OFM Radio Seeks Experienced News Bulletin Compilers and Readers

Bloemfontein, South Africa – In an exciting opportunity for seasoned journalists and broadcasters, OFM, Central South Africa’s leading commercial radio station, is currently seeking proficient and experienced news bulletin compilers and readers to join its vibrant newsroom. The positions, which are based in the station’s Bloemfontein office, are set to close on September 9, 2024. This pivotal role offers the successful candidates a chance to shape the news narrative for a diverse and engaged audience across the central region of the country.

OFM, a cornerstone of the Central Media Group, has long been recognized for its quality news programming, seamlessly blending news, entertainment, and music to create a dynamic and engaging listener experience. The station’s commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and relevant news content is a key element of its success, and the addition of new team members in this area underscores OFM’s dedication to maintaining its position as a leader in the regional media landscape.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements

The newly appointed news bulletin compilers and readers will play a crucial role in OFM’s news production team, working closely with the News Editor and Programme Manager to ensure the station’s bulletins are both informative and engaging. The ideal candidates will have a strong command of both Afrikaans and English, as the ability to write and read bulletins fluently in both languages is a non-negotiable requirement.

Primary Duties:

1. News Compilation and Presentation: The core responsibility of the role involves preparing news bulletins in accordance with OFM’s style guide and adhering to the station’s broadcast licence requirements. This includes rewriting news articles and editing audio clips to ensure they fit the format and allotted time for news segments.
2. Broadcasting: Candidates must be adept at delivering news bulletins in both English and Afrikaans, following a schedule set by the station. The ability to do so with clarity, professionalism, and an engaging presence on air is essential.
3. Journalistic Oversight: The role also involves assigning journalists to follow up on key news stories, ensuring comprehensive coverage of important events within OFM’s broadcast footprint.
4. Administrative and Digital Responsibilities: Additional duties include capturing news coverage statistics, handling various administrative tasks, and occasionally creating and publishing news content on OFM’s digital platforms.

Candidate Profile

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet several specific qualifications and possess a range of professional and personal attributes.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in journalism, communication, or language studies is required.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a newsroom setting is essential, providing the practical foundation needed to excel in this role.

Personal Attributes:

• Current Affairs Expertise: Candidates must have an exceptional grasp of local, national, and international news, demonstrating a keen awareness of ongoing developments across a broad spectrum of topics, including governance, politics, economics, history, science, and pop culture.
• Broadcasting Skills: Excellent broadcast news writing skills and an eloquent, authoritative delivery are critical. The ability to work under extreme pressure, adhere to tight deadlines, and produce high-quality work consistently is a must.
• Teamwork and Independence: While the ability to follow direction and work well within a team is important, the role also requires a strong sense of independence and initiative.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The media landscape is constantly evolving, and successful candidates will need to demonstrate a willingness to adapt to change, learn new technologies, and embrace new media platforms.

Application Process

OFM is calling on qualified applicants to submit a comprehensive CV, which should include examples of their news writing in both English and Afrikaans, download the sample news bulletin here. To further assess candidates’ suitability for the role, OFM has provided a sample news bulletin, which applicants are required to download, read, and submit via WhatsAp (084 222 9497) in both languages.

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About Central Media Group

Central Media Group, the parent company of OFM, is a powerhouse in Central South Africa’s media and entertainment industry. The group specializes in broadcasting, digital media, and publishing, with OFM standing out as the premier commercial radio station in the region. The group’s diverse portfolio also includes Digital Platforms, a strategic website design and development company, and Mahareng Media and Advertising, a leading print media and advertising platform.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Central Media Group is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace. The company’s Employment Equity Plan and Policy will guide the selection process, ensuring that all appointments are made fairly and equitably.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, with the closing date for applications set for September 9, 2024. Those who are not contacted within 14 days of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.

For more information or to apply, interested individuals can visit the OFM website here.

This is a unique opportunity for skilled journalists and broadcasters to become a part of a dynamic and forward-thinking news team, making a meaningful impact on the media landscape in Central South Africa.