Is freelance journalism getting harder? here’s what i’m seeing

Описание: This is what it's really like being a freelance journalist in 2026....    • How to become a freelance journalist in 20...  

halfway through filming this I realized I was spilling some major freelance journalism tea, but you know what! I stand by it. in this video, I chat about some challenges I've faced as a freelance journalist, and what I've been doing to adapt.

I think being open about pay rates, negotiating, budget cuts, and industry pressures will help all of us. I also chat about some industry predictions for the next few years, including a desire for hyper-local reporting, and how savvy freelancers can tap into those gaps.

Rate sharing websites for pay transparency:
https://freelancesolidarity.org/actio...

http://whopayswriters.com/#/results

2026 journo predictions from Nieman Lab:
https://www.niemanlab.org/collection/...

What have you been struggling with lately? Leave me a comment!

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - freelance journalists are in the trenches
0:40 - trends I've seen in the last year + budget cuts
1:24 - waiting three months to get paid + solutions
2:30 - journos leaving to write for banks
3:15 - freelance pay transparency databases
4:47 - saying 'no' to low-paying assignments
5:35 - BUT! you have the power + opportunities r out there.
6:06 - constant churn + levelling up your skills
7:12 - hot tip: fact-check during your interviews
8:02 - getting into fact-checking as a freelancer (opportunity here)
9:18 - predictions for journos: hyper local reporting + lowtech tools
11:13 - protect your peace!! avoid online journo/writing communities
12:41 - final thoughts

ABOUT ME:
I'm Emily, a full-time freelance journalist with a master in journalism and a love for long-form storytelling. I’ve written for national publications across business, personal finance, health, and more. I’ve also worked in digital media, radio, and magazines. I share what freelancing actually looks like: how to find ideas, land pitches, shape strong drafts, and build a career without burning out. If you’re an early-career journalist trying to make this work sustainably, you’re in the right place.