New Avenues in Journalism for Freelancers

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Faced with sweeping changes in their industry, three leading journalism organizations are holding a conference here Oct. 10-11, to help freelance writers re-envision their careers.

New Avenues in Journalism will bring together media innovators to coach freelancers about custom content, new publishing models, crowd, funding, venture capital, grants and fellowships and other sources of income to give freelancers the tools they need to achieve their professional goals in these new and diverse markets.

Sponsored by the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), San Francisco State University (SFSU) Journalism Department and the Online News Association (ONA), the conference will take place Oct. 10-11, 2014, in the SFSU Humanities Building.

Keynoter and preeminent tech journalist Kara Swisher is  the former co-host of AllThingsD. She will give her view of the shifting world of independent journalism in her address. Swisher recently embarked in her own entrepreneurial venture as co-CEO of the tech blog Re/code.

"The traditional business model for freelance writers has collapsed," said conference co-chair Laird Harrison, an ASJA board member and ONA local leader. "Hardly anyone is making a living writing for magazines anymore. But new opportunities are opening up for writers who think like entrepreneurs."

Much of the meeting will address the burgeoning field of custom content -- journalistic articles commissioned to support products and services.

Other speakers will discuss how writers can secure funding from investors, foundations and philanthropists; successfully act as their own publishers; and sell merchandise and consulting as auxiliary income.

Attendees can choose the full day on Friday ($195 for 10 am – 4:30 pm plus networking event) and/or the half day on Saturday ($95 for 9 am to noon). Admission includes a boxed lunch and a wine reception Friday. ONA and ASJA members will receive a discount, and SFSU journalism students will be admitted free.

For more information and to register go to http://asjaconferences.org/sf2014/ 
Registration is now open and seating is limited.

Contact Alexandra Owens 212-997-0947
[email protected]

SOURCE American Society of Journalists and Authors