Paid Freelance Work for Hyperlocal Online Paper
Conventional freelance work it ain’t, but it is the future. Dare to be part of it!
With many broadcasting and print journalists facing redundancy (as I have on more than one occasion!) setting up a local news website has become an attractive proposition. It’s starting to provide a valid alternative and therefore competition to other news organisations while filling in the gaps where the big boys in the business are removing their regional presence.
And that is where we are calling on NUJ members and all journalists in Wales. The Port Talbot Magnet is one of the most successful hyper local websites in Wales. .. and soon they’ll be going into print as well.
They describe themselves as “A not-for-profit community co-operative which has been set up to provide a local news and information service to the people and communities of Port Talbot. Our volunteers are professional journalists who put in a few hours a week to make it work.”
Now, it is you, the professional journalist they want. Freelance, paid work to people who have a great story idea. And you don’t have to live in the area; journalists write stories about other towns, cities and countries all the time.
So if you are looking to top up your freelance income, if you’re recently redundant, a full time Mum or Dad looking for a part-time income, a former journalist trying to get back into the business – this is an exciting new opportunity. Follow the links below to find out more:
To pitch a story for paid work: http://www.lnpt.org/2011/09/04/for-journalists/
They are also looking for volunteers – so all you budding and student journalists, here’s an opportunity for you to get your work out there! To volunteer: http://www.lnpt.org/2011/09/04/volunteer/
By Anna Miller, Project Coordinator NUJ Training Wales, former ITV and BBC TV, reporter and presenter.