INTERNSHIP: PROGRAMMING LOTUS FM

This internship opportunity at Lotus FM, part of the South African Broadcasting Corporation's Radio division, offers a practical learning experience for aspiring broadcast professionals. Reporting to the Programme Manager, the intern will be immersed in the full cycle of developing, producing and evaluating high-quality Afrikaans radio content. The role is designed to build competence in applying SABC editorial standards, understanding Lotus FM's specific audience and brand requirements, and collaborating across the many functions that deliver a national radio service.

To be eligible, candidates need a National Diploma or Degree in Media Studies, Journalism, Communications or a relevant qualification at NQF 6. A solid knowledge and understanding of English as the station's home language is required, along with an awareness of the different role players in the media landscape and applicable legislative and media laws. This is an entry-level internship, so the emphasis is on gaining hands-on experience while developing professional skills in communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, creativity and working in a fast-paced broadcasting environment.

The duties are extensive and mirror the responsibilities of a junior producer. The intern will assist with initiating and preparing content briefs, programme concepts and production specifications aligned with Lotus FM's programming strategy. This includes programme creation and development through research, scripting, story development, interviews and production. They will prepare programme plans, promo scripts and other on-air creative content, and conduct research to identify relevant topics, stories, genres and content suitable for the station's audience. A key part of the role is helping to develop fresh, creative and audience-relevant content while maintaining Lotus FM's identity, values and quality standards.

The intern will also be involved in monitoring and evaluating programme content to ensure it meets agreed specifications and audience expectations. They will produce and record short documentaries, programme inserts, music programmes, sport reports, educational inserts and voice-overs for daily and weekly programming. All content must be produced and presented in accordance with SABC Editorial Policies, Lotus FM programming requirements and applicable broadcasting standards. Sound editorial judgement is essential, with an understanding of accuracy, fairness, balance, credibility and responsible broadcasting. The intern will assist with quality control of language, pronunciation, factual accuracy, tone and overall content execution, and will consider listener feedback and audience insights when developing and evaluating content.

Protecting Lotus FM's brand identity is another important aspect, ensuring content contributes to the station's positioning as a trusted Afrikaans content hub. The intern will also help identify opportunities to extend radio content onto the website, social media and other digital platforms. Collaboration is central to the role, working with presenters, producers, technical teams, marketing, digital and other stakeholders in gathering, developing and presenting information. Regular feedback to the Programme Manager or Senior Producer on content development, production progress and potential challenges is expected, as is providing management with project and programme status updates and assisting with tracking deadlines and deliverables. Participation in programme meetings, editorial discussions, brainstorming sessions, outside broadcasts, station projects and audience engagement initiatives rounds out this immersive internship.

In short, this internship at Lotus FM is a comprehensive introduction to public service radio broadcasting, combining creative content production with strict editorial compliance and collaborative teamwork. It is ideal for a recent graduate who is passionate about radio and eager to learn how a national Afrikaans station operates from the inside.