News Journalist - Education

Main Purpose

Produce relevant, compelling and factually correct news, analysis, feature and other content on education for News24 and its national audience to deadline each day.

Job Outputs

• Investigate and research article content for news, analysis and feature stories on newsworthy education subjects and events in South Africa;
• Produce enterprise news ideas and stories focusing on developments in the education sector and beat which will set the national news agenda;
• Produce breaking news according to News24s standards and norms;
• Maintain and grow a diverse network of contacts across the education sector, including, but not limited to, government departments, schools, universities, think tanks, NGOs and interest groups.
• Write quality news and feature articles, adhering to strict deadlines;
• Create target-market-specific articles;
• Generate at least one in-depth feature ideas per quarter;
• Adhere to the quality, style and content standards as laid out and required by News24;
• Comply with the requirements of the South African Press Code;

Skills & Competencies

• A strong and deep understanding of the education sector and the policies which govern this sector in South Africa;
• Able to write fluently and clearly in English;
• Creativity in problem-solving and idea generation;
• Able to work under extreme pressure and to strict deadlines;
• Good time management and the ability to multitask effectively and follow through;
• Sound news judgment;
• Knowledge of the online news environment;
• Demonstrable network of contacts in the education sector;
• Demonstrable attention to detail;
• Good people skills;
• Sound decision-making abilities
• Persistence and results orientation;
• Questioning and listening skills;
• The ability to work independently;
• Resilient;
• Initiative

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma or degree in journalism, languages or media studies
• Experience writing for a mainstream newspaper or magazine or reporting for an online or wire news operation or a broadcast news service;
• Good general knowledge;
• Knowledge of topical issues and current affairs;
• Valid drivers licence;
• Passion for media.

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