6 Side Hustles For Journalists In 2024

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by John Cirelly

Journalism work can be unpredictable, so what about side hustles for journalists? The good news? I’ve narrowed down 6 side hustles specifically for journalists to help them earn money and leverage their writing and investigative skills.

Side Hustles For Journalists in 2024

1. Freelance Public Relations

One of the best side hustles for journalists is freelance public relations (PR). As a journalist, you have a unique set of skills that are highly valuable in the world of PR. You know how to craft compelling stories and pitches, and have a strong network of contacts in the industry.

Businesses online need help crafting press releases and earning backlinks from authoritative new sources. Journalists can find work on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer, and can expect to earn between $40-$70/hr.

Freelance PR can be a great way to supplement your income as a journalist, while also expanding your skills and building your network. Give it a try and see where it takes you!

2. Freelance Writing

As a journalist, you are already skilled in writing articles and stories that are compelling and informative. Freelance writing can be a way to use those skills to earn extra income, while also expanding your portfolio and gaining more experience as a writer.

As a journalist, you can leverage your skills to interview subject matter experts for larger websites, then write on a topic including their commentary. Journalists should seek out blogs that focus on being experts in a particular industry, such as health, or technology.

When it comes to pricing for freelance writing projects, rates can vary widely depending on the type of work, the length of the project, and the level of expertise required. However, according to the Editorial Freelancers Association, freelance writers can typically expect to earn anywhere from $0.10 to $1.00 per word for most projects.

3. Start a Blog

A blog can be a great way to share your insights and opinions with a wider audience, and get paid for it. As a journalist, you already have excellent research and storytelling abilities to help you on your blogging journey.

The trick is to write about a topic you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, and then optimize each blog post around search terms your audience is using in search engines like Google. As your traffic increases, so will your revenue.

You could monetize your blog through advertising or sponsorships, or you could use affiliate marketing to earn a commission on products or services you recommend to your readers. You could also create and sell digital products, such as ebooks or courses, that are related to your blog’s topic.

While blogs can take months to pick up traction, it’s worth it for committed writers. Some blogs make well over five figures a month from ads, affiliates, and sponsorships.

Of course, starting a blog does require some investment of time and resources. You’ll need to create a website, write content, and promote your blog to build your audience. But with some effort and dedication, a blog can be a great way to earn extra income while also building your brand and establishing yourself as an expert in your field.

4. Create a Course For Aspiring Journalists

Teaching aspiring journalists how to kickstart their careers can be a great side hustle for journalists. Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to upload a series of videos and collect payment for your course.

Think about the specific area of journalism that you want to teach, such as investigative reporting or multimedia journalism. The more specific your topic, the easier it will be to create a targeted course that meets the needs of your students.

Next, define what you want your students to achieve by the end of the course. This could include skills like interviewing, writing, or researching, as well as broader concepts like ethics, accuracy, and fairness.

Depending on the depth of your course, you could charge several hundred dollars per student, if not more.

5. Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast is an excellent side hustle for journalists who are looking to explore new avenues of storytelling and build a personal brand.

Consider the area of journalism you want to explore through your podcast, such as news, politics, or culture. Think about the unique perspective you can offer to your listeners and what they would find valuable.

Create your content by developing a plan for your podcast episodes. Consider the format, length, and style that will work best for your topic and audience. You may want to include guest interviews or solo episodes, for example. Research your topics thoroughly to ensure your content is informative, engaging, and original.

In terms of income, podcasting can be a profitable side hustle for journalists. According to Podcast Insights, podcasters can earn an average of $0.01-$0.05 per download, which can add up to a significant income stream with a large audience.

Finally, podcasters can monetize their shows through advertising, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and other revenue streams. With dedication and hard work, podcasting can be a lucrative and rewarding side hustle for journalists.

6. Freelance Journalism

If you’re 9-5 journalism career isn’t working out, consider acting as a free agent. You’ll be writing articles, news stories, or features for various outlets such as newspapers, magazines, and online publications as an independent contractor.

To start, pitch your ideas to publications that interest you. Reach out to their editors and be persistent in following up on your pitches, as it can take time to get a response.

Network with other freelancers and editors on social media, attend industry events and conferences and join journalism associations to expand your network and find potential clients.

When it comes to income, freelance journalism can be a lucrative side hustle. According to a survey by the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the average freelance writer earns around $76,000 per year. However, rates can vary depending on the publication, the type of story, and the writer’s level of experience and expertise.

Wrapping Up Side Hustles For Journalists

That concludes my list of the best side hustles for journalists. While these aren’t the highest-paying side hustles, they do fit tell with the skills many journalists already have.