Per-piece sports writer - $10-$12 per piece

I knew this would stir up some shit. I made more 33 years ago when I started out being paid by the column inch.

 

Look, in this country we're free to start any sort of enterprise we want, as long as it's lawful. That doesn't except said enterprise from scrutiny. To call someone a "sports writer" and pay them 10 to 12 bucks a piece is insulting. And I'm calling bullshit on the claim that "Our clients include large newspapers in several major markets across the United States." Large newspapers are not buying Q and As written by someone willing to produce them for 10-12 bucks a pop. Although who knows what this business entity considers to be large. It could be a 200-circulation 8 x 11 in East Podunk.

 

I can understand where you guys are coming from, but as most of you know it's hard to break into this industry so speaking from a prospective of one who has gone through this, you will take on almost any assignment to get the work and the money for that matter.

 

Instead of selling yourself for pennies, there are jobs on the news side if you are truly willing to do anything to be in the biz.

 

But let's be real here; how many of these jobs actually will either 1. pay or 2. pay well. Yeah there are jobs out there but if you talking with big name companies, everybody and their momma will be applying for those positions.

 

There are job boards besides journalism jobs. Many job openings aren't advertised. Unfortunately, many of those just graduating college wanting to be a sports reporter do not want to work on the news side.

 

There are other sports job boards but most of them charge a fee for you to even take a peek at a position. I think what college grads need to do is to work at a smaller newspaper first and do like you said work in the news department, then try to jump over to sports. A lot of these community newspapers look for general assignment reporters to cover everything and that will give them a chance to probably cover sports.

 

Another thing to do, is do research on the company before you accept a position that way you'll know what you could be getting into.

 

I worked news for a year. Stunk. Hated it. Almost quit the biz entirely.

 

$10 to $12 for a story is just embarrassing.

 

Tony thinks otherwise.

http://www.sportsjournalists.com/forum/threads/90315/