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.
- 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.
- National Senior Certificate - NQF Level 4 - Essential
- National Diploma - NQF Level 6 - Essential
- Newsroom or Editorial Environment - Operational - 3 years - Essential
- Drivers Licences - Code B - Intermediate
- Media Management Software (Dalet or any other NRCS) - Intermediate
Technical / Job Specific Competencies
- Accuracy / Attention to Detail
- Continuous Learning
- Information Monitoring
- Planning and Organising
- Stress Tolerance