The blurring line between freelance journalists and self-employed media workers

Area of Science:

• Media Studies
• Sociology of Professions
• Journalism Studies

Background:

• Freelance journalists face precarious employment, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
• The definition of a "journalist" is often debated, particularly concerning freelancers and their diverse work portfolios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how Australian freelance journalists experienced and managed precarious employment during the COVID-19 impacted year of 2020.
• To explore the factors influencing freelance journalists' work choices and their self-identification amidst economic uncertainty.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 self-identified freelance journalists in Australia.
• Analysis focused on the types of work undertaken, the impact of precariousness on career decisions, and the performance of journalistic identity.

Main Results:

• Nearly all participants engaged in work outside of journalism, yet over half maintained strong ties to the profession.
• Journalistic identity was sustained through community belonging and commitment to public interest journalism as "passion projects."
• A blurring of lines between "journalist" and "writer" emerged, influenced by job opportunities and a desire for creative expression.

Conclusions:

• Traditional "work-test" definitions may be insufficient for understanding a freelancer's connection to journalism.
• Freelance journalists may warrant a redefined status within the evolving journalistic hierarchy.
• The study highlights the resilience and adaptability of freelance journalists in navigating unstable professional landscapes.