Beitrag von Olaya Argüeso Pérez

Since I have seen someone online commenting on the fact that I myself briefly worked as a service contractor for ESA in the past (a person supplying services to ESA via a manpower company), I want to clarify a few things here: 1) None of the people and stories mentioned in this investigation are people I knew personally at that time. Nothing in the story comes from that era. HOWEVER 2) I did personally experience and witnessed things during that time that I found disturbing. Those things included a weirdly cosy relationship between the manpower company I was employed at and ESA staffers responsible for overseeing the work carried out through that contract, a contract, which was up for a commercial tender every four or five years. It appeared to me that such relations in a tax-payer funded entity are troubling. None of that is in that story and it would have to be up to another journalist to unwrap this side of the problem proper. 3) I did witness behaviour from staffers I worked with toward other staffers that I considered toxic - it was mostly behind the back behaviours, such as calling them difficult for raising concerns and issues that in my view were absolutely valid, scheming to keep them out of projects that they could be interested in, and ignoring them when they requested attention to be paid to upcoming science missions milestones. 4) I did myself get a little taste of the abusive ways when, on two occasions, I attempted to raise what in my professional opinion (and yes, I dared to have a professional opinion after ten plus years in my business) on aspects related to the website and the lack of any editorial attention to headline writing (in journalism we fuss over headlines endlessly). I was told by the person that I tried to raise that with that they had no time for me. Five minutes later, I got a phone call from the head of my manpower company telling me to stop that because "ESA doesn't like that." None of that is in that story. None of the people I have seen treated like shit during that period of time are my sources. None of the managers I was personally dealing with are among the accused whose names I have collected. But since some people said I should come clean about that experience. I am doing so. In general, I left said job feeling very disappointed by ESA because prior to that, I used to be an ESA fangirl that was happily spreading ESA propaganda by writing fluffy science stories about their missions. In fact, at that time, I made a conclusion that the fact that the department where I was stationed was in my opinion utterly toxic and run by incompetents, that doesn't mean that the whole of ESA is bad. So I continued writing fluffy science stories about ESA stuff in my subsequent and much more rewarding role at Spacedotcom. I don't think I ever want to write another fluffy science story about ESA unless the organization brings itself into the 21 century and becomes transparent in its dealings.

Join Our Volunteer Team Hello friends! We are looking to add 2, possibly 3, journalists to our to our team. We want to focus on growing our team on the right terms and with the right folks who share the same vision. As a publication entity, our goal is simple: "Bring Fans and Artists Closer To Each Other While Celebrating Their Talent Through Various Coverages" Open Volunteer Roles (1) Review Journalist: The ideal candidate for this team is someone who truly is a lover of A VARIETY of sounds, and not just to well-known groups that can dive into the music and captivate readers' attention. For members on this team, your focus will be reviews of new songs, albums, and debuts. (1) Announcement Journalist: The ideal candidate for this team, if someone who shares an excitement for introducing artists to others, and ensuring that everyone knows where and when the next event is taking place! These will not always be tour announcements. Please understand that as we go through this process, we will be providing feedback as needed. All volunteers will be put on a trial period (details to come later) to determine if our goals / vision align with your writing style and vice versa. We do not require previous writing experience. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to be seen / heard. For anyone interested in trying out this role on our team, please fill out the form: https://lnkd.in/eaT3vq73 #k_fuse #k_fuse_koverage #SoundLovers🎶 #JoinOurTeam #Volunteer #Journalist #OpenRoles #RecruitingVolunteers

🔉Freelance #journalists and newsrooms, #IJ4EU is back with grants of up to €50,000 for cross-border investigations.👇🏻 #journalism #funding #investigativejournalism #crossborder

To the journalists who’ve lost their jobs recently: This could be great news for your career. Don’t get me wrong. I know that for most, they’re angry about what happened and worried for the future. That’s completely understandable. But the reality is that many journalistic outlets are built on unstable foundations. Most are no longer the reliable institutions they once were, ones you could build your career within. Journalists don’t become journalists because they want to make a ton of money. They get into it because they want to make the world better: revealing justice and explaining complex issues and helping inform people better. These are noble goals. But they don’t need to be accomplished under the employment of a media outlet. Nowadays, you can publish on plenty of platforms that aren’t media outlets. And even if you do want to write for a major publication, you can still do that as a freelancer. Many are looking for freelancers now, anyway, as they cut jobs. If you want a stable platform to publish your work on, you might be better off building your own. You won’t need to worry about losing your job suddenly because of the poor decision-making of out-of-touch executives. You can pursue the stories you want without having to worry about whether they'll ever be published. Traditional media still has a place in our society. I know this firsthand. I work with op-ed writers to place in mainstream media. These articles carry a lot of influence. But I’m saying that if you care about maintaining your creative expression and want consistent income, you should consider a different career path. You can use your skills as a journalist to find work for clients willing to pay you what you’re actually worth. You could do this independently or at an agency or in-house. You might find that you like this work enough to just do that. Or you can use it as a solid foundation for your income, and spend the rest of your time pursuing journalistic passion projects. I’ve found that by better controlling my income, I’ve felt much more creativity and desire to pursue things I want to pursue. And along with it, I’ve had more flexibility, and I’m being paid more than I ever was. This kind of path isn’t for everyone. But at the inflection point of losing your job, it’s worth seriously considering. (Photo by Edward Sumner)

Publications: It's important to remember that journalists, and especially freelance journalists talk to each other and recommend/hardcore do not recommend openings...a LOT. So if you want to draw in top talent, remember to treat your current talent with respect and fairness. I post this for absolutely no specific reason whatsoever.

Fixers need more credit. Here is why. In the realm of global journalism, the figure of the "fixer" is indispensable yet often overlooked. Fixers are local journalists who assist international reporters by providing a myriad of essential services such as translation, cultural interpretation, logistical support, security assistance, and editorial guidance. Their deep knowledge of the local landscape enables foreign journalists to navigate unfamiliar terrains, secure necessary permissions, and gain access to pivotal locations and individuals. Despite their integral role, fixers frequently remain uncredited, highlighting a significant disparity within global media practices. These professionals are not only logistical supporters but also cultural and linguistic bridges, offering insights that enrich reporting. They take on varied responsibilities, from managing safety concerns to providing editorial feedback, embodying a versatility that is crucial to the success of international reporting endeavors. The relationship between fixers and international journalists underscores a complex interplay of power dynamics, with fixers often navigating the challenges of unequal opportunities and risks. Their work is a testament to their agency and commitment to journalism, even as they face potential safety risks without the protections afforded to their international counterparts. Acknowledging the vital contributions of fixers is not just about giving credit where it's due; it's about fostering more equitable practices in journalism worldwide. As we move forward, it's imperative that the global media community reflects on and adopts best practices that honor and safeguard the rights and well-being of fixers, ensuring a more balanced and just field of global reporting. #journalism #news #journalist #media #reporter #press #broadcasting #newsanchor #fixer #freelance #management #leadership #culture #startups #journorequest #Helpareporter

For the City-based Journalist Sent to a Remote Village to Cover a Story It's about that time of the year again, when journalists are required to travel far to cover stories. Year-end comes with activities organized by communities to round off their annual schedule. Everyone gets excited about it, even local communities in rural areas. Journalists may be sent to local communities to cover stories of these winding up activities. Sometimes they may be expected to stay for days in the community, from pre- to post-festival. Many journalists fret at the thought of spending days in a new place, considering how the place isn't as urban as they're used to. The fear of traveling to cover stories in remote places is valid, but not insurmountable. Here are a few tips to help you 'survive': 1. Build Trust: Spend time with villagers before diving into interviews or reporting so as to create a ground that encourages openness. If they invite you to meals, honour the invitation. If you have to decline, do it respectfully. 2. Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultures and traditions to avoid unintentional disrespect. Research local customs beforehand and inquire respectfully about any sensitivities regarding your reporting. Even if your travel is a last-minute assignment, a little research could save your life. 3. Adaptability: Be flexible with your schedule and expectations. If an unexpected event occurs during your visit, be ready to adjust your plans to cover it. 4.Local Perspectives: Do not interview only community leaders, but also individuals from different backgrounds to capture a more comprehensive picture. This way, you'll win the hearts of everyone. 5. Language Understanding: Water is life, right? Wrong. Language is life. Learn basic phrases in the local language to facilitate communication. During interviews, use a local phrase or greeting to break the ice and make your subjects feel more comfortable. They'll smile and respond, or worst case, correct you. Either way, the ice is thawed. 6. Respect Privacy: Before capturing images or sharing personal stories, obtain consent and explain the purpose of your reporting. Don't end up saving to buy a new camera! 7.Prepare for Limited Resources: Ensure you have the necessary equipment and supplies. Pack essentials like extra batteries, portable chargers, and any specific tools needed for your journalistic work. Don't forget snacks! 8. Be Ethical: When covering emotional events, be considerate of the emotional well-being of those involved and avoid sensationalism. You may loose a tooth (or a booth! Or both!) if you don't. 9. Reflect the Diversity within the village: You can achieve that by exploring different age groups, professions, and backgrounds to capture the richness of the community. Village life is just city life without adequate electricity, mobile network, and fancy gadgets. #journalism #shalomkasim #storytelling #naijainthemix My name is Shalom Kasim, and I grew up in the village.

BIG Media Ltd. is expanding to become a global platform, and in order to do so effectively, we need editorial contributors in all corners of the world. (Please note that we have good reason to believe that Earth is not flat, so the term “corners” is not to be taken literally.) We are looking for correspondents based in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia/Oceania, Antarctica, and a few more in North America. We are NOT looking for journalists trained in the traditional ways of mainstream news media, although we will consider working with someone recovering from such a career focused on maximizing audience size (rather than intelligence) through cherry picking, sensationalism, and agenda-driven bias. We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria: • Good with words • Good with data • Good with logic • Good hearted Most of our editorial contributors are accomplished scientists, but that is not a prerequisite. However, our writers must be intelligent, and it helps if you find fulfillment in empowering others with practical knowledge. All of our writers work on a freelance basis, and none will be flying to Mars on the money we pay them. You will do this because you want to be part of an important initiative that is raising the bar when it comes to accuracy and integrity in news media. You will also enjoy being part of an incredible editorial team that documents truth and provides critical context regarding the biggest of issues – https://lnkd.in/gxWJR7Hk If you or an associate meets the criteria above, send me a direct message or type "Let's do this!" in a comment below. #media #news #journalism #journalisticintegrity #editorial #scientists #intelligence #logic #respect

How do you interview people who are vulnerable or traumatized? I’m often hired to write about individuals who receive help from a cause or nonprofit: someone with cancer, a domestic violence survivor, a person who needs legal aid, parents who rely on food banks. These stories can educate audiences about the real impacts of a social issue and evoke empathy that leads to financial support. Gathering a story firsthand is the best approach—but how do you do it with sensitivity and transparency? How do you protect the courageous people who agree to share intimate details of their lives? In April, two freelance journalists shared how they obtain information needed to write news stories about sensitive situations. While journalists tend to have less editorial leeway than freelancers like me, these women still offered valuable insights we can use. Here are a few: ·     Think about risks to the interviewee. What can you share that will serve readers without harming your source? ·     Consider talking to the source first about where the story will appear, how many people will see it and possible consequences. ·     Create boundaries by explaining what you can and can’t do. For instance, you can’t promise their situation will change. I’ll explore this topic again. For now, take the time to watch the conversation. https://lnkd.in/gAy4bTRE

What is the impact of supporting #freelancejournalism? 📍Freelance journalists tend to focus on untold stories and want to go where media organisations sometimes can't get to - due to financial restraints, lack of staff or simply because those stories are not deemed a priority. 📍Freelance journalists also like to reach communities and to privilege diverse voices. 📍Freelance journalism has a huge impact on informing policy and stirring public debate. Freelance journalists are cool like that...and sometimes their work entails great risks and personal costs. Now imagine freelance journalists using their superpowers to tell stories with a solutions lens that helps the world solve health, gender, inequality and climate issues. 🤩 Here are some testimonies of the recently announced freelance grantees of the Solutions Journalism Accelerator we run at European Journalism Centre (EJC) in partnership with Solutions Journalism Network. Congratulations to all the freelance grantees, can't wait to see your work published. Story details are here 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/eNP7M2ef