Freelance Writers and Stringers

Freelance journalism, work created by independent writers and stringers, not employed by any one media organization, has long been a career path for journalists who either favored the autonomy of self-employment or considered it a gateway toward full-time employment. The 21st-century media landscape has been shaped by financial, political, and technological upheavals that have challenged this employment model. The role of the freelancer is critical in any discussion of journalism practice, because of the growth in the number of journalists working as freelancers today and the increasing reality that more opportunities exist for journalists outside the newsroom than within. As demand for diverse media content continues to grow, so too have the demands on freelancers seeking to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape. This entry defines ...