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Freelance News Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optimum

News 12 Content Producer - Freelance

Bethpage, NY · On-site

$52K - $86K/yr

News 12 is our award-winning, hyper local news station covering communities throughout Long Island ... Proven experience writing headlines, longform articles, and social media copy * Excellent verbal ...

CCX Media

Freelance Photojournalist

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$65.50 - $74/hr

Shoots and edits news events on deadline * Maintains good working relationships with local sources ... Possess excellent interview and conversational writing skills * Proficiency with Final Cut Pro

Fox

Freelance Production Assistant

Washington, DC

$71 - $80.50/hr

FOX News Live is looking for a talented Freelance Production Assistant to join our Washington, DC ... writers to identify the strongest elements * Edit and turn around breaking news video quickly

Always Lancaster

Freelance Photographers

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$61 - $69/hr

... freelance photographers to visually document a variety of stories for its daily print and online ... writing and interpersonal communication skills. * Ability to report news fairly and accurately on ...

Always Lancaster

Freelance Photographers

Lancaster, PA

$61 - $69/hr

... freelance photographers to visually document a variety of stories for its daily print and online ... writing and interpersonal communication skills. * Ability to report news fairly and accurately on ...

FairWealth

News Assignment Editor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

News Assignment Editor We are looking for someone who is fast, efficient and has excellent news ... We will not accept applications for freelancers or pitches for writing services. FairWealth is an ...

FairWealth

News Assignment Editor

Farmington, UT · On-site

News Assignment Editor We are looking for someone who is fast, efficient and has excellent news ... We will not accept applications for freelancers or pitches for writing services. FairWealth is an ...

Collider

Movies Author

$21.75 - $28/hr

**This is a paid freelance, remote position** Collider is the #1 entertainment website and publishes ... news on blockbuster movies, TV shows, video games, comic books, music and other forms of ...

FOX News Network, LLC

Freelance Ticker Copy Editor

$20.75 - $29/hr

FOX Sports is seeking a Freelance Ticker Copy Editor, who will be responsible for writing and ... Write and enable alerts for breaking news, network programming changes, and other significant ...

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How much do freelance news writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance news writer in the United States is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance news writer?

To thrive as a Freelance News Writer, you need excellent writing, research, and fact-checking skills, often supported by a background in journalism, communications, or related fields. Familiarity with content management systems (CMS), AP style, SEO tools, and digital publishing platforms is typically required. Strong time management, adaptability, and communication skills help you excel when working independently and meeting tight deadlines. These abilities ensure timely, accurate, and engaging news content in a fast-paced, competitive industry.

What is a freelance news writer?

A Freelance News Writer is an independent journalist who researches, writes, and edits news articles for various media outlets, including newspapers, websites, and magazines. They typically work on a per-assignment or contract basis rather than being employed full-time by a single organization. Their responsibilities include staying updated on current events, conducting interviews, and adhering to journalistic standards. Freelance News Writers have the flexibility to choose their assignments but must consistently pitch story ideas and meet deadlines to maintain steady work.

What are some typical challenges faced by freelance news writers and how can they be managed?

Freelance news writers often face challenges such as meeting tight deadlines, juggling multiple assignments, and consistently sourcing reliable information. Working remotely or independently, they must maintain self-motivation, organization, and clear communication with editors or clients to ensure timely submissions. Staying updated on current events and adapting writing to different publication styles is also essential. Proactively managing time, building a strong network of contacts, and continually honing research and writing skills can help overcome these challenges and lead to a rewarding freelance career.

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Freelance News Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance News Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 44% Contract. Highlights an 44% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,412 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

News 12 Content Producer - Freelance

Optimum

Bethpage, NY • On-site

$52K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Optimum rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 98 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

News 12 is our award-winning, hyper local news station covering communities throughout Long Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester, Hudson Valley, Connecticut and New Jersey. News 12 New York is our National streaming service for regional news, weather and News 12 originals.
If you're committed to delivering high quality news and storytelling with a hyper local lens, we have positions available for both on and off-air talent with opportunities for development and growth.
Job Summary
The Freelance Content Producer is responsible for creating, curating, and optimizing multimedia content across web and social media platforms to enhance News 12's online presence. They will collaborate with editorial teams to develop compelling stories, adapt traditional news coverage for digital consumption, and ensure content aligns with the organization's voice and standards. This role requires strong storytelling skills, technical proficiency, and an understanding of audience behavior in the digital landscape. The Freelance Content Producer will work in a fast-paced environment and engrain themselves in digital news production for all seven regions.
Responsibilities
  • Produce and edit digital-first news content, including articles, videos, graphics, and social media posts.
  • Optimize content for SEO and audience engagement across digital platforms.
  • Collaborate with reporters, editors, and other teams to enhance online storytelling.
  • Manage and update social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X) with timely and accurate news.
  • Edit and produce videos to accompany digital stories and social media content.
  • Send push alerts and update websites and social platforms during breaking and developing news.
  • Monitor digital performance metrics and adjust strategies to improve reach and engagement.
  • Stay current with emerging digital trends, tools, and best practices.
  • Ensure all content meets journalistic ethics and organizational standards.
  • Support live coverage, streaming events, and interactive multimedia experiences.
  • Engage with audiences through social media and community-building efforts.

#LI-GW1
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, media, journalism, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience building and executing digital strategies in news or media
  • 4+ years of experience in a fast-paced, complex organization
  • Strong understanding of major social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, LinkedIn)
  • Proven experience writing headlines, longform articles, and social media copy
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate performance data
  • Proficiency with digital management tools and analytics platforms
  • Highly organized with strong multitasking and prioritization abilities
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a large, multifaceted team
  • Results-oriented and team-focused working style
  • Willingness and ability to travel between newsrooms weekly

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
The Company collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.
Applicants for employment with The Company will never be asked to provide money (even if reimbursable) as part of the job application or hiring process. Please review our Fraud FAQ for further details.
Pay is competitive and based on a number of job-related factors, including skills and experience. The starting pay rate/range at time of hire for this position in the posted location is $52,547.00 - $86,327.00 / year. The rate/range provided herein is the anticipated pay at the time of hire, and does not reflect future job opportunity.
We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. Please note that at this time, we do not provide visa sponsorship for employment.

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