Job Ref #: eNCA184
Industry: PR/Communications/Journalism/Media And Promotions
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

The Production Assistant provides operational, production and technical support to facilitate the efficient and seamless delivery of live and recorded news programmes across television and digital platforms.

The role supports the preparation and execution of studio productions by coordinating studio readiness, production documentation, autocue operations, sponsorship and programme elements, and communication between editorial, production and technical teams. Working in a fast-paced newsroom environment, the incumbent ensures that production requirements are completed accurately and timeously, supports effective live broadcast execution, and contributes to maintaining professional, safe and reliable studio operations.

 

Key Deliverables

 

Studio Operations

• Prepare and maintain the studio before, during and after live and recorded productions to ensure operational readiness.
• Conduct pre-broadcast checks of studio equipment, resources and production requirements and escalate identified issues promptly.
• Ensure studio equipment, furniture, production resources and visual assets are correctly positioned and available in accordance with the approved production requirements.
• Verify that graphics, sponsorship elements and other visual assets are correctly prepared and aligned with the programme rundown.
• Monitor studio readiness throughout productions and respond promptly to operational requirements to minimise disruption.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional studio environment that supports efficient programme production.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve studio workflows, operational readiness and production efficiency.

 

Live Broadcast Support

• Provide effective operational support to the Technical Director, Studio Floor Coordinator and production teams during live and recorded broadcasts.
• Operate the autocue accurately and ensure scripts are correctly formatted, updated and displayed in accordance with production requirements.
• Communicate production instructions clearly and timeously to presenters, contributors and studio personnel.
• Monitor programme schedules and studio readiness to support broadcasts commencing and concluding in accordance with the approved rundown.
• Coordinate with Final Control regarding commercial breaks, sponsorship elements and other applicable broadcast requirements.
• Ensure sponsorship elements are correctly reflected in the rundown and communicate relevant requirements to the Technical Director and production team.
• Respond promptly to changing production requirements and breaking news by supporting real-time operational adjustments.

 

Production Administration & Coordination

• Prepare, update and distribute accurate production documentation, including rundowns, guest lists, schedules and related production information.
• Maintain accurate production records and administrative documentation in accordance with organisational requirements.
• Coordinate production logistics to ensure operational requirements are completed before scheduled broadcasts.
• Facilitate effective communication between editorial, production, technical and operational teams.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure assigned administrative and coordination activities are completed within agreed timeframes.
• Provide reliable administrative support that contributes to efficient newsroom and studio operations.
• Identify and escalate production-related administrative issues that may affect programme delivery.

 

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a safe, clean and professional studio environment throughout all production activities.
• Ensure studio activities are conducted in accordance with organisational policies, broadcast requirements and applicable health and safety standards.
• Identify, report and escalate hazards, operational risks and safety concerns promptly.
• Ensure equipment is used, stored and handled in accordance with prescribed safety and operational procedures.
• Promote safe working practices, professional conduct and operational discipline within the studio environment.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriately protect sensitive editorial, production and operational information.
• Participate in relevant health, safety, compliance and operational initiatives that support continuous improvement.

 

Personal Development

• Develop, implement and maintain an Individual Development Plan aligned with professional and organisational objectives.
• Participate in approved learning and development initiatives that strengthen production, technical and operational capabilities.
• Maintain current knowledge of broadcast technology, newsroom systems and studio production processes relevant to the role.
• Participate in team learning, knowledge-sharing and cross-functional training initiatives.
• Seek, receive and apply performance feedback to improve individual effectiveness and operational performance.
• Develop additional production and technical competencies that support flexibility across studio functions.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuous learning, adaptability and professional excellence.

 

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with editorial, production, technical, studio and operational teams.
• Communicate production requirements, changes and operational issues clearly and timeously to relevant stakeholders.
• Support presenters, contributors and production personnel by ensuring they receive the information and assistance required for effective programme execution.
• Coordinate effectively with technical and production teams to ensure studio and broadcast requirements are understood and implemented.
• Escalate issues that may affect programme quality, broadcast readiness or operational continuity to the appropriate level.
• Contribute to a collaborative and professional studio environment that supports effective teamwork and programme delivery.
  Demonstrate professional and respectful communication in all internal and external interactions.

 

 

Job Requirements

Minimum Requirements 

 

Qualifications

• National Senior Certificate - NQF Level 4 - Essential 
• Diploma -Television Production, Media Studies, Broadcasting, Journalism, or a related field. - Essential 

 

Experience

• Television production, preferably in news - operational - 4 years - Essential 

 

Competencies 

• Driver's License - Code B - Recommended 

 

Technology Proficiency

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) - Intermediate 
• Dalet or any NRCS - Intermediate

 

Language Proficiency

• English - Advanced

 

Technical / Job Specific Competencies

• Contributing to Team Success
• Decision Making
• Managing Work
• Planning and Organising
• Risk Taking