Transition to Freelance Journalism

The Media Alliance, in conjunction with the Walkley Foundation, is pleased to offer a one day program that will help you establish yourself as an entrepreneurial journalist, give you tips on the technology you will need, provide business advice and – importantly – give you an idea of the sorts of work available.

Our speaker, Michael Visontay, has been a freelance journalist since 2008 when he flew the Fairfax coop. He has since had a successful writing career as well as stints teaching and he regularly appears on radio. He will give you tips on where to get work, how to market yourself and how to avoid the pitfalls.

Our panelists include:

-    Kate Haddock of Banki Haddock Fiora on defamation and contracts
-    Alex Kidman, former editor of Gizmodo Australia, on technology you will need
-    Jenny Tabakoff (AAP), Rachel Smith (Rachel’s List) and Jason Mountney (Freelancer)
-    PLUS a business advisory panel on copyright, superannuation and tax

This day is limited to just 40 people, so make sure you register quickly. A full program for the day will be available soon.

Cost: Free for recently redundant journalists who are financial members of the Media Alliance. $99 for other Media Alliance members. $150 for non-members. Priority will be given to people who have taken a redundancy this year.

Venue: Media Alliance training rooms, 245 Chalmers Street, Redfern

Date: Tuesday, November 20. Registration at 10am. Finishes at 4pm. Lunch provided.

To book email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About Michael Visontay

Michael Visontay has worked as a print journalist for more than 25 years and is a former editorial manager at The Sydney Morning Herald and deputy editor of the Sun-Herald.  Since leaving Fairfax in 2008, Michael has worked as a university lecturer (creating a course on Sport and Media at UNSW), a writer and editor in print and online publications, and written three books. He is currently editor of alumni publications at the University of Sydney and editor of Australian Author magazine. He is also a regular commentator on sport for the Sydney’s ABC 702 morning show with Linda Mottram.