Senior Reporter (Sandton)

Job description

The Senior Reporter is responsible for driving EWN’s investigative depth, setting the news agenda, and consistently delivering high impact, original journalism across digital platforms. This role requires a seasoned journalist with an extensive contact base, exceptional story finding instincts, and the ability to break exclusives that shape public discourse.

The senior reporter produces compelling investigations, strong digital first writing, insightful explainers, and nuanced storytelling that deepens audience understanding of complex issues. They must demonstrate excellent news judgement, an ability to identify and pursue under reported angles, and the skill to translate intricate information into clear, accurate, engaging content for diverse audiences.
This role is central to EWN’s editorial strategy—leading coverage, generating enterprise stories, and collaborating with editors to ensure the newsroom remains ahead of the news cycle. The senior reporter upholds the highest journalistic ethics, cultivates trusted sources, and actively contributes to strengthening EWN’s reputation for credible, courageous, and impactful journalism.

News gathering and original reporting:

• Produce high quality and original news stories daily.
• Maintain a strong network of reliable contacts and sources.
• Identify breaking news and respond with accurate, verified information.
• Undertake investigative and in depth reporting when required.

Story production and editorial quality:

• Deliver scripts, articles, and audio/video packages of broadcast and digital quality.
• Ensure all content meets EWN’s editorial standards: accuracy, balance, fairness, and clarity.
• File stories within agreed deadlines, including multiple updates for developing stories.
• Prepare accompanying multimedia elements (images, clips, social posts) where applicable.

Live reporting, on air delivery and digital presence:

• Conduct live crossings, interviews, and explainers for radio, video and digital platforms.
• Maintain a strong on air presence with clear, authoritative delivery.
• Provide regular updates across EWN digital platforms, including X, website, and video explainers.
• Engage audiences responsibly and professionally on social media.

Planning, collaboration and newsroom contribution:

• Contribute to daily diary meetings with story ideas, leads, and investigative angles.
• Collaborate effectively with editors, video teams, and digital journalists.
• Mentor junior reporters and support team development when required.
• Assist in longer term content planning and special projects.

Ethical, legal and safety compliance:

• Uphold EWN and Primedia Broadcasting editorial policies at all times.
• Ensure legal compliance (defamation, privacy, court reporting rules, POPIA).
• Follow all safety protocols, especially during high risk assignments.
• Maintain professionalism and integrity when dealing with sources and the public.

Minimum required qualification:

• Degree or diploma in journalism, media studies, communications, or related field.

Qualifications considered advantageous:

• Additional training or certification in investigative journalism, data journalism, digital reporting, or multimedia storytelling.
• Specialist training in legal and ethical frameworks for investigative reporting.

Minimum years of experience:

• 7–10 years of newsroom reporting experience, including a proven track record of breaking exclusives and producing original, high impact journalism.