I don’t know any young journalist who hasn’t, at some point in the last few years, heard the words ‘ha! Good luck!’, or ‘there’s no future in that, try something else’, or words to that effect. This usually comes from an older journalist, perhaps someone who has themselves left the industry.
I used to think that people who told me this were just cynical and negative - and some were. But there’s also a lot of truth to it.
Staff jobs are few and far between. Freelancing works for some, but not all. Most young freelancers who I know that are making it work need to supplement their income with external work, like copywriting or social media management.
The pitching system is broken for both reporters and editors. Inboxes overflow with ideas and it’s often difficult for every pitch to get feedback. I, and I think everyone else, are at a loss as to what system would work better, though.
In full-time roles, we’re seeing more and more layoffs, with Huffington Post being the recent round of casualties. When we all see talented journalists lose their jobs, it doesn’t bring a lot of hope for those looking to staff jobs as a form of security.
At a time when British media is crying out for more diverse voices, it’s never been harder for people of any background to sustain a career. But does that mean there’s no hope?
When I look at journalism, there are elements of it that are dying. But there are also buds of hope among the scorched earth. Independent publications are not just surviving but thriving, producing excellent quality journalism and amplifying marginalised voices.
I’m surrounded by inspiring young journalists who aren’t afraid of putting themselves out there and starting new projects. This is the next generation and I’m genuinely excited to see what they go on to create.
(Shout out in particular to the Twitter circle jerk GC, which is full of kind and supportive young journos)
This isn’t to say that journalists should have to have a skin of steel and a burning passion for the industry just to survive. Staying in the journalism industry shouldn’t be a badge of honour and leaving it because it’s not sustainable for you is also nothing to be ashamed of.
But for those wanting to stay but wondering if there is a future to it, I firmly believe there is. It might look different from how it was 20 years ago and the paths into it likely aren’t going to be the same, conventional ones.
All the new ideas and exciting projects that I see popping up all the time, and the genuine desire from young journalists to change and revitalise the industry will pay off. And when they do, we’ll hopefully be left with a media landscape that is that bit easier to not just exist in, but be productive and successful in.
A big part of what I see as the future of journalism is independent projects that bring new life to the industry. An area that I’m particularly excited about is, unsurprisingly, newsletters. That’s why I’m excited to announce that I’m starting the Independent Newsletters Awards, to recognise independent British newsletter creators.
We soft-launched last week and will be announcing categories and developments in the coming weeks. Whether you have a newsletter or not, I’d encourage you to follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on the progress. I’m hoping to shine a light on some of the newsletter talent in the UK, many of whom are also going incredible things for the future of journalism.
And if you’re a newsletter creator yourself, I’d love to see you enter! Watch this space…