West Coast Media Jobs: The Job Trends Report
Plus some new opps and a Black Friday + Student Special for paid subs!
Hey all,
Welcome to the first edition of the Job Trends Report. I used to do this last year, but then stopped due to time/availability. But since the #1 question I get is “What are you seeing out there with regard to journalism jobs?” I thought I’d revive this feature.
This will be a periodic post made when I find particularly interesting trends in the media job postings I’m seeing. It will regularly be sent out to paid subscribers, but this is a free preview.
And since this is a free preview for everyone, you’ll find some new job opportunities that came across my desk before Thanksgiving, WCMJ’s Black Friday sale for paid subs, and a special offer for students that doesn’t expire.
Check it out below…
Here’s what I’m seeing…
This has been a trend for several years now, but I’m still seeing a lot of job postings for Audience Engagement and Audience Development roles.
A lot of companies will put out job postings and pull them soon after, especially if the company had sudden mass layoffs or shuttered.
I’ve seen some jobs slowly downgrade from senior editor to editor, to writer/editor, and ultimately, become a permanlance editor position. And on that note, I’ve seen a lot of full-time, 40-hour/week freelance roles (with no benefits) out there.
A lot of jobs have been flexible with regard to location, mostly being hybrid or remote. Most roles now require a few in-office days and the jobs that do require in-office presence seem pretty strict about it.
And sadly, I’ve seen a lot of open roles floating around for several months, being reposted week after week and it’s unclear if there’s been any movement to make a hire.
I’ve applied to some roles and gotten rejections instantaneously. Anyone else?
While yes, it’s true that hiring can slow down during the holidays, don’t give up hope. I once had a job interview at a major publication on the Friday before Christmas, so…it can happen!
Fellowships and Internships
The main newsletter will be back in December, but here are some opps that came across my desk this week.
AAJA and NBCU Academy Student Leadership Development Series (first session is on 12/2)
Maximum Fun Production Fellow, Winter 2024-2025 (apply by 12/3)
LA Press Club's Foot in the Door Fellowship (apply by 12/4)
Associated Press internships (apply by 12/15)
Black Friday + Student/Faculty Specials
I know you’ve been inundated with Black Friday sales emails lately, but this is just a quick note to say that this week, paid subscriptions to WCMJ are 30% off! This special is valid until Nov. 28th.
If you’re a student, you can get 45% off a paid subscription (must use a .edu email address to subscribe) with the Student Rate. This offer does not expire.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!