Intern News Reporter Bloemfontein

This internship offers an immersive entry into professional journalism within the newsroom of a major public broadcaster, based in Bloemfontein and aligned to the News and Current Affairs division. The successful candidate will learn to identify, initiate, research, investigate, plan and record audio-visual material for Radio, TV and Digital/Online platforms, focusing on stories that are complex in nature. The role is centered on producing news and current affairs reports that are fair, accurate and compelling for diverse target audiences, and it provides hands-on exposure to the full editorial cycle from story conception to broadcast.

Candidates must hold a National Diploma or Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, or a relevant equivalent qualification at NQF level 6 or 7. A strong command of both English and Afrikaans, in written and spoken forms, is essential because content must be optimised across TV, Radio, and Digital News. The role also requires an understanding of current media trends and developments, with the ability to engage professionally across multimedia platforms. A solid general knowledge base, computer literacy, and the capacity to interact with and manage different stakeholders are equally important for success in this fast-paced environment.

The core duties are varied and demanding. The intern reporter will initiate and cover stories as assigned or commissioned, producing quality scripts and clear voice-overs, including live on-air broadcasts. Investigative work is a key component, with expectations to break stories and follow them through to the final product before transmission. The reporter will maintain a specific focus area or beat, giving well-researched input to live current affairs programmes and debates. This includes packaging stories for current affairs slots, conducting live crossings to news bulletins, checking facts for accuracy and quality, setting up interviews, and leading broadcast discussions. Meeting strict story deadlines is critical, as is staying abreast of ongoing news events and developments. Technical proficiency is also required, specifically in obtaining broadcast-quality sound using relevant recording equipment.

The role carries a strong ethical and legal dimension. The intern must adhere to South Africa’s Constitution, all broadcasting and other legislation, ICASA’s licence conditions and regulations, the BCCSA Code of Conduct, the Press Code and its rulings, as well as SABC editorial policies, the News and Current Affairs style guide, and Standard Operating Procedures. This makes the internship an excellent grounding in regulatory compliance and editorial standards within South African public broadcasting. The position is ideal for a recent graduate who is ready to work in a deadline-driven, multi-platform environment and to contribute meaningfully to public interest journalism.