‘It is Disastrous for Democracy if Only Those Tho Can Afford it Become Journalists’
For Steve Przybilla, there’s no better job: as a freelance journalist, he conducts research in Germany and abroad. But the work also has its downsides. The pay is a challenge, says Przybilla. Journalism is a wonderful profession, but that’s of little help if you can’t make a living from it.
Workplace: What does a freelance journalist actually do at RiffReporter?
Steve Przybilla: Researching exciting stories. Delving deep into topics. Working with brilliant, dedicated colleagues to make your own articles even better – at RiffReporter, we follow the dual-control principle, which means someone from the team edits the piece before publication. We all have our own areas of specialism and work on our stories from Germany, but also from other countries.
What experience or skills should you bring to the job?
You should, of course, have a certain talent for writing, but you can learn the trade – i.e. research, legal matters, interview techniques – through internships, a traineeship or at a journalism school. Anyone wanting to work freelance should definitely not underestimate the importance of self-organisation. Wasting the day on the balcony or in front of the telly? As a freelancer, that’s certainly possible, but then your bank account will be empty at the end of the month.
What appeals to you about your job?
The freedom to work on the topics and stories that really interest me. The chance to plan my schedule and working hours so that they fit in with my life. And the job itself, of course: constantly meeting fascinating people, constantly gaining an insight into areas of life that would otherwise remain hidden.
What are the biggest challenges in your job?
Definitely the pay. It starts as early as your training, when you’re constantly told that you have to work for free or for a pittance sometimes, because it’ll pay off later. Only it’s no different later on. Most publishing houses avoid paying the standard rate, and they cut corners with freelance journalists anyway. “But you’re doing a job you enjoy,” an editor once told me when she wanted to pay me 300 euros for a foreign report (!). I replied that I’d be saying the same thing to the baker next time.
What has been your biggest professional flop so far, and what did you learn from it?
Simply accepting appalling pay. We have a wonderful profession, but it’s no use if we can’t make a living from it. It’s also disastrous for democracy if only those who can afford it become journalists. But since we have only limited influence on the market I always try to sell my articles to several different media outlets. That way, when conducting research abroad, several editorial teams can share the travel costs. Grants are also helpful. There are many ways to carry out even complex research projects. Have a go and make the most of them!
Steve’s tips for the next generation
Network! Talk openly about money! This is the only way we can prevent ourselves from participating in fee dumping. At Freischreiber, the professional association for freelance journalists, we have therefore been discussing this quite openly for a long time. And, of course, on all other topics too. That way, even as a freelancer, you don’t feel so alone. After all, there’s no chance of a quick chat in the corridor or the canteen in our line of work.
Steve Przybilla
… has been working as a freelance journalist since 2012, specialising in mobility and data protection. He also reports regularly from abroad, particularly from the USA. His articles have appeared in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Focus, the taz, Die Zeit and Spiegel Online. He is also a member of RiffReporter, a cooperative of freelance journalists.
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