in-depth interviews on topical issues.

Skills & Competencies

• Established network of contacts in local courts, the NPA and the legal fraternity;
• Strong command of English;
• Solid understanding of the law and judicial processes in South Africa;
• Able to work under pressure and to strict deadlines;
• Good time management, the ability to multitask effectively and complete tasks timeously;
• Sound news judgement;
• Knowledge of the online news environment and digital publishing tools, including mobile video and photos;
• Detail orientation;
• Good people skills;
• Quality orientation and the ability to deliver clean copy, and
• Understanding of the SA Press Code and adherence to our code of ethics.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification;
• At least 7 years’ journalism experience, some of it in reporting crime and courts;
• Excellent general knowledge;
• A passion for human interest stories, particularly in the area of health;
• Strong knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
• Demonstrable network of contacts;
• Valid driver’s licence;

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