South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Bulletin Editor – SABC News Channel Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is seeking a dedicated Bulletin Editor for its SABC News Channel in Johannesburg. This role is crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of news broadcasts to the nation.

The successful candidate will lead and guide the production team, providing essential editorial direction to create compelling and insightful news programmes. This position ensures that all content consistently adheres to SABC News' editorial objectives and its public mandate.

Minimum Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF6/7) in Journalism, Communication, Media Studies, or an equivalent qualification.
• Six (6) years of proven experience in an editorial and writing environment, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory role.
• Mother-tongue proficiency and exceptional writing skills in English.
• Understanding of all regulations, legislation, and policies impacting broadcasting.
• Knowledge and understanding of television news production processes.
• Exceptional editorial and journalistic acumen.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant systems and broadcasting operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the team in identifying and selecting stories, and compose rundowns in accordance with editorial objectives.
• Conduct effective and creative brainstorming sessions to determine content breadth and quality.
• Identify news stories appropriate for target audiences, working within tight deadlines.
• Manage and direct staff in writing and timeously processing news stories.
• Ensure the overall quality and accuracy of news content, language context, style, and tone.
• Ensure compliance with SABC News’ ethical, editorial, and production standards.
• Optimise news impact with illustrative, audio-visual, and appropriately contextualised scripts.
• Advise on the best stories to lead and anchor news bulletins, and update stories as new information becomes available.
• Keep up to date with news reporters in the field or at base and brief the team on latest news developments.
• Ensure balance in the stories featured in news bulletins and address gaps as soon as possible.
• Supervise the performance of the team and give constructive feedback on stories delivered.
• Communicate with relevant news editors to find further newsworthy angles.
• Liaise with technical support regarding the specific delivery of news items.
• Assist news presenters with accurate news reading delivery and pronunciations.
• Submit daily production reports to the line manager and indicate problems requiring attention.
• Process leave applications and check their impact on rosters in conjunction with the line manager.
• Generate a monthly roster for the desk and ensure adequate staffing.
• Communicate with platforms on structural changes, changes in time slots, and bulletin durations.
• Lead productive and creative editorial team sessions to determine the appropriateness of editorial content for bulletins.
• Ensure that news content meets the highest editorial and linguistic standards as per editorial policy.
• Be alert to any content that may require audience warnings and disclaimers and ensure that these are reflected prominently prior to airing the stories.
• Assign team writing and production responsibilities as required.
• Adhere to the SABC Editorial Policies, BCCSA, and Press Codes.
• Provide input in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and monitor the implementation thereof.
• Support effective implementation of the Performance Management System in accordance with organizational policy and procedures.

What the Work Involves

As a Bulletin Editor at the SABC News Channel in Johannesburg (Auckland Park), you will be at the forefront of news production. Your day-to-day work will involve leading a dedicated team, guiding them from story identification and selection through to the final rundown of news programmes.

You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, quality, and ethical compliance of all news content, constantly liaising with news reporters in the field and technical support staff. Reporting directly to the Editor of the SABC News Channel, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the high editorial standards expected by the SABC and its audience.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the SABC careers portal.

Visit the following link to access the application page: Apply Here

Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of 22 September 2026.