News Editor

Arena Holdings

Position: News Editor
Reporting to: Editor Department: Editorial
Location: East London

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Daily Dispatch is an award-winning newspaper that prides itself on in-depth local news coverage and cutting-edge investigations. It is an established leader in print in the Eastern Cape and has a growing digital audience for its multimedia content. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced news editor to drive the coverage of news for our print and digital platforms.

The candidate must have:

• significant experience in the news industry

• exceptional editing skills, including a high standard of competence in English and the ability to think critically and fact check,

• the strength to lead and inspire a diverse team of multi-media reporters,

• strong organisational skills,

• a taste for creativity, ingenuity and innovation.

Main Responsibilities/Outcomes

• Responsible for the newspaper’s overall news coverage including managing the news diary, developing story ideas, spearheading investigative projects and producing quality and exclusive news content. A key requirement is ensuring the punctual delivery of high-quality content with attention-to-detail, speed, accuracy and clarity.

• The candidate must be able to work in a digital-first environment where news is filed for the website first and to work closely with the digital editor in instances of breaking news to ensure rolling coverage throughout the day.

• Repackage, rewrite and edit news content from multiple sources and ensure reporters are briefed to file across all platforms;

• Represent the newspaper in various capacities when required by the Editor;

Qualifications and Requirements

• A three or four year qualification in journalism would be advantageous;

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in a mainstream daily or weekend news environment;

• Experience acquired on both weekend and daily publications will be an added advantage;

• Extensive experience in managing a newsroom;

• A thorough knowledge of journalistic ethics and media law;

• A track record in news reporting and feature writing;

• Experience in working within a team;

• A valid driver’s licence.

Skills, Attributes and Attitudes

• Excellent news gathering, research, writing and editing skills;

• Above average command of the English language;

• Knowledge of current affairs;

• Knowledge of issues affecting Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality andthe Eastern Cape will be advantageous;

• Ability to network;

• Be prepared to work irregular hours;

• Enthusiasm for grooming and nurturing junior journalists;

• A receptiveness to feedback and openness to change.

Please send your CV to: recruitment@dispatch.co.za

Closing Date: Wednesday, 21st April 2021

Arena Holdings is an equal opportunity employer and as such, preference will be given to candidates who will add to the diversity of our organisation.

Kindly take note that if we do not respond to you in the next two months, you may regard your application as unsuccessful.