Freelance journalists: Careers, attitudes, and demographics.

摘要

This study explored the demographics, work and career patterns, and attitudes of freelance journalists. Results are based on 473 valid surveys of U.S.-based, nonfiction writers who considered freelancing their primary job. The study showed the typical freelance journalist to be a 49-year-old, white female living in a large city. She held an advanced degree, was married with at least one child, earned an annual gross income between {dollar}40,000 and {dollar}49,999, and worked 30 to 40 hours per week. All freelancers are not mothers working part-time. Age, gender, and ethnicity made a difference in freelance journalists' attitudes, careers, and success. Being white related to income. Freelancers in general disliked working with editors. The study revealed that freelance journalism has come into its own as a solid, viable career and has remained stable for at least the past decade. The profession encompasses three distinct groups of freelance journalists: career, temporary, and dabbling.