Here are some useful resources and links for freelance journalists :
Reporting Diversity with sensitivity
Freelancers don’t usually have the luxury of nearby colleagues to help nut out knotty ethical issues.
The MEAA Code of Ethics provides a good base guide for quality journalism – but also consult these excellent public resources where applicable:
Australian govt Mindframe guidelines:
* Media Hub including mental health self-care for journalists reporting sensitive issues
* Reporting on mental ill-health
* Reporting Suicide
Media Diversity Australia guidelines on * Reporting disability
Media Diversity Australia guidelines on
* Quick Guide to reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and issues
* Handbook to reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and issues
MEAA guidelines on: * Reporting on LGBTQIA+ issues and people
MEAA guidelines on: * Reporting hate speech and extremism
UNHCR- Guidelines on * Reporting on migration and refugees [PDF]
Information
Guide to Defamation Law: Provided by the Arts Law Centre – useful resource
Writers Contracts: Website and campaign with loads of information about contracts for freelance writers particularly in Australia
Freelancers MEAA: Campaign and resources site by the MEAA for freelance journalists, photographers and media workers
Groups / Associations
Australasian Medical Writers Association (AMWA) is the professional association of medical writers, journalists and editors.
Australian Press Council: Australian print media’s self-regulatory body, accepts complaints about media activities
Australian Science Communicators : a network of over 500 people working in science & technology communication across Australia and overseas since 1994
Australian Society of Authors: the professional association for Australia’s literary creators, authors and illustrators
Australian Society of Travel Writers: a non-profit organisation of staff and freelance travel writers.
Horticultural Media Association Australia : National media body for gardening writers and photographers.
Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance: The Alliance is the union and professional organisation for everyone in the media, entertainment, sports and arts industries including journalists. Members must abide by the Code of Ethics.
NSW Writers’ Centre Not-for-profit incorporated association in that promotes writing-based culture and the rights and interests of writers
The Science Journalists Association of Australia: Australia’s national science journalists’ association
SourceBottle: Commercial site, free to journalists, great for getting contacts and sources for feature stories
Sydney Writers’ Centre Commercial organisation that runs short courses on freelance writing and related issues
YouCommNews: Community-funded journalism, Australia-based
Courses
NSW Writers Centre in Rozelle, Sydney offers all sorts of writing courses
Australian Writers’ Centre based in Milsons Point, Sydney and in Melbourne offers writing courses in-house and online
Walkley Foundation, through the Media Alliance also offers training for journalists, in Sydney and other cities