The Institute for Independent Journalists
@indiejournalists.bsky.social
An education, professional development, and mutual support organization for independent journalists, focusing on BIPOC. Our mission is financial and emotional sustainability for independent journalists of color.
theIIJ.com
➡️ @narrativegigs.bsky.social
theIIJ.com
➡️ @narrativegigs.bsky.social
Pinned
You’re invited to Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businesses. Register before Feb 27 for only $89! theiij.com/sessions-26
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
"Forget the billionaires, philanthropists, technologists, coders, and CEOs. Nobody is coming to save us. We must save ourselves."
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
Hey Journalists, Nobody Is Coming to Save Us - Nieman Reports
In an era of mass layoffs and buyouts, it’s up to each and every one of us to be ready for the churn
niemanreports.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:22 PM
"Forget the billionaires, philanthropists, technologists, coders, and CEOs. Nobody is coming to save us. We must save ourselves."
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
A prescient op-ed from 2023 by Katherine Reynolds Lewis of @indiejournalists.bsky.social ⬇️
niemanreports.org/journalism-l...
Until now, freelancing didn’t come with a roadmap. But thanks to the IIJ’s Freelance Quick Start Guide, there’s now a free, self-paced resource to make sure you hit the ground running: bit.ly/iijquickstart
February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Until now, freelancing didn’t come with a roadmap. But thanks to the IIJ’s Freelance Quick Start Guide, there’s now a free, self-paced resource to make sure you hit the ground running: bit.ly/iijquickstart
Sunnie Clahchischiligi is Indigenous affairs editor for High Country News. The deciding factor for her when reviewing a freelance pitch: has this writer gained the trust of the community they’re covering? Hear more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: youtu.be/ztR5j2QNzF0
Sunnie Clahchischiligi on pitching Indigenous stories to High Country News
Covering Indigenous communities west requires care and relationship building. Sunnie Clahchischiligi, Indigenous Affairs Editor for High Country News, joins ...
youtu.be
February 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Sunnie Clahchischiligi is Indigenous affairs editor for High Country News. The deciding factor for her when reviewing a freelance pitch: has this writer gained the trust of the community they’re covering? Hear more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: youtu.be/ztR5j2QNzF0
You already know how to make a reported story jump off the page, but how does a journalist bring their talents to fiction? Hear from author @kjda.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM
You already know how to make a reported story jump off the page, but how does a journalist bring their talents to fiction? Hear from author @kjda.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Interested in telling taller tales? Authors @vanessahua.bsky.social and @kjda.bsky.social share how they transitioned from reporting to fiction, and entertainment lawyer @sekouc.bsky.social will give pointers on how to sell your IP to Hollywood at this year’s IIJ conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
2026 Conference Sessions — The Institute for Independent Journalists
The IIJ 2026 Freelance Journalism ConferenceSolo TogetherA conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businessesMarch 5 - March 6, 202612 live, online sessions, plus bonus Q&A videos and editor panels, delivering over 20 hours of learning, for just $69!T...
theiij.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Interested in telling taller tales? Authors @vanessahua.bsky.social and @kjda.bsky.social share how they transitioned from reporting to fiction, and entertainment lawyer @sekouc.bsky.social will give pointers on how to sell your IP to Hollywood at this year’s IIJ conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
For those working in the media industry, "layoffs are the new normal," according to Katherine Lewis, longtime freelance reporter and founder of the Institute of Independent Journalists.
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
Coping with Media Layoffs - Nieman Reports
How to prepare for, and recover from, losing a job in an industry in turmoil, when "layoffs are the new normal."
niemanreports.org
February 9, 2026 at 8:34 PM
For those working in the media industry, "layoffs are the new normal," according to Katherine Lewis, longtime freelance reporter and founder of the Institute of Independent Journalists.
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
She shares best practices on handling a layoff, and bouncing back quickly.
niemanreports.org/resources-la...
You’re invited to Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businesses. Register before Feb 27 for only $89! theiij.com/sessions-26
February 9, 2026 at 7:18 PM
You’re invited to Solo Together: a conference for independent journalists and creators to find community and build thriving businesses. Register before Feb 27 for only $89! theiij.com/sessions-26
PCMag Managing Editor Alan Henry wants cybersecurity reporting from people with unique perspectives. On the Freelance Journalism Podcast, he shares more about how to pitch PCMag: bit.ly/4iGK6a5
February 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
PCMag Managing Editor Alan Henry wants cybersecurity reporting from people with unique perspectives. On the Freelance Journalism Podcast, he shares more about how to pitch PCMag: bit.ly/4iGK6a5
Do you have what it takes to pitch your next great story in front of a live panel of from @edweek.org @eater.bsky.social and @defector.com ? DEADLINE EXTENDED: Enter Pitch Fest by Feb. 13! forms.gle/jTf8YZsb9T...
February 8, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Do you have what it takes to pitch your next great story in front of a live panel of from @edweek.org @eater.bsky.social and @defector.com ? DEADLINE EXTENDED: Enter Pitch Fest by Feb. 13! forms.gle/jTf8YZsb9T...
You don’t need experience covering Long COVID to write for the Sick Times. Co-founders Miles Griffis and Betsy Ladyzhets are open to pitches from all kinds of reporters. Learn more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: bit.ly/45Obhfa
February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
You don’t need experience covering Long COVID to write for the Sick Times. Co-founders Miles Griffis and Betsy Ladyzhets are open to pitches from all kinds of reporters. Learn more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast: bit.ly/45Obhfa
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
This price is gone after today! Don't miss this deal!
This is the last week to register for the IIJ Freelance Conference for only $69! This low price only lasts until midnight, Feb. 6 🕛
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
February 6, 2026 at 3:24 PM
This price is gone after today! Don't miss this deal!
This price is gone after today! Don't miss this deal!
This is the last week to register for the IIJ Freelance Conference for only $69! This low price only lasts until midnight, Feb. 6 🕛
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
February 6, 2026 at 3:24 PM
This price is gone after today! Don't miss this deal!
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
Last day to register at the early bird price - just $69
Agenda and speakers: theiij.substack.com/p/register-t...
Agenda and speakers: theiij.substack.com/p/register-t...
February 6, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Last day to register at the early bird price - just $69
Agenda and speakers: theiij.substack.com/p/register-t...
Agenda and speakers: theiij.substack.com/p/register-t...
Reporting on sensitive issues can be a two-way street. Freelancers need unique strategies to care for their sources and for themselves. Hear advice from @michellecyca.com of @thenarwhalca at this year’s IIJ freelance conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 5, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Reporting on sensitive issues can be a two-way street. Freelancers need unique strategies to care for their sources and for themselves. Hear advice from @michellecyca.com of @thenarwhalca at this year’s IIJ freelance conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Through @vitaactivaorg.bsky.social and @mdrnetorg.bsky.social, Luisa Ortiz Perez connects activists & journalists with vital mental health resources. At this year’s IIJ conference, she’ll share guidance on trauma-informed reporting for freelancers: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Through @vitaactivaorg.bsky.social and @mdrnetorg.bsky.social, Luisa Ortiz Perez connects activists & journalists with vital mental health resources. At this year’s IIJ conference, she’ll share guidance on trauma-informed reporting for freelancers: theiij.com/sessions-26
You already know how to make a reported story jump off the page, but how does a journalist bring their talents to fiction? Learn how with author @vanessahua.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
You already know how to make a reported story jump off the page, but how does a journalist bring their talents to fiction? Learn how with author @vanessahua.bsky.social at this year’s IIJ Freelance Conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
🚨CLOSING SOON🚨
Applications for our Journalist Fellowship Programme close next week (Friday 13 Feb, 23:59 UK time).
🧵 See thread below for full details
And if you missed last week's webinar featuring our alumni you can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDQf...
Applications for our Journalist Fellowship Programme close next week (Friday 13 Feb, 23:59 UK time).
🧵 See thread below for full details
And if you missed last week's webinar featuring our alumni you can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDQf...
February 3, 2026 at 4:40 PM
🚨CLOSING SOON🚨
Applications for our Journalist Fellowship Programme close next week (Friday 13 Feb, 23:59 UK time).
🧵 See thread below for full details
And if you missed last week's webinar featuring our alumni you can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDQf...
Applications for our Journalist Fellowship Programme close next week (Friday 13 Feb, 23:59 UK time).
🧵 See thread below for full details
And if you missed last week's webinar featuring our alumni you can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDQf...
Reposted by The Institute for Independent Journalists
Applications due THIS FRIDAY! Join us in Milwaukee in March for our Big Data, Great Lakes workshop. Read more about what we have planned and how to apply. https://ow.ly/Sp6p50Y8PZ1
February 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Applications due THIS FRIDAY! Join us in Milwaukee in March for our Big Data, Great Lakes workshop. Read more about what we have planned and how to apply. https://ow.ly/Sp6p50Y8PZ1
Coming up this Friday!
Your smartphone can be a force multiplier for your reporting–and your earning potential. Learn how in a FREE webinar hosted by freelance journalists Jennifer Chowdhury and Victoria Lim. Learn more and RSVP here: bit.ly/46DZnmY
February 4, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Coming up this Friday!
Your smartphone can be a force multiplier for your reporting–and your earning potential. Learn how in a FREE webinar hosted by freelance journalists Jennifer Chowdhury and Victoria Lim. Learn more and RSVP here: bit.ly/46DZnmY
February 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Your smartphone can be a force multiplier for your reporting–and your earning potential. Learn how in a FREE webinar hosted by freelance journalists Jennifer Chowdhury and Victoria Lim. Learn more and RSVP here: bit.ly/46DZnmY
We want to make it easier to hit the ground running as a freelancer. That’s why we created the Freelance Quick-Start Guide – an interactive online course covering the basics of sustainable freelancing for absolute beginners! Take it for a free test drive: bit.ly/iijquickstart
February 4, 2026 at 6:00 PM
We want to make it easier to hit the ground running as a freelancer. That’s why we created the Freelance Quick-Start Guide – an interactive online course covering the basics of sustainable freelancing for absolute beginners! Take it for a free test drive: bit.ly/iijquickstart
Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon works to improve the well-being of journalists, after working as a news leader where she saw the trauma that reporting causes within the newsroom. Learn more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast:https://youtu.be/K2RZYnm8vNIlink
Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon on supporting mental health and entrepreneurship
Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon specializes in happiness. As the founder of the Kortni Alston Lemon Media (KALM) Institute for Workplace Wellbeing, she has made it h...
youtu.be
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon works to improve the well-being of journalists, after working as a news leader where she saw the trauma that reporting causes within the newsroom. Learn more on the Freelance Journalism Podcast:https://youtu.be/K2RZYnm8vNIlink
Reporting on sensitive issues can be a two-way street. Freelancers need unique strategies to care for their sources and for themselves. Hear advice from @michellecyca.com of @thenarwhal.ca at this year’s IIJ freelance conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
February 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Reporting on sensitive issues can be a two-way street. Freelancers need unique strategies to care for their sources and for themselves. Hear advice from @michellecyca.com of @thenarwhal.ca at this year’s IIJ freelance conference: theiij.com/sessions-26
Journalist Monica Williams is on a mission to make it easier for journalists to fund their reporting. At this year’s IIJ conference, she’s leading a panel with opportunities from @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social, @cartercenter.bsky.social, and @jskstanford.bsky.social! theiij.com/sessions-26
February 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Journalist Monica Williams is on a mission to make it easier for journalists to fund their reporting. At this year’s IIJ conference, she’s leading a panel with opportunities from @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social, @cartercenter.bsky.social, and @jskstanford.bsky.social! theiij.com/sessions-26
This is the last week to register for the IIJ Freelance Conference for only $69! This low price only lasts until midnight, Feb. 6 🕛
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
February 2, 2026 at 11:05 PM
This is the last week to register for the IIJ Freelance Conference for only $69! This low price only lasts until midnight, Feb. 6 🕛
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....
🧵Here are 11 reasons to tune into the conference this year....