We commission freelance reporters, photographers and video editors - especially people reporting from their own communities. Here's how to pitch.
The best reporting on a community usually comes from inside it. If you live somewhere the press rarely visits and you know a story worth telling, we want to hear from you - whether or not you have published before.
What we are looking for
- Stories about people and places that mainstream outlets have not covered.
- A specific, reportable angle. Not "life is hard here" but "the only clinic for 40km closed in March, and here is what happened to the people who used it."
- Access. Tell us who you can actually talk to.
What makes a strong pitch
Keep it to a few short paragraphs:
- The story in two sentences. What happened, and why now?
- Why it matters. Who is affected, and how many?
- Your access and sourcing. Who will you interview? What have you already confirmed?
- Format and length. Written piece, photo essay, or video - and roughly how long.
- About you. A line on who you are and your connection to the place. Links to past work if you have them.
We pay for commissioned work. Rates depend on format and reporting time - we will tell you the fee before you start, never after.
What happens next
We read every pitch and reply, including when the answer is no. If we commission you, you get an editor who works with you through drafts, a factual review before publication, and your name on the piece.
Working safely
If reporting a story could put you at risk, say so in your pitch. We would rather adjust an approach, protect a byline, or drop a story entirely than put a contributor in danger.
Send pitches to our editorial address, with "PITCH" and the place you are reporting from in the subject line.
