Freelance journalists across Europe face low pay, precarious work conditions, and lack of legal protection.
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Freelance journalists across various European countries face precarious working conditions characterized by low pay, lack of regulation, and job insecurity. Earning rates per article vary significantly between countries, with some regions having no fixed minimums, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. In places like the Czech Republic, a high percentage of freelancers feel their salaries are insufficient, while in Bulgaria, freelance rates can be unsustainable even for lengthy reports. Many journalists report needing secondary employment to survive, and there is a general absence of legal or organizational support for them. Issues such as lack of clear employment status, absence of contracts and insurance, and threats from lawsuits or economic pressures are prevalent across the surveyed countries. Some suggest solutions like standardized rates or recognizing journalism as a public good, but many feel too overwhelmed by survival to advocate effectively for their rights against challenges posed by AI and social media platforms.
