Conference Videos for Febrary 29th and March 1, 2024
the institute for independent journalists presents the
2024 Freelance Journalism Conference Recordings
10 recorded sessions, delivering 13 hours of learning. Purchase for just $59. Available until March 31, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- What 20+ editors want in a pitch, and how to win assignments
- New strategies for financially and emotionally sustainable freelancing
- Ideas for building community and new networking contacts
Purchase Today To Get Access To
Day 1
What Does Artificial Intelligence Mean for Journalism?
Thursday Feb 29, 10:00 am - 11:15 am ET
Does artificial intelligence mean the end of journalism jobs? A panel of experts bust myths and offer practical advice for navigating the new landscape of artificial intelligence. Participants will leave with concrete tips for harnessing AI in their work.
In Conversation With Tanzina Vega
Thursday Feb 29, 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Keynote speaker Tanzina Vega discusses her work and career, from the New York Times, CNN, and hosting WNYC’s The Takeaway, through building an entrepreneurial career as a Boston Globe columnist, professor and consultant. In conversation with Stephanie Daniel, Senior Managing Editor at KUNC.
Become an Editor’s Go-To Writer
Thursday Feb 29, 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm ET
A panel of national editors talk about how to pitch their publications, what they want from freelance contributors, and how to get on their radar. We cover rates, project scope, contract terms and the editorial process.
Monetizing your Platform
Thursday Feb 29, 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm ET
As freelance opportunities run dry, many writers are turning to newsletters to tell their stories. How do you use newsletters, consulting or social media to monetize your platform? And not only that, how do you make it worthwhile for you?
How to Perfect Your Pitch
Thursday Feb 29, 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm ET
What do editors really want in a pitch? This session identifies the key elements of a successful pitch and teaches participants how to write a better one.
Unwind With Other Freelancers
Thursday Feb 29, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
After a full day of learning, we enjoyed an interactive networking session. We don't record this session, so please register for the 2025 conference early and join us next year! Connect with IIJ leaders and other independent journalists in the main room and breakout groups organized by subject area and topics you‘d like to explore. This popular IIJ session has led to accountability buddies and writing groups, and we guarantee camaraderie! This is a live session that was not recorded.
Day 2
Diversity Data Desert
Friday March 1, 10:00 am - 11:15 am ET
This session addresses the challenges in understanding the diversity of the journalism workforce. Speakers cover the shrinking amount of data available publicly as well as creative ways to assess the diversity of freelancer contributors.
In Conversation with Sara Goo
Friday March 1, 11:30 am - 12:45 am ET
Keynote speaker Sara Goo will discuss insights from her career, from the Washington Post and NPR to her current role as editor-in-chief of Axios, in conversation with Niala Boodhoo, host and editor of 1 Big Thing.
Inside the Editor's In-Box: How to Break Into a New Outlet
Friday March 1, 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm ET
A panel of national editors talk about how to pitch their news outlets, what they want from freelance contributors, and how to get on their radar. We cover rates, project scope, contract terms and the editorial process.
Sponsor
Democracy Fund
Funding your Journalism: Grants and Fellowships
Friday March 1, 2:45 pm - 4:00 pm ET
At this time of tight freelance budgets, fellowships and grants offer an invaluable opportunity to subsidize your reporting and, often, give you time, space and resources to focus on in-depth and meaningful work. Fellowship directors and recipients will share how fellowships and grants work, how to apply and how to write a winning proposal when you do!
Sponsor
The O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service Journalism
Finding the Best Medium for Your Big Idea!
Friday March 1, 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm ET
Networking Session and Conference Takeaways
Friday March 1, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
This networking session with IIJ leaders, speakers and other independent journalists. was not recorded. Participants shared a favorite learnings, asked a follow-up question and connected with possible accountability buddies to help with conference-inspired freelance goals. This is a live session that was not be recorded. Hope to see you there next year!
Thank you to our Sponsors
The Institute for Independent Journalists
The Institute for Independent Journalists is an education, professional development, and mutual support organization for independent journalists, focusing on Black, Indigenous and people of color. Our mission is financial and emotional sustainability for independent journalists of color, through community learning, innovation and advocacy.