As the news industry struggles with funding shortfalls, layoffs, declining trust and rapidly changing technology, journalists — from freelancers to newsroom leaders — have professional and financial security top of mind. 

About one in three journalists in 2024 reported concerns about lack of funding and trust in journalism — and a similar percentage reported experiencing layoffs or buyouts, according to Muck Rack’s State of Journalism report. More than two-thirds reported working over 40 hours per week, while less than half noted a yearly income exceeding $70,000. For context, the yearly wage to live comfortably in major U.S. cities, where many journalists are based, is around $96,500. 

These factors can lead to high levels of stress and burnout for journalists. “I think it’s no secret that journalism is a stressful job,” said Muck Rack Editorial Director Andrew Mercier in a recent IJNet Crisis Reporting Forum session. “On a scale of one to 10, most journalists [in the State of Journalism survey] rated themselves at a seven in terms of the stress in the job.” 

Mercier joined Samanta do Carmo, executive manager at the Brazilian journalism association, Ajor, to discuss how journalists can keep afloat and thrive in an increasingly uncertain professional environment. Here's their advice:
 

Working under uncertain transitions

As newsrooms go through structural or staff changes, journalists often can feel like their careers are on unstable footing. Do Carmo, whose work involves supporting mid-level newsroom managers, emphasized the need for editors and managers to prioritize transparency as their reporters navigate times of uncertainty. 

She noted that in Brazil, newsroom leaders often find themselves burnt out by industry conditions and fluctuating funding, and can struggle with planning for the long term. “Our culture has a very important thing about being spontaneous [so] it's difficult here in Brazil for leaders to value strategy,” do Carmo said. 

Day-to-day uncertainties, meanwhile, can prove stressful for the reporters they manage, who may find themselves anxious not just about layoffs, but “moments when [they] have a lack of strategy, a lack of decision.”

“It’s important to think about how [poor] leadership in bad emotional conditions sometimes can compromise […] all the sustainability of [an] organization,” said do Carmo. 

Newsroom managers should acknowledge the stress their employees are under — especially if they’re dealing with layoffs, suggested Do Carmo, adding that open dialogue can help reporters manage the emotional and operational impacts of having co-workers laid off.

She also recommended that newsroom leaders motivate employees through small experiments and audience-centered thinking, instead of relying on big projects or investigations in which progress may be more gradual. By embracing small projects — and securing small wins — journalists can innovate and adapt while maintaining their duty to audience needs. “What kind of service, in an article for example, does your audience need this week?” do Carmo prompted.

Reporters should be clear on both their personal goals and those of the team, too. To this end, managers should strive for the journalists they supervise to be able to articulate their newsroom’s strategy and road map to a new manager, do Carmo said. This clear communication keeps reporters motivated and independent. 

“When people know what the project[s] are and what goal[s] and what methods they are pursuing, it’s easier to deal with transitions and change,” she said.

Tools for freelancers

For freelancers working without the guidance of an outlet, there are online tools available that can help them manage their work in a challenging and insecure field. Mercier cited resources such as Muck Rack’s Who Shared My Link?, which helps journalists track metrics around their stories’ reach, and Peter Shankman’s Source of Sources, which connects journalists with knowledgeable sources for their reporting.

Mercier also highlighted Muck Rack’s profiles, which generate for journalists, many of whom already have a lot on their plates, a portfolio of their work. The profiles scrape the web to automatically update with journalists’ bylines (although Mercier recommended journalists check in regularly to ensure their profiles are up to date, thereby demonstrating their engagement).

“By appearing more engaged on these tools, including Muck Rack, it just immediately sends a signal that you’re savvy, you’re here,” Mercier said. 

For those transitioning into freelancing for the first time, Mercier and do Carmo advised thinking outside the box when creating professional portfolios, no matter the platform they use. “Think about the difficult situations you’ve had [...] and how you designed solutions for them,” do Carmo said. “This kind of thought can be a portfolio too.” 

Many freelance journalists also write marketing content to supplement their income, Mercier noted. Although it may not sound exciting, it can still be fulfilling for journalists to work with a brand that aligns with a mission they value. 

As journalists expand into platforms like Substack and YouTube, it’s important to keep an eye on how others are finding success there and consider similar approaches, he added.

Exploring and implementing new technologies

As social media platforms and habits evolve, and amid the emergence of generative AI, both panelists recommended journalists keep an open mind about new technologies and approach them with care. 

Mercier encouraged journalists to explore technology as much as possible in the face of shifting user interests. “What we’ve done hasn’t necessarily been working,” he said, referring to audience engagement on online platforms. “We’ve got to throw some stuff at the wall.”

Experimenting is easier said than done, Mercier acknowledged, and managing new social media platforms on top of an already rigorous schedule can be difficult. As a result, journalists shouldn’t stress about being on all platforms but should at least be aware of the options and what audiences they serve.  

Newsrooms themselves should also be willing to engage with new technologies, Mercier said. As people increasingly turn to social media for their news, outlets should meet them there — and experiment to reach different audiences in ways that suit their coverage, such as adopting TikTok or YouTube strategies.

Journalists should set aside time to brainstorm how their existing ideas can connect with new innovations and trends, suggested do Carmo. “We are a really creative industry,” she said. “Sometimes we just have to set aside time to organize our ideas.”  

Despite the challenges facing the industry, Mercier remains inspired by journalists’ hard work and commitment to educate the public. “There’s still great journalism being done all over the place,” he said. “Let’s focus on that just as much as all the hard attacks that are coming journalists’ way.”

Helpful resources

Peter Shankman’s Source of Sources

From Muck Rack:

State of Journalism 2024 report

State of Work-Life Balance in Journalism report

Who Shared My Link? 

This article was first published by IJNet. 

Photo by Brad Weaver on Unsplash.