Freelance journalism in the editorial policy of hyperlocal media

Abstract

Journalism and the media communication industry at large, along with other social institutions, are going through the transformation period. Not only semantic, but also economic guidelines are changing. Today, the term «precarity» is increasingly used, implying flexible employment. Many editorials build their personnel policy on the freelancers – authors who are not on the full-time job. Specialists get the opportunity to benefit financially from selling their skills to several customers, and the media – to overcome the shortage of specialists. Hyperlocal media, online dialogue local platforms, are also interested in solving these problems. The purpose of the research is to identify markers of a new economic strategy in hyperlocal media. These include user-generated content and the freelancers’ work. As a case study, media covering Russian NPP satellite towns were selected. The empirical data of the study was the monitoring of four hyperlocals. In addition, the media managers in-depth interviews were analyzed. The study results demonstrate the regular UGC usage by the hyperlocals. It is often the residents who become the authors of viral newsbreaks. In addition, hyperlocal media freelancers produce various publications: photographs, clips, author's entertainment projects. Most of the media pay attention to the education of journalists, all editorials are aware of their mission and public duty. Thus, the study sheds light on the economic aspect of the Russian nuclear town hyperlocals’ work, expands the understanding of their social role within local communities.