Why do some media companies exploit freelance journalists without conscience?
Because they can. Universities and colleges churn our starry eyed hopefuls clutching their media studies degrees and diplomas and apply to enter the supposed glamourous and privileged media circle. They are told they need experience but without experience they can’t get work. So the intern position and work experience exploit them ruthlessly to “give experience”. Equally with freelancers they are disposable in a world that attracts more people than it needs thus keeping salaries down and no diminuation of attraction to the bright lights mean that without contracts and protection freelancers are disposable. Media is built on a big lie, It is run by the rich for the rich. It is hard to break into and increasingly competitive which sees salaries fall in real terms except for top executives contracts become fewer and further between and the media companies are predominatly small independent outfits with low turnover. Welcome to the world of pain.
