Are you passionate about radio journalism and eager to develop your skills in a professional setting? Jacaranda FM, one of South Africa’s leading community radio stations, is offering an exciting opportunity for young aspiring journalists to join its news team as News Interns. The Jacaranda FM News Internships are designed for graduates or students in the field of journalism who are looking to gain hands-on experience in a bustling newsroom environment. If you’re based in Gauteng or are willing to relocate, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to jump-start your career in media.
Jacaranda FM News Internships Overview
- Location: Midrand, Gauteng
- Contract Type: Internship (12 months)
- Employment Type: Contract
- Reporting To: News Editor
- Start Date: 1 July 2025
- End Date: 30 June 2026
- Salary: Market-related stipend
What Are Jacaranda FM News Internships?
The Jacaranda FM News Internships offer a unique opportunity for students and graduates to receive practical training in radio journalism. The internship is a year-long (12 months) contract that will see two interns rotate every six weeks between Jacaranda FM and Voice of Wits (VOW FM), a community radio station based at Wits University. The program will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, providing you with a comprehensive view of the operations within a radio newsroom, both at Jacaranda FM and VOW FM.
Key Responsibilities
During the 12-month internship, you will be involved in a variety of tasks that will help you develop your skills in both radio reporting and news production. Here’s an overview of the skills and areas you’ll be focusing on at each station:
At Jacaranda FM:
- Assisting the News Department: You will help in various aspects of the news department, gaining firsthand experience in newsroom operations.
- Story Compilation: Interns will assist journalists in researching and compiling stories, which includes understanding how to choose newsworthy topics and gather information.
- Field Reporting: Get the chance to report live from the field and work directly with reporters.
- News Desk Support: You will also be working at the news desk, helping with the organization of news bulletins and updating news content.
At Voice of Wits (VOW FM):
- Compiling and Reading Bulletins: Interns will assist with writing and reading daily bulletins for VOW FM.
- Field Reporting: Like Jacaranda FM, you will be required to report from the field, giving you the hands-on experience of gathering and presenting news in real time.
- Story Packaging: You will learn how to create current affairs packages, a crucial skill for radio journalists.
- Social Media Updates: At VOW FM, interns will be actively involved in managing the station’s social media accounts, sharing breaking news and updates with their audience.
Internship Requirements
To be considered for the Jacaranda FM News Internships, you will need to meet certain qualifications and requirements. These include:
- Educational Qualification: A qualification in Journalism or a related field (Bachelor’s Degree or a 3-year National Diploma).
- Driver’s Licence: A valid driver’s license is required, or at least be in the process of obtaining one.
- Language Skills: A strong command of the English language is essential. It would be beneficial if you are bilingual in both English and Afrikaans, as it will enhance your ability to engage with a wider audience.
- Writing and Voice Skills: You should have excellent writing abilities for news scripts and the ability to voice stories for radio. A good grasp of radio journalism is critical, as you will be actively involved in producing stories for the station.
- Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of operating studio equipment, field recording, and production equipment will be helpful. A basic understanding of editing and multi-track mixing is also preferred.
- Commitment: Interns should be fully committed to the program and must not have other field of study commitments as they will be required to attend various short courses in radio journalism as part of their internship.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply for the Jacaranda FM News Internships by submitting their applications through the official Jacaranda FM website. The closing date for applications is 20 June 2025. Be sure to provide all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria outlined above.
This internship opportunity at Jacaranda FM is ideal for anyone looking to get their foot in the door of the broadcasting industry. Whether you’re looking to report news live on air, compile and edit bulletins, or manage social media news content, this internship will give you the tools and knowledge to build a successful career in radio journalism.
