Multimedia Journalist: Consumer (SunDefender): Daily Sun at Media24 (Pty) Ltd

Key Responsibilities:


Conduct in-depth investigations into consumer scams, fraudulent business practices, and corporate misconduct affecting Daily Sun's readership
Research and expose deceptive advertising, pricing manipulation, and unfair business practices across various industries
Investigate complaints from readers about poor service delivery, faulty products, and unresolved consumer disputes
Collaborate with regulatory bodies, consumer protection agencies, and legal experts to verify facts and understand consumer rights
Develop source networks within consumer advocacy groups, regulatory organizations, and industry whistleblowers
Create compelling articles, video content, podcast, infographics, and social media posts that explain complex consumer issues in accessible language
Develop educational content that helps readers identify and avoid common scams and exploitative practices
Produce investigative documentary-style video content exposing corporate wrongdoing and consumer violations
Create step-by-step guides and interactive content showing consumers how to file complaints, seek redress, and protect their rights
Design visual content including comparison charts, pricing analysis, and warning alerts for consumer protection
Act as Daily Sun's consumer ombudsman, helping readers resolve disputes with businesses and service providers
Coordinate SunDefender consumer clinics and community events where readers can receive advice on consumer rights
Build relationships with consumer protection organizations, legal aid clinics, and regulatory bodies to support reader advocacy
Follow up on published investigations to ensure businesses address identified problems and implement corrective measures
Maintain databases of consumer complaints, resolution outcomes, and business response patterns
Analyze consumer complaint trends, pricing data, and market practices to identify emerging threats to consumer welfare
Conduct comparative analysis of products, services, and pricing to inform consumer decision-making
Research regulatory changes, new legislation, and industry developments that impact consumer rights
Utilize data journalism techniques to uncover patterns in consumer exploitation and business misconduct
Monitor international consumer protection trends and best practices applicable to the South African context
Work closely with Daily Sun's legal team to ensure all consumer investigations meet journalistic standards and legal requirements
Coordinate with regulatory bodies such as the Competition Commission, Financial Services Conduct Authority, and Consumer Commission
Verify legal claims and consumer rights before publication to ensure accuracy and avoid potential litigation
Build relationships with consumer law attorneys and legal aid organizations to support reader advocacy efforts
Stay current on consumer protection legislation, regulations, and legal precedents affecting consumer rights


Minimum Requirements:


Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Law, Economics, or related field with focus on consumer affairs or investigative journalism
Understanding of multimedia content creation including writing, video production, and digital storytelling
Knowledge of South African consumer protection laws and regulatory framework
Minimum 3-5 years experience in journalism with demonstrated focus on investigative reporting or consumer affairs
Proven track record of conducting investigations that resulted in business accountability or regulatory action
Experience in multimedia content creation across digital platforms including social media, video, and interactive content
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders including regulators, legal experts, and consumer advocates
Experience working with consumer protection organisations or regulatory bodies
Training in mediation or conflict resolution
Knowledge of additional South African languages relevant to consumer advocacy
Knowledge of data analysis software for investigating pricing trends and market patterns
Understanding of legal research databases and regulatory information systems
Basic understanding of financial analysis and business accounting principles
Investigative research skills including source development, document analysis, and fact
Knowledge of common consumer scams, fraudulent business practices, and exploitation tactics
Ability to translate legal and regulatory language into accessible consumer education content
Skills in building trust with vulnerable consumers while maintaining journalistic objectivity
Understanding of business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and stakeholder engagement principles