Monday 8th June: Rise of freelance sector highlights support networks

June 08, 2020

Good morning! Today's Media Roundup is brought to you by Peter.

Writing in Press Gazette, John Crowley notes that new beginnings are often born of painful endings. Among the depressing news of furloughs, freelancing has the (dubious) distinction of being one of journalism’s few growth sectors.

John sees this cohort 'beginning to mobilise and get vocal.' He cites support groups, reader-funded newsletters and podcasts that help new entrants adjust to the ‘new abnormal’ and established support networks growing.

If you find yourself newly in this group, the resources listed in the article might just make it easier to get up and running.

Stan Wischnowski has resigned as executive editor of Philadelphia Inquirer after 20 years at the paper. He had already signed an apology to readers and staff, recognising that the “Buildings Matter, Too,” headline on a story about damage to historic buildings during Black Lives Mater protests was 'deeply offensive.

This Poynter case study details how the member-funded French local news site turned to its audience to understand better how they wanted the team to report on the pandemic. Changes to their approach attracted 20% more paying readers.

Colin Morrison is asking 'What next for Vice Media?' on his forensic Flashes & Flames blog. Riffing on Warren Buffet's 'Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked', Colin wonders if Vice Media might be the most celebrated naked swimmer of all.

Podcast:

Robin Kwong talks about how his team develops features to help the WSJ's wider goals, how he helps facilitate innovation across teams in the business, and how his background in reporting and data journalism has helped his approach to this role.