Survey Says...
A recent check-in with editors shows a changing media industry
Check out the full Sora-generated video below then praise our robot overloards.
If there is any industry that needs a check-in it’s media. Last year was rough—like calling dibs on the dumpster out back as your new apartment rough. From the constant drip-drip of layoffs to the continued influence of AI (see the above video) to the ceding of all influence to the likes of Joe Rogan and a bunch of TikTok trolls, media spent 2024 rushing down a steep hill in a grocery cart with no brakes.
Which is why Chandra Turner, one-time executive editor of Parents magazine and now the founder of the recruiting firm Talent Fairy, wanted to ask editors across media how they are doing. If they’re OK. Or if they need a hug. Or maybe a stiff drink. She sent out a survey to over 300 editors, which she defines as those who “create or strategize content that educates, entertains, and engages a consumer audience no matter the medium.” For her, that means marketers, social media strategists, and content creators for brands are on equal footing with those traditional editors working for legacy media titles (something that will be important in a moment).
What she found, unsurprisingly, was an industry working on its coping skills. Many believe there were fewer job postings at their level (70%). Worse, 51% believe the number of ghost postings, those job listings that are meant only to bolster a company’s online reputation rather than actually be filled, is increasing. Granted, the survey was collected right as the election was coming to a head, when many companies pulled back on hiring, uncertain how the whole thing would impact the economy. That means the results were a touch skewed by the timing. And that doesn’t mean companies weren’t—or aren’t—hiring; just check the number of new job posts on your LinkedIn feed for proof that hiring seems to be back. It just meant that, at least last fall, getting that new position was a slog.
Which might explain why the number of editors who say they’re freelancing full time was up last year. Turner found that 49% of editors have struck out on their own, while only 46% are full-time employees. Of those that have gone freelance, some jumped ship to start their own brands—see some of the recent Washington Post refugees. There are also signs that some journalists and editors are banding together to create independent and non-profit news organizations that don’t rely on conventional business models. But most are freelancing the traditional way, pitching stories, finding regular clients, and hustling for work.
And like always, there are pros and cons. There’s plenty of freedom, the commute is super short, and you can take a break when it damn well pleases you. But loneliness can be a thing, with 26% wishing they were part of a team rather than a solo operator. And the pay can be tough. Nearly 60% that freelance say they aren’t getting paid what they are worth. And getting gigs themselves can be hard, with 53% saying finding new clients is difficult. (JMM heard from several industry vets in the fall that plenty of brands had pulled back on freelancing dollars due to stricter budgets.) The good news: 37% said they’re making more money than they did in 2023, so there is still cash on offer.
If editors aren’t going freelance, they’re finding refuge with brands. The survey shows a continuing shift from legacy media to brand media, with 54% of the editors Turner surveyed saying they don’t work in traditional media anymore. Nearly half of those (45%) work for large corporations, either in internal or external communications. The rest are split between start-ups, non-profits, small businesses, and academia (JMM welcomes you to the team). It’s good timing. The shift to brands aligns with growing consumer data that shows the public is beginning to trust media created by those brands more than by legacy media—maybe because of all of the work created by those former legacy media editors.
This is Chat-GPT video generator Sora’s version of a magazine editor looking to go freelance, something the findings of Talent Fairy’s survey supports.
All of this paints a tough picture— Joan Jett in a knife fight tough. But here’s the deal: Journalists are resilient as hell. Even when it seems like the world is crashing around them, they’re still excited to do their job. A Pew Research study from two years ago found that 70% of journalists get jazzed about the gig, and 75% are proud of the work they do. And even knowing what we all know, 77% would still go into media despite the hardships. Because honestly, this stuff is fun and rewarding.
Even better, Turner’s survey also found that many in the industry believe that AI will increase the value and need for verified human-created content. A full 80% believe storytelling will continue be important to brands, which means more jobs in that sector. And while AI has impacted the industry, it might also herald a shift away from SEO writing as Google’s influence on search results wains. As one respondent put it, the “collapse of SEO means traditional publishers will put out good writing” again. In fact, if media critic Ted Gioia is to be believed, 2025 will be a year of radical change and experimentation in legacy media, meaning a whole new slew of approaches—and salaried positions—to drive these new strategic approaches.
And when they do, we know who is going to be providing that stellar content.
All Expenses Paid
New York Times opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof wants to travel with you—well, if you’re a college student. Ok, that seems a little weird, but stick with JMM. Kristof has been running his own private contest since 2006. The winner will accompany him on one of his reporting trips. He has taken college students to Liberia, India, and Morocco. This year it seems he’s heading out for at least a week or two. He’s debating between heading somewhere in Africa or maybe the American Deep South or to Bangladesh or a series of Native American reservations. Let the man think on it for a while. Wherever he goes, you’ll be along for the ride. And he’ll work around your schedule to make sure you have the time to go.
Of course, you need to earn your spot. Those interested need to write an essay (of course), as well as provide a bio and links to your work. You can both learn more about this quirky contest and apply here. And remember to update your passport—you know, just in case.
A Storm is Brewing
Drake Political Review isn’t waiting for the Sharpie smell from Trump’s executive action flurry to dissipate from Oval Office after before launching into its next issue. The magazine will be holding its brainstorming meeting today, Mon., Jan. 27, at 8 p.m., in Meredith 124C. All with even a passing interest in politics are encouraged to attend. For more info, or to pitch an idea if you can’t attend, reach out to DPR Editor-In-Chief Parker Wright at parker.wright@drake.edu.
Internships, Fellowships, and More
• DotDash Meredith has posted a slew of summer internship opportunities including video, strategy, editorial, and social media positions. All 14 positions are based in New York City. The full-time gigs are paid $20 an hour, run June 9-August 8, and include extra learning opportunities outside of your position. Deadline to apply is Feb. 14. Check out the complete list here.
• JMM’s dream internship right here! Lucasfilm is looking for a summer Creative Development intern. Yes, that Lucasfilm. You’ll work with the Creative Development team, which leads all aspects of the development and management of story across live-action feature films and streaming television series (squee!). You will need to live in Burbank. You must be enrolled in school, though there’s no specific year requirement. You’ll get paid $22 an hour. And you’ll need to be available June-August. Knowledge of the Force is also a must. Get more info here.
• The Iowa Review wants to give you money—well, if you earn it. The Iowa focused literary journal is accepting submissions for The Iowa Review Awards, a poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction writing contest. You can get the full rundown of requirements here, but one key is that the work must be previously unpublished. Winners will receive $1,500; first runners-up score $750. Both will be published in the December issue of The Iowa Review. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 31.
• American Public Media, home of Marketplace and Minnesota Public Radio, is looking for multiple summer interns to work remote, hybrid, or in-person internships in Minneapolis. Positions include internships in video production, digital reporting, investigative reporting, social media, podcasting, brand marketing, digital fundraising and more. Position start dates vary, as do the length of commitment. Get the full rundown of all the positions here.
• The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting wants a year-long editorial intern. The position is perfect for a recent grad looking to build up their industry contacts and reporting skills. The full-time gig is remote, but can be based in Washington D.C., pays $37,440, and starts May 27. It even comes with insurance after three months! Check out the details here.
• Dropbox needs a summer social media intern that can help create social videos for the brand. The position is remote. Pay is $4,500 per month. You must be a current student graduating by 2027. Your start date is flexible based on your school schedule, ensuring you get a full 12 weeks working for Dropbox. Get more info here.
• My Fitness Pal is looking for a News & Trends intern for this summer. The remote-friendly position will have you monitoring health and wellness content across social platforms and pitching content that aligns with the brand’s mission. Pay is $25. You must be a rising junior or senior. There may be an opportunity for the position to transition to full-time. Get more info and apply here.
• NPR’s Next Gen Radio is taking applications for its next round of storytellers. Upcoming partners include Oregon Public Radio, St. Louis Public Radio, the Texas Newsroom, and more. The weeklong program pairs participants with mentors to create a digital and audio story based on a theme. For more information, click here. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31.
• Newsday is looking for summer editorial and social media interns. The 10-week full-time positions are based at the brand’s Melville, NY, headquarters. Pay is $20 an hour. Applicants are limited to juniors, seniors, and recent grads with at least one internship at a professional news organization. Click here for more info.
• Ad giant Ogilvy has posted multiple summer positions in Chicago and New York including copywriting, design, and producer positions. Positions are hybrid, full-time, and paid between $17 and $22 an hour. During your 10 weeks you’ll work with clients as a part of the creative team. Apply by Jan. 31. Get the lowdown on all positions here.
• Hy-Vee is hiring a summer content marketing intern. Responsibilities include everything from coordinating content updates to conducting website audits. You’ll also get to work with some of JMM’s favorite Drake alumni. The part-time position is paid. You’ll work from the grocery chain’s Grimes, Iowa, corporate headquarter. Click here for more info and to apply.
• Iowa High School Athletic Association has three summer internship positions available. The 12-week design, social media, and video gigs are full-time with a target start date of May 19. Pay is $18 an hour. Application deadline is Feb. 14. For more info and to apply, click here.
• Gannett newspapers have posted a gaggle of news internships at its various USA Today Network papers around the country. The network includes papers in Des Moines, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Phoenix, and more. Positions last 10-12 weeks depending on availability. Interns are expected to write four to five stories per week, acting as a full member of the newsroom. No specifics on pay are listed, though positions are compensated. The deadline to apply for all positions is Jan. 31. Get the full rundown of positions here.
• Her Campus is actively seeking journalism students to work as national news writers. If selected, writers work two four-hour shifts per month pitching and writing timely news for the site, while also contributing weekly in-depth stories to various sections. Her Campus positions are strictly internship-for-credit, though do provide lots of clips for your portfolio. Click here for more information
• The Iowa Cubs are looking for a slew of power hitters to fill multiple summer intern spots. Positions include video, merchandising, corporate partnerships, and creative services (read social media content creator). Hours and start dates vary by position. For more information and to apply, click here.
• Scripps Howard is offering summer 2025 internships at multiple non-profit newsrooms around the country to students and recent grads. The 10-week internships are full-time, location-based, and pay $15 an hour. There is some overlap with positions offered by the Ida B. Wells Society (see below). Applications are due Jan. 31. For more information, click here.
• Adventureland, home of the roller coaster landmark The Tornado, needs a summer 2025 marketing content intern. The position runs the park’s full season, from April 1-Oct. 31, and is full-time during the summer months. You’ll need to be on-site at the park’s Altoona, Iowa, offices. You’ll be responsible for updating Adventureland’s website and social channels, as well as assisting with in-park events. Roller coaster rides are included. For more information, click here.
Got Some Secret Sauce?
Do you have some essential info or did you just get a new gig as a senior UX researcher at technology provide Ersi like Maggie McMahon (’09, Mags)? If so, then let JMM know by sending that juicy news on over to jeff.inman@drake.edu. JMM will treat it like this article from Travel & Leisure from senior Parker Wright (MMJ, Writ) wrote for the magazine’s latest issue and tell everyone about it.
Finally, the British are coming.