Freelancer Directory

Methodology

The purpose of the Black Media Initiative Freelancer Directory is to connect Black media outlets with journalists who are interested in freelancing for Black Media. The goal is to create a directory that Black media leaders can use to connect with top talent efficiently. The methodology for this research consists of a two-step process: compiling a vetted list of qualified freelance journalists and a survey. 

The list of freelance journalists was created using advanced search techniques on Google, social media, and other databases. It is not intended to be a static list, but a living directory in order to be able to include new, potential partners as needed. Directory participants were chosen based on qualifications, demographics, scope of work, background, and availability of contact information. 

The survey, sent to our culled list of potential partners via email, was designed to confirm that respondents are interested in freelancing for Black media outlets and to collect information about the respondents to be shared in a public directory, except where noted. 

Following the initial distribution, we then shared the survey more broadly via direct outreach, social media platforms, and at various events hosted by the Center for Community Media in order to capture the information of more potential partners. The initial sample size we reached out to was 189 respondents. At the time of publishing we have 96 respondents. The survey aimed to answer the following questions:

• In what types of media do you have experience? 
• What are your beats or areas of expertise?  
• Where do you live and work? 

We compiled the information collected from respondents who completed the survey into a public directory to be shared to other Black newsrooms.

Key Findings

Our goal was to include at least two freelancers from all states that either have significant Black media representation or a population of at least 4% Black people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Using that data point as a benchmark, led us to try to fill this gap in 38 states and the District of Columbia.

Our survey results show that we have exceeded our target in many states, such as California, Georgia, New York, Texas, and others. The directory features 93 freelancers who offer diverse skills and specialties. They are eager to work with newsrooms that value serving Black audiences.

The directory also reflects the geographic and thematic diversity of the freelancers. They come from five countries: the US, Canada, Nigeria, Pakistan, the UK and the US Virgin Islands. The most popular states represented are New York, Georgia and Texas. The most popular beats are Entertainment & Lifestyle (21%), Social Justice (16%) and General Assignment (11%). Other represented beats include Education, Health, Politics, Business, Criminal Justice, Environment, Investigative, Sports, Technology and Opinion. The most popular mediums are Text (53%), Audio (19%) and Video (12%).

However, we also faced some difficulties in finding freelancers in some states. Despite our best efforts, we could not find two or more respondents in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. This may indicate a gap in our network or a lack of support for freelance journalists in those areas. Understanding the cause for these gaps was beyond the scope of this study.

Number of Freelancers by State

Not shown on map: Washington, D.C. 5 freelancers / Canada 2 / Nigeria 2 / Pakistan 1 / United Kingdom 1 / U.S. Virgin Islands 1

We hope that this directory will help Black-owned newsrooms find and hire talented freelancers who can help them produce quality journalism that reflects and informs their communities. We also hope that it will inspire more freelancers to pursue opportunities in Black media and contribute to its growth and sustainability.

If you are interested in contacting one of the freelancers in this directory please reach out to cheryl.thompson-morton@journalism.cuny.edu for us to connect you. If you want to be added to the directory please sign up here.

Go directly to the Freelancer Directory