Digital Journalist – BBC (South Africa)

Package Description

Band: C
Contract type: Permanent, Ongoing
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa, Hybrid

We’re happy to discuss flexible working. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Any offer of employment with the BBC will be conditional upon you having the right to work in South Africa, where local terms and conditions apply

Job Introduction

Are you a talented journalist with a passion for writing about Africa? Join the BBC’s team in Johannesburg, covering southern Africa and the entire continent. You will be helping to build on our weekly global audience of 320 million on radio, TV, online and social networks.

Job Responsibilities

A Journalist on the BBC Digital News team will be expected to write sharp news stories or produce timely digital video – with rigour, context and flair. Tasks could range from jumping on breaking news to chasing leads and interviews, to researching and writing a news feature. Journalists will monitor social media, search trends and audience data and use that to improve our storytelling and help us reach new audiences. Journalists will be expected to contribute ideas in editorial meetings around the most useful and creative approaches to our big stories, including the best formats and visual treatments. A key part of the role will be to work closely with BBC colleagues in South Africa and across the continent to ensure the best of their radio, TV and online content is prominent on the news website and relevant social media platforms.

Are you the Right Candidate?

Attention to detail, sound judgement, and a sense of accuracy and sensitivity
A team-player attitude, with the ability to work with colleagues across organisational boundaries but also a self-starter capable of getting on with things without too much direct supervision
Recent experience of producing accurate, engaging and fast-paced breaking news coverage for digital audiences
A track record of generating original ideas and chasing leads to produce impactful stories
A proven understanding of African news, current affairs and social media
Familiarity with using social media, search and audience data to improve storytelling and broaden coverage
The ability to come up with angles and approaches to the big stories of the day that will help us reach new and diverse audiences

Job Criteria

Experience of writing text for digital news audiences in English
Experience of content management systems for online journalism
A strong track record of covering the African news agenda
Understanding of the digital audience in Africa, and how the BBC can expand its presence
Experience of using audience analytics tools to improve our coverage
A thorough understanding of the importance of social media and video to our storytelling