Operations

Planning Producer

eMedia Investments·Gauteng, south-africa·Full Time·Remote
OperationsFull TimeRemote
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Key Deliverables

Guest Booking & Contributor Coordination

  • Identify, source and secure credible, relevant and diverse guests and contributors for television, digital, podcast and special news programming.
  • Build and maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of experts, analysts, commentators, spokespersons and subject matter specialists.
  • Assess and verify the credibility, relevance and suitability of contributors in line with editorial requirements.
  • Coordinate guest availability, bookings, interview schedules and logistical requirements within agreed production timeframes.
  • Arrange and test remote contributions using approved broadcast and digital platforms.
  • Provide guests with accurate and timely briefings covering interview topics, schedules, technical requirements and relevant production information.
  • Maintain efficient guest-booking processes to support newsroom deadlines and programme requirements.

Editorial Planning & Production

  • Research developing and scheduled news topics to identify appropriate contributors and strengthen editorial coverage.
  • Develop relevant interview angles, contributor recommendations and briefing information in support of editorial objectives.
  • Collaborate with Planning Editors, Bulletin Editors, Producers and Reporters to identify and secure contributors who add authority, relevance and diversity to news coverage.
  • Monitor breaking news and proactively source appropriate contributors for developing stories and live coverage
  • Support contributor planning for major events, elections, special broadcasts and extended news coverage.
  • Ensure appropriate representation of relevant perspectives and viewpoints, particularly on significant or contentious issues.
  • Contribute editorial ideas and recommendations that strengthen programme quality, audience relevance and engagement.

Digital Content Production

  • Source and coordinate contributors for digital-first interviews, podcasts, livestreams and online programming.
  • Coordinate contributor participation across television, website, mobile, social media and other digital platforms.
  • Identify contributors and interview opportunities suited to specific platform and audience requirements.
  • Support the production of exclusive digital interviews, explainers and multimedia content.
  • Source and contributor content is appropriately coordinated and adapted for television and digital audiences.
  • Support live digital coverage by securing and coordinating relevant contributors during breaking news and major events.
  • Contribute to integrated multiplatform storytelling that maximises the reach, relevance and effectiveness of editorial content.

Content Production & Story Development

  • Produce or coordinate accurate, balanced and engaging editorial content that supports television and digital programming.
  • Research and prepare accurate briefing material, interview notes and supporting information for anchors, producers and editorial teams.
  • Develop clear and relevant interview questions and supporting content aligned with the editorial objectives of each programme or story.
  • Coordinate with Reporters, Correspondents, Editors, Anchors and production teams to ensure contributors and related content are broadcast ready.
  • Ensure all contributor-related production requirements and applicable broadcast checklists are completed within agreed deadlines.
  • Maintain current knowledge of local, national and international news developments to support effective contributor identification and editorial planning.
  • Ensure contributor content supports accurate, balanced and credible journalism across all platforms.

Contributor Relationship Management

  • Build and maintain professional relationships with contributors, experts, public institutions, government representatives and relevant organisations.
  • Maintain regular and professional communication with contributors to support ongoing engagement and future editorial requirements.
  • Develop relationships with emerging experts and new voices to strengthen diversity and breadth of editorial sources.
  • Manage scheduling, availability and operational challenges professionally to minimise disruption to programme production.
  • Ensure contributors receive clear, timely and professional communication throughout the booking and production process.
  • Address contributor concerns promptly and escalates material issues to the appropriate editorial management.
  • Protect the organisation's professional reputation through ethical, respectful and effective stakeholder engagement.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with Editors, Producers, Reporters, Anchors, Digital teams and other newsroom stakeholders.
  • Participate actively in editorial planning meetings and contribute relevant contributor, interview and content recommendations.
  • Communicate booking status, contributor availability, production requirements and changes promptly to relevant stakeholders.
  • Ensure editorial and production teams receive accurate information required to prepare for interviews and broadcasts.
  • Coordinate effectively across multiple teams to ensure seamless contributor participation in live and recorded programming.
  • Resolve communication and coordination challenges promptly to minimise operational disruption.
  • Contribute to a collaborative newsroom environment that supports effective planning, accountability and high-quality editorial output.

Personal Development

  • Maintain and implement an Individual Development Plan aligned with professional and organisational objectives.
  • Participate in approved learning and development initiatives that strengthen editorial, production, digital and stakeholder-management capabilities.
  • Maintain current knowledge of journalism, media trends, digital platforms and emerging broadcast technologies.
  • Develop knowledge of emerging subject matter experts, industry developments and new approaches to contributor engagement.
  • Participate in mentoring, peer learning and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Apply new knowledge and industry best practice to improve contributor planning and editorial performance.
  • Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and improvement.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

  • National Senior Certificate - NQF Level 4 - Essential
  • National Diploma - NQF Level 6 - Essential

Experience

  • Newsroom or Editorial Environment - Operational - 3 years - Essential

Competencies

  • Drivers Licences - Code B - Intermediate

Technology Proficiency

  • Media Management Software (Dalet or any other NRCS) - Intermediate

Language Proficiency

  • English - Advanced

Technical / Job Specific Competencies

  • Accuracy / Attention to Detail
  • Continuous Learning
  • Information Monitoring
  • Planning and Organising
  • Stress Tolerance

Key skills

MatricNational Diploma

At a glance

Company

eMedia Investments

Location

Gauteng, south-africa

Employment

Full Time

Experience

Valid until

Not specified

Created

October 14, 2026