Should young, aspiring journalists be expected to work for free while carving their way into the industry? Amidst discussions about the legality and ethics of unpaid internships, a presentation from a news reporter on Wednesday afternoon at Camosun College has left many who hope to enter the journalism industry worrying about the future.
Nicole Crescenzi, a multimedia reporter for Black Press Media, gave a talk at Camosun College about her career as a journalist. Crescenzi isn’t one of the old-timers in the field – while she has had 10 years of experience freelancing, she only graduated with a Masters in Journalism about three years ago. Her talk came at a good time for many in the audience who are graduating soon and might be inclined to pursue a career in journalism. Crescenzi has been in full-time employment at Black Press Media for only 10 months, so many in the audience who are thinking about being journalists expect that some of her experiences going out into the field and getting a job would be relevant to them. However, some may have been left doubting their choice when Crescenzi mentions that she has had 2 years of experience in unpaid internships.
“Internships are mostly unpaid,” said Crescenzi. “Unfortunately, that is the reality for journalism.”
2 years of unpaid work is a long time for someone who doesn’t have the funds or support available to pay for the basic necessities of life. Moreover, Crescenzi’s first job out of school was as an associate producer on the casual roster at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which didn’t ensure her any hours.
“I had to work two other jobs, not related to journalism, to keep up with my bills,” said Crescenzi.
While her work ethic and perseverance are commendable, it is unfair to expect workers to work two other jobs just to put food on the table. Why is this the reality in the journalism industry? Everyone deserves to be paid a living wage for work, even those fresh out of school who are trying to make a name for themselves. Moreover, not everyone, and certainly not those who are financially underprivileged, can justify working for two years with no pay, which might deter those who could be good journalists away from the industry. Unpaid work is a way in which to shut out those who are underprivileged, such as people of colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In an industry that is sorely lacking the voices of those who are marginalized, perhaps more should be done in order to offer opportunities to those whose voices deserve to be heard.
Nicole Crescenzi, a multimedia reporter for Black Press Media, gave a talk at Camosun College about her career as a journalist. Crescenzi isn’t one of the old-timers in the field – while she has had 10 years of experience freelancing, she only graduated with a Masters in Journalism about three years ago. Her talk came at a good time for many in the audience who are graduating soon and might be inclined to pursue a career in journalism. Crescenzi has been in full-time employment at Black Press Media for only 10 months, so many in the audience who are thinking about being journalists expect that some of her experiences going out into the field and getting a job would be relevant to them. However, some may have been left doubting their choice when Crescenzi mentions that she has had 2 years of experience in unpaid internships.
“Internships are mostly unpaid,” said Crescenzi. “Unfortunately, that is the reality for journalism.”
2 years of unpaid work is a long time for someone who doesn’t have the funds or support available to pay for the basic necessities of life. Moreover, Crescenzi’s first job out of school was as an associate producer on the casual roster at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, which didn’t ensure her any hours.
“I had to work two other jobs, not related to journalism, to keep up with my bills,” said Crescenzi.
While her work ethic and perseverance are commendable, it is unfair to expect workers to work two other jobs just to put food on the table. Why is this the reality in the journalism industry? Everyone deserves to be paid a living wage for work, even those fresh out of school who are trying to make a name for themselves. Moreover, not everyone, and certainly not those who are financially underprivileged, can justify working for two years with no pay, which might deter those who could be good journalists away from the industry. Unpaid work is a way in which to shut out those who are underprivileged, such as people of colour and members of the LGBTQ+ community. In an industry that is sorely lacking the voices of those who are marginalized, perhaps more should be done in order to offer opportunities to those whose voices deserve to be heard.
My thoughts exactly. Who can afford this kind of life? I think all internships HAVE to be paid; it's unfair to make people give away their labour for free just to get recognized. <3
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