Job Description

The Sub-Editor is responsible for editing and refining news copy and content to ensure accuracy, brevity, clarity, grammar, style, and legal compliance before publication or broadcast. The incumbent must also ensure all content is engaging, well-structured, and aligned with the newsroom's editorial standards.

Sub-Editing

Review, edit and proofread all news content for accuracy, brevity, clarity and adherence to editorial guidelines.



Ensure content is verified, unbiased and free from factual errors and legal risks.



Ensure alignment with the company's style guide.



Identify and correct grammatical, factual and stylistic inconsistencies.



Verify information and flag discrepancies with the Sub-Editing Supervisor.



Write clear, creative and compelling headlines, intros and captions.



Rework stories where necessary for readability and flow.



Fact-check names, places, dates and sources.



Optimise content for multi-platform use (TV, web, mobile).



Support programme teams by reviewing and editing varied content,


to ensure editorial accuracy and readiness for breaking news.

Bulletin Content

Assist production teams in reviewing bulletin rundowns.



Ensure accuracy and consistency across scripts, on-screen text, headlines, promos and live reads.



Edit and voice content when needed.



Re-angle stories to maintain relevance and audience engagement.



Advise on effective visual representation of stories.

Collaboration & Communication

Collaborate with Producers to refine story angles and content.



Work closely with Reporters, Anchors and Editors to clarify story elements and maintain editorial standards.



Participate in editorial meetings, contributing ideas and constructive feedback.

Deadline Management

Sub-edit and finalise content ahead of publication deadlines.



Deliver rapid turnaround of breaking news copy and scripts without compromising quality and credibility.



Meet the editorial and output demands of a fast-paced newsroom environment.



Maintain accuracy and high standards under pressure, especially during live breaking news stories.

Stakeholder Relationships

Foster strong interpersonal and team relationships to maintain a stable, productive work environment and support team objectives.



Participate actively in editorial meetings, offering clear guidance and constructive feedback to Reporters, Anchors, Editors and other team members.



Communicate respectfully and collaboratively with Reporters and Producers.



Help refine story angles and enhance content quality.



Work closely with Producers, Reporters and Editors to ensure clarity, creativity, consistency and editorial integrity of all content.



Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure all content adheres and meets South Africa's broadcasting laws and ethical standards.



Mentor and support Reporters and Producers to strengthen scriptwriting creativity and skills, and improve overall newsroom performance.



Contribute meaningfully to content planning and story development discussions, offering insights to align coverage with editorial strategy.

Qualifications

National Diploma in Content Generation and/or Communication and/or Journalism

Experience

5-8 years in Editing and/or Newsroom and/or Editorial Environment

Language Proficiency

English - Advanced

Technology Proficiency

Microsoft Office Suite - Intermediate



Media Management Software (Dalet) - Intermediate

Technical / Job Specific Competencies

Accuracy / Attention to Detail



Continuous Learning



Information Monitoring



Planning and Organising



Stress Tolerance