Production Assistant

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.

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