Several news organisations not only publish articles from permanent staff but also from freelance journalists. Moreover, public broadcasters commission projects from journalists, producers, podcasters, and screenwriters. These opportunities allow graduates interested in working in journalism and media to obtain funding and employment on an ad hoc basis.
Here is a list of news organisations in Australia that currently accept freelance submissions alongside other necessary information to consider before submitting a pitch, article or proposal.
ABC News
100-word pitches for opinion pieces can be sent to [email protected].
ABC Television accepts proposals for scripted drama and comedy, factual and culture, screen, sport and events, and children and family shows. Further information can be found here.
ABC Religion and Ethics accepts opinion pieces of varying lengths. Submissions can be made through this form.
Crikey
Crikey is an online news outlet that reports on all aspects of Australian life, including politics, government, media, business, culture, language, the arts, and sport. Freelance writers are commissioned to write opinion, analysis, commentary or humour pieces on the topics listed. Articles range between 600-800 words. Pitches must explain the thesis of the article and any qualifications that signal why you are the person to write the article. Completed articles may also be submitted. Pitches and articles can be sent to [email protected].
Huffington Post
The Huffington Post publishes freelance work. Freelancer producers, graphic artists, and other visual creatives can send their portfolio to [email protected]. When assignments become available, they may be contacted for work.
National and Politics
Pitches for features, reports and interviews pertaining to social inequality, politics, economic justice, and environment can be emailed to [email protected].
Personal
Pitches about personal stories on topics related to identity, health and mental health, relationships, family, parenting, work, money, career, and body image can be sent to [email protected].
Culture
Pitches about TV, film, music, celebrity and internet culture, pop culture and entertainment trends are accepted. Specifically, stories about the representation of marginalised communities on the screen are desired. Pitches can be emailed to [email protected].
Life
Pitches on diverse and expert stories about modern parenting, wellness, food, money, work and relationships are accepted. They must offer advice, guidance and new information. Specific areas of interest include food and drink, style and beauty, and wellness. Food and drink submissions can be emailed to [email protected]. Style and beauty submissions can be emailed to [email protected]. Wellness submissions can be emailed to [email protected].
Mamamia
Mamamia is an online news, opinion, and lifestyle website. It accepts well-written submissions on interesting and thought-provoking topics. Submissions can include images, graphics, or video. Articles must be between 600-1,000 words. Payment for original work is provided. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected].
Pedestrian
Pedestrian is a youth digital news and entertainment site. Freelance journalists interested in writing for Pedestrian can apply here.
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
SBS is a public broadcaster. It commissions programs from Australian journalists, producers, writers, and creators about stories that reflect contemporary Australia, push boundaries, challenge perception and inspire change. Information about specific programs and application forms can be found here. Programs include a ‘Commissioned Content Project’. Producers can submit proposals all year round. Furthermore, pitches for scripted project proposals, podcast ideas, and audio commissions are also accepted.
Sydney Morning Herald
The Sydney Morning Herald is a media company based in Sydney, New South Wales. They accept opinion pieces which can be emailed to [email protected].
Tasmanian Times
The Tasmanian Times is an online site that publishes news, analysis, discussion and creative content. It accepts a range of freelance submissions that are focused on Tasmania.
Standard Articles
Standard articles are submissions on any Tasmanian subject that are well-written and well-researched. The word limit is 800 words.
Feature Articles
Feature articles are submissions on any Tasmanian subject that are no more than 2,500 words. They must be well-written and well-researched, and develop and argue a theme comprehensively.
Photographs
Up to 20 photographs on any Tasmanian subject may be submitted, either as single images or as a photo essay.
Video
Videos between 8-10 minutes in length on any Tasmanian subject may be submitted.
Audio Recordings
Audio recordings of between 25-30 minutes in length on any Tasmanian subject may be submitted.
Creative Writing
Poems that are up to 300 words and short stories that are up to 2,000 words may be submitted. They must be on a Tasmanian subject.
Letters to the Editor
Letters to the editor that are no more than 250 words and on a Tasmanian subject may be submitted.
Submissions must be sent to the relevant address that addresses the specific subject matter:
Politics and Current Affairs (includes opinion) - [email protected]
Arts and Culture - [email protected]
Sport, Leisure and Travel - [email protected]
Health and Wellbeing - [email protected]
Letters to the Editor - [email protected]
If you are unsure where to direct your submission, send it to [email protected].
The Conversation
The Conversation is an online site that publishes news stories and research reports. It accepts pitches and articles written by academics and researchers affiliated with a university or research institution, including PhD students. Articles must fulfil one of three purposes. They must make a timely and evidence-based analysis of issues, explain new research and its significance, or simply and concisely explain complex issues. The publication does not accept opinion or advocacy pieces. There is no remuneration provided to contributors. Pitches can be made here.
The Guardian
The Guardian Australia is one of Australia’s foremost news organisations. They accept pitches from freelance writers for their Guardian Opinion section. They advise against sending fully written pieces and multiple ideas at once. Opinion columns typically range between 700-800 words so a pitch should contain a few paragraphs describing the thesis of the article, why it should be written, and why you are the right person to write it. Pitches can be sent to [email protected]. Once the pitch is received, a decision is made on whether to commission the article. If the article is commissioned, the writer works with an editor to write and edit the piece.
 | About The Author Aala is studying Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the Australian National University. She is passionate about law, literature, and history, and has been published by ABC News. |