For some people, freelancing suits their lifestyle more than a traditional full-time role. However, one of the challenges that can be faced by freelancers is the lack of financial security that is offered in the industry. So how can freelance journalists manage this? Aaron Stokes speaks to James Brindley from Journalists’ Charity and Dr Lily Canter to explore what support is available as well as how freelance journalists can look after their finances.
Andy Smith, Senior Organiser at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) says: “The overall picture was depressing but not surprising.”
Alarmingly, when assuming these journalists are working 35-hour work weeks, the pay is less than the minimum wage in the UK.
Following the release of the report, Michelle Stanistreet the general secretary of the NUJ says: “The NUJ has long called for improvements to freelance fees and this report further highlights the need for swift action by publishers who continue to benefit disproportionately from journalists.”
Before joining the Journalists charity, James worked at the BBC for 12 years, practicing multiplatform journalism. After this, he decided to leave the BBC to run two different commercial TV stations. He then returned to the BBC through an independent production company as a political editor. James then joined the Journalists’ Charity in 2019 as their Chief Executive.
What support is available?
There is support available for freelance journalists who may find themselves in financial difficulties. The Jounalists’ Charity offers online support and financial assistance to journalists who find themselves in financial difficulty.
James says: “What we have seen for a number of years is concerns brought to us by freelance journalists are saying they are finding it more difficult.
“[Alongside this] all that work is less well paid.”
James says: “Since the pandemic onwards, there has been a steady increase in first-time applicants.
“The types of journalists contacting us for support has changed.
“The average age of a person receiving support is now 41. That’s the lowest it has probably been ever.”
The figures have raised the question of whether being a freelance journalist is still viable?
James says: “It is very difficult to say because my personal experience of being a freelancer is more than 20 years ago.
“Lots of organisations still use and need freelancers, but what is clear is that the rates being commanded are not as strong as they were, and in some cases, there hasn’t been much of an increase in many, many years.”
While freelancers can be experiencing financial difficulty, it is important to consider areas that may not have first been thought of, to freelance in. Areas such as documentary-making and streaming services are areas that have seen growth according to Mr Brindle.
However, areas such as print and digital media have been experiencing a decline in their audiences. As a result, “looking at the numbers, there are going to be fewer opportunities, [but] I think it is [still] possible” James says.
Challenges freelancers face
One of the issues that has been highlighted for freelance journalists is receiving payment on publication. This is when freelancers will not receive payments until the publication decides to publish their story. The issue with this is that sometimes publications can hold the story for months if not a year until they decide to publish it.
Dr Lily Canter, co-director of Freelancing for Journalists says: “Even [with this system] it’s sort of 30 days from the publication date.
“I’ve had to wait over a year for a story to be published, so then you’re not getting paid for over a year.”
Some publications have made changes to how long it will take for freelancers to now get paid. The Press Gazette revealed HuffPost UK freelancers now must wait 60 days (about 2 months) for payment after they send their invoice.
Alongside the issues around payments, there is the issue of the cuts across journalism that are being experienced. For the freelance industry, it can be seen as a double-edged sword.
According to Lily: “Organisations are relying on freelancers more because they haven’t got the staff.”
Considerations about the freelance industry
While more opportunities are being created in the industry, there are also more people entering the industry. The result of this is that there is a chance the industry can become saturated. Lily feels that how a person looks at this situation depends on if they are a “glass half full or glass half empty person.”
It is important to consider as well that freelancing is not an easy industry to get into. Sometimes, there is the misconception that anyone can be a freelancer. Ms Canter feels that teaching freelancing skills to students can help build skills such as resilience that students do not always have.
If you are struggling financially, you can use the free Money Helper Tool.
You can also contact the Journalists' charity here.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency contact emergency service on 999.
If you require someone to speak to about your mental health, call the Samaritans on 116 123.
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