Are you passionate about journalism and excited about working in a dynamic, fast-paced media environment? If you have a knack for writing engaging content, a deep understanding of current events, and an eagerness to share stories with a broad audience, then this Journalist job opportunity at Media24 might be the perfect fit for you.
Journalist Job Overview
- Position: Journalist
- Company: Media24
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Division: English Media
- Business Unit: Drum
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Posted: 26 June 2025
- Minimum Experience: Mid-Senior level
- Primary Industry: Media Production
- Functional Area: Writing/Editing
About Drum Magazine
Drum magazine is a trusted source of news, entertainment, and lifestyle content for its readers. It provides engaging stories on current affairs, celebrity news, human interest pieces, fashion, and more. The magazine, along with its digital platforms, has a large and diverse audience, and this is where the role of the journalist becomes critical – ensuring that content is both relevant and captivating.
As part of the English Media division, the journalist at Drum will have the opportunity to be part of a team that creates high-quality, compelling content for a variety of platforms, including the publication’s website, newsletters, podcasts, and social media channels.
Key Responsibilities
The Journalist role is not just about writing articles – it’s about contributing to a brand that shapes conversations and influences audiences across South Africa. Here’s a breakdown of the core responsibilities you’ll have as part of the Drum team:
- Create Unique Content Daily
You will be responsible for producing fresh and engaging content every day for Drum’s digital platforms. Whether it’s breaking news, in-depth features, or lighthearted stories, your writing will reflect the voice of the publication. - Attend Events on Behalf of Drum
As part of your role, you’ll have the chance to represent Drum at events, both in-person and virtual. This might include interviews, press conferences, or covering events live. - Work with CMS (Content Management System)
You will be required to manage content using the CMS. Your role involves ensuring that all articles, photos, and videos are correctly uploaded, formatted, and optimized for the website and other platforms. - Contribute to Other Digital Platforms
In addition to writing for the main website, you will contribute content to Drum’s newsletters, podcasts, and social media accounts. This will involve staying current with trends and engaging with the audience across multiple digital channels. - Adhere to Quality Standards and Compliance
The journalist must uphold Drum’s editorial standards, ensuring that all content adheres to the publication’s style and quality expectations. You will also be expected to follow the South African Press Code, ensuring ethical journalism. - Conduct Interviews and Secure Newsmakers
Securing interviews with key individuals for in-depth, thought-provoking pieces will be part of your daily activities. You’ll need to be proactive in identifying the right voices to share their stories. - Multimedia Engagement
Being a modern journalist also means working with multimedia. At Drum, you’ll have the chance to shoot videos, take photos, and share engaging visual content for the website and social media.
Skills and Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you’ll need a mix of qualifications, experience, and personal characteristics:
- Education: A diploma or degree in journalism, media studies, languages, or a related field.
- Experience: A minimum of three years working in a similar professional environment. You should have experience writing for both digital and print platforms.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in CMS systems, and experience with relevant computer software (e.g., photo and video editing tools) will be an advantage.
- Social Media Knowledge: An understanding of how to use social media platforms to engage audiences and promote content is essential.
- Communication Skills: Excellent writing and editing skills in English are a must. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is critical in a media environment.
- Network and News Judgment: A well-developed network of industry contacts and a strong sense of news judgment will help you thrive in this role.
- Personal Attributes:
- Strong people skills for conducting interviews and building relationships.
- The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines is essential.
- An inquisitive mind and strong research skills to dig deeper into stories.
- Attention to detail and an understanding of editorial standards.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to events as needed.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by submitting their resume along with a portfolio of their recent writing work and any relevant multimedia content (photos, videos, etc.). Ensure that you include details of your qualifications and experience in your application.
As Media24 embraces an employment equity policy, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups. So, whether you’re an established journalist looking for a new challenge, or an emerging talent eager to make your mark in the media industry, this role could be the next step in your career journey.