Producer Drama

The South African Broadcasting Corporation; Durban; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent broadcasting organization in Durban seeks a creative Drama Producer with a strong background in producing high-quality dramas. You'll be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing productions while ensuring alignment with station strategies. Ideal candidates have a National Diploma or Degree in Speech & Drama, along with at least 3 years of experience in drama production. Join us to enhance our storytelling through innovative content that resonates with audiences. The role requires excellent communication and project management skills.

Qualifications

• Excellent command of language of the radio station.
• 3 years’ experience in drama production.
• Knowledge of radio drama production processes and systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan and produce high-quality dramas in line with guidelines.
• Develop plans for the drama department aligned with strategy.
• Liaise with internal and external content providers.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Project management

Technical skills (pro-tools)

Digital media skills

Education

National Diploma/Degree in Speech & Drama

Job description

Job Location : Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Application Deadline : February 21, 2026

• To plan, co-ordinate and produce dramas and plays of high quality in accordance with SABC editorial guidelines and standards.

Key Accountabilities

• Make input in the development of plans for the drama department, in line with station strategy and priorities.
• Workshop administrative staff, production teams, drama actors, script writers, quality assurers and authors on strategic objectives and priorities of the radio station or business unit.
• Liaise with various internal (i.e. Sales and Marketing, Finance, Audience Research) and external content providers to ensure radio drama objectives are met.
• Liaise with Market Intelligence and utilize other research sources to enhance the quality and relevance of radio dramas, and ensure that the station’s drama themes respond to audience needs at all times.
• Help to develop station’s Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) and ensure sign off with internal and external stakeholders and monitor execution.
• Conduct continuous reviews of products, markets and revenue opportunities in order to meet strategic objectives and ensure competitiveness.
• Develop a multi- platform media approach for the department and ensure the drama series or soapies live longer by extending them to digital platforms.
• Develop teasers and promos for each drama before it goes on air and create public engagement and listener feedback sessions.
• Assess submitted scripts for suitability and provide feedback timeously to the writers.
• Provide creative guidance and process mapping to drama authors, scriptwriters in order to develop drama scripts that are suitable for production and broadcast.
• Provide guidance, support and monitor new writing talent in the development of their scripts (external Clients).
• Make meaningful amendments to scripts and do quality assurance.
• Generate and develop ideas for possible commissioning of scripts for special calendar events, commemorations and special broadcasts.
• Manage and monitor the casting of appropriate talent for productions of the highest creative quality for plays and serials
• Direct actors in the pursuit of obtaining the best possible performances for the given recording and narration of the storyline.
• Guide and advise technical personnel in the choice and use of sound effects and recording techniques.
• Guide the editing process to arrive at a production of excellent technical quality.
• Monitor and facilitate the creativity of new ideas and innovative ways of achieving desired results.
• Do impact assessment of the storyline and public feedback sessions frequently to improve on the quality of actors, storyline, scripting and messaging in the drama.
• Adhere to regulations and broadcast legislation i.e. ICASA compliance, Broadcasting Act etc.
• Monitor and report on the operational risks and compliance matters.
• Manage risks to protect organisational integrity, create value, prevent financial loss and ensure compliance with applicable policies and legislations.
• Ensure compliance with Copyright Act.
• Adhere to SABC editorial code, ICASA regulations and applicable policies.
• Manage contacts and networks and maintain confidentiality of writers’ intellectual property.
• Engage constantly with content providers internally and external to be able to develop detailed briefs for script writers and drama authors to achieve good quality productions in line with the station’s objectives.
• Oversee public feedback engagements and respond to complaints and recommendations.
• Liaise with Commercial Enterprises and Business Development around drama sponsorships and product placement campaigns to realize revenue growth.
• Liaise with internal and external content providers to ensure content alignment to programming strategy.
• Manage adequate staffing for fair workload distribution, succession planning and effective leadership.
• Effective communication and briefing of actors, script writers, authors, technicians and administrative staff.
• Provide direction on casting and attraction of drama script writers, actors, drama authors, quality assurers and language specialists.
• Conduct Individual coaching, counseling and mentoring on an ongoing basis to meet performance needs.
• Manage available staff and performance management.

Requirements

• National Diploma/Degree in Speech & Drama or equivalent qualification. NQF6
• Experience in theatre/radio/drama production
• Technical skills (pro-tools)
• 3 years’ experience in drama production
• Excellent command of language of the radio station (both written and spoken).
• Knowledge of day-to-day radio drama production, processes, tools and systems
• Ability to create reporting and filing systems to ensure accountability.
• Project management skills.
• Good problem solving skills.
• Understanding of the different role players within the drama production value chains.
• Digital media skills.
• Sound understanding of current trends and socio-political issues.
• Script writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of SABC Corporate Goals and other mandatory and legislative requirements regarding broadcast content.
• Ability to work within a team environment, give advice and guidance appropriately.
• Ability to work under pressure and with tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Advanced computer skills