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Cheddar

Freelance Anchor/Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Reporter/Anchor to join our team. In this dynamic role, you will play a critical role in informing and engaging our viewers with the ...

Cheddar

Freelance Anchor/Reporter

New York, NY · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR We seek a talented and versatile Freelance Reporter/Anchor to join our team. In this dynamic role, you will play a critical role in informing and engaging our viewers with the ...

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Features Freelancer

$64.25 - $72.75/hr

Embarcadero Media Freelance Reporter - Features Department : Editorial - appears in The Six Fifty, Peninsula Foodist, Home & Real Estate publication, Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac, Mountain View ...

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How much do freelance reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance reporter in the United States is $80,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are freelance reporters?

Freelance reporters are independent journalists who are not employed by a single media organization. Instead, they work on a contract or assignment basis, pitching stories to various newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcasters. They have the flexibility to choose their topics and clients, but they are also responsible for finding their own work and managing their business affairs. Freelance reporters often cover news, features, or specialized beats, and their work can appear in multiple publications. This career path allows for independence but requires strong self-motivation and organizational skills.

What are some common challenges freelance reporters face when working with multiple editors and publications?

Freelance reporters often juggle assignments from several editors and publications at once, which requires strong organizational and communication skills. Deadlines can overlap, and each outlet may have different editorial standards, formatting requirements, and expectations regarding story angles or sources. Building and maintaining relationships with editors is key, as clear communication helps manage expectations and minimizes misunderstandings. It’s also important to keep track of pitches, submissions, and payments, since freelancers are responsible for their own workflow and invoicing.

What is the difference between Freelance Reporter vs Staff Reporter?

AspectFreelance ReporterStaff Reporter
CredentialsTypically requires journalism degree or experience, no formal certification neededUsually requires journalism degree or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentIndependent, remote, project-basedIn-office or newsroom, full-time employment
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple outlets, freelance basisEmployed by a specific media organization
Work StyleSelf-managed, flexible deadlinesStructured schedule, team collaboration

Freelance reporters work independently, often for multiple outlets, with flexible hours, while staff reporters are employed full-time by a media organization, working on a set schedule. Both roles require journalism skills, but freelance reporters enjoy more flexibility and variety in assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Reporter, you need excellent writing, research, and investigative skills, often supported by a degree in journalism or communications. Familiarity with digital content management systems, multimedia tools, and social media platforms is typically required. Strong networking, adaptability, and self-motivation are vital soft skills for building sources and managing deadlines independently. These abilities are crucial for producing accurate, timely stories and sustaining a successful freelance journalism career.
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Freelance food writer

Freelance food writer

Embarcadero Media Foundation

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$250/wk

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Description:

Opening: Embarcadero Media Freelance Reporter – Food
Department: Editorial, Foodist – appears in Palo Alto Weekly, The Almanac, Mountain View Voice, Redwood City Pulse
Reports To: Adrienne Mitchel / Food Editor
Location: Remote
Date: 3/3/25

About Us

Embarcadero Media Foundation is a nonprofit journalism group with three printed weekly newspapers, seven hyperlocal news websites and six email newsletters that serve a population of more than 500,000 people on the MidPeninsula and the East Bay’s Tri-Valley. We are looking for a motivated and passionate freelance reporter to join our food branch, The Peninsula Foodist, to inform, inspire and entertain our readers and the foodies of the Peninsula.

Articles for Peninsula Foodist appear on four websites – Palo Alto Online, The Almanac, Mountain View Voice and Redwood City Pulse – and may also appear in two print newspapers – Palo Alto Weekly and The Almanac. Peninsula Foodist has its own Instagram account, @peninsulafoodist, and weekly newsletter.

Job Summary

The Food Freelancer will be responsible for producing food features (generally 800-1,200 words) and food blogs (generally 300-600 words). The ideal candidate will possess excellent interviewing, writing and storytelling skills and have a passion for food. The Food Freelancer will be working closely with the Food Editor and the Features Editor at Embarcadero Media.

Key Responsibilities

  • Produce food features, roundups, enterprise stories, profiles and Q&As. Deadlines are flexible as long as you communicate your timeline with the Food Editor.
  • Produce food blogs, such as restaurant openings and closings. Deadlines are flexible as long as you communicate your timeline with the Food Editor.
  • Keep an eye out for food stories while in the field and pitch relevant stories to the Food Editor
  • While the Food Freelancer is not responsible for taking photos on the scene, they are responsible for communicating with the source about a time for a photographer to come by and/or to request courtesy images from the source

Required Qualifications

  • Degree in journalism or related field
  • 1 year of experience reporting professionally
  • Knowledge of the Peninsula’s food scene (San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, excluding San Jose)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience reporting on food and/or working in the food industry
  • Being a foodie!

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong communication and written skills
  • Ability to interview, craft a story and write in AP style

Working Conditions

  • Flexible hours – produce at least 1 feature or 1 set of three blogs per month
  • Remote
  • May have to drive to meet sources and conduct interviews

Compensation

  • $200 for a feature
  • $250 for three blogs

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and three clips via the application form. Freelance reporter applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. For details, contact amitchel@embarcaderopublishing.com.

Requirements: