Hi, thanks for visiting. If you like what you read, or, you like supporting independent journalism in Australia's mono-focal media landscape, then show your appreciation by donating to my Ko-Fi account when I write a new story (approximately 1 p/fortnight):
Ko-Fi.com/LizMurrayMedia
 |
 |
History
I began blogging in 2005 and back then the Blogosphere was a bit of a subculture. It started as an undergraduate journalism writing exercise, but proved very beneficial for familiarization with different CMS, web traffic analysis(even before it was Google Analytics!), multimedia and digital page layouts. Back then iconic legacy media voices were still trying to aggressively stuff the digital-era genie back in the bottle but a few bloggers broke through that ceiling.
Broader workplace acceptance of long-term bloggers is still a bit limited by people's perceptions of mainstream legitimization and editorial constraints, and, a lack of understanding of the medium. These days Wordpress templates are much nicer, but Blogger's CMS is much more speedy and efficient. You'll see some slight changes in the formatting over the coming months as I make myself at home.
At Present
Australia's freelance news market has been in downturn since the 1990s, but more so since the 2008 GFC that prompted the gutting of mainstream media freelance news budgets. Additionally, sustainable media diversity hasn't been prioritized by successive governments, so that market has continued to break down.
Most story pitching takes place outside of Australia and that doesn't really address people's ongoing needs for a range of news voices here. I am blogging my stories and activating some RGA through Patreon, Ad-words, Paypal and grants, to keep working within that local newsmarket. It also enables me to maintain non-partisan journalism.
While valiant, lauded, current affairs roosters make so much noise about the poor pays of various workers, what media consumers won't actually hear is that freelance journalists have been left in the cold to cope with nationwide non-compliance of the award system for decades. Freelance journalism rates can be as little as 5% of the legal award rate. It's a tough gig and getting tougher.
