5 Professional Ways to Respond to Negative Social Media Comments

The do’s and don’ts of keeping followers happy online

3 min read • Originally published September 11, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Instead of calling the support line, a customer posted a complaint on your Facebook page. A negative, angry, very public complaint. What do you do? Only one in seven companies have a strategy in place for utilizing social media for their business plan—and there’s a good chance you’re in the majority. Whether you’re managing social media for your client, or you are the client, there are actions you can take to simmer any negative buzz on your social pages. Follow these five steps for responding to negative comments or reviews on social media.

1) Don’t hide or delete comments

You know what’s worse than the actual negative comment? Hiding or deleting it. You can guarantee your upset customer will come back louder, angrier and 10 times more frustrated than they were before. By deleting, you’ve expressed you do not care about salvaging the relationship and making things right.

Nobody is perfect, so when customers come to your social media profiles, they expect to read the occasional less-than-stellar comment or review. If all you display on your pages are positive opinions and praises about your product or service, users will likely think you’ve bribed your employees to sing your praises on social media. (Or, of course, that you delete all negative comments.)

The only—and I mean the only—time you should remove a comment is when you are 100% sure someone is trolling your page. If someone is abusing your page and making outlandish or offensive remarks, you have the green light to delete. Internet trolls are exempt from the rules of social media etiquette 101.

2) Say, “Thank you”

Start off your message with a simple, “Thank you.” Even if the user’s comment is negative and aggressive, you should thank them for their feedback and for reaching out. Don’t be too formal and remember, all feedback is valuable.

3) Respond to everything and keep it short

Your team should develop a process for how to respond to every social engagement on every social channel. It can be as simple as following a guide or giving one person the responsibility for handling social media customer service. Once you receive a comment, it’s important to respond, keep it short and respond back in two hours or less. When users voice their concerns online, they want to be acknowledged and offered a plan of action for resolution. Even if the response is that you’re following up and will get back to them, share the information quickly to appease your commenters.

4) Provide another outlet to vent

The most important element of responding to negative social media comments is to take the conversation out of the public eye as quickly as you can. Include a support email or phone number in your initial response to the consumer. Make sure the email or phone number you provide is frequently monitored by a team member. Sending them to an email inbox that no one checks—not so great. If an angry customer is unsuccessful at getting in contact with your business through this outlet, they will then take their frustrations right back to social media for everyone to see. (And this time, they’ll be angrier.)

5) Sometimes it’s okay to say, “We’re sorry”

Because sometimes it’s your fault. Whether it’s a miscommunication, internal error or company offense, sometimes the first step you should take is to accept blame (quickly—speed is key here) and say you’re sorry. When you’re apologizing, keep it short and sincere. Fess up, acknowledge those who were affected and say, “I’m sorry.” Avoid becoming a robot, though. It’s important to remain real – sincerity humanizes your brand and company image. Authenticity also helps you rebuild brand loyalty.

Negative social media comments are part of the social media game—and honestly, customers like to be heard. Keep these five steps in mind when responding to negative comments on your pages. Be sincere, authentic and helpful. You’ll only strengthen brand loyalty and keep your company’s reputation a positive one.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Hot Jobs

Hot Remote Jobs: Media Careers You Can Do From Home

Master the art of telecommunicating

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

1 min read • Originally published September 12, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

1 min read • Originally published September 12, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

We’ve all dreamed of quitting that dreaded 9-5 and working from the couch in the comfort of our home. Here’s your chance to explore that option with these fantastic jobs that allow you to follow your career passions and still have the flexibility to work remotely.

No jobs were found

Topics:

Get Hired, Hot Jobs

Be Inspired

What Does a Ghostwriter Do? Inside This Lucrative Writing Career

Go behind the scenes with professional ghosts to find out what ghostwriting entails

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

3 min read • Originally published September 18, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

3 min read • Originally published September 18, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

You’re a fantastic writer and the best collaborator ever. In college, you were the mastermind behind every group project. You’ve also got an actor’s talent for capturing others’ voices—on paper. You’re searching for a big-paying job, but you don’t really care about all that glory and fame stuff.

Any of this check off your boxes? If so, you may want to consider one of the least transparent jobs out there: ghostwriting. Read up to find out what ghosts actually do and how to become a successful one.

What exactly does a ghostwriter do?

In a nutshell, ghostwriters are paid to write for someone else. Depending on the job, they’ll write either under their client’s name or be credited as a collaborator. Ghosts write blog posts, books, nonfiction books, memoirs—it’s all fair game. The customers of ghosts are usually busy people—think CEOs or entrepreneurs—who want to write a book or column but lack the time or ability to do so. So they hire someone else to do it for them.

To excel, ghostwriters do more than write. “You are, in some ways, a writer, a researcher, an agent and a publisher all in one,” says Jeremy Blachman, a writer who’s ghostwritten books and articles for The Financial Times, and worked in television with NBC and Sony.

Ghostwriters are responsible for talking to potential and current clients on a day-to-day basis, so interviewing comes with the job. “You need to draw the right stories and material from your clients, and that often means an ability to form a personal connection and make the client comfortable opening up to you,” says Blachman.

Ghostwriters also need to be able to research the heck out of a subject. Whenever clients don’t have the information, it’s up to the ghost to help them fill in the gaps.

Check out open writing gigs on Mediabistro’s job board.

What skills are required?

At a baseline, you need to be a fast, flexible, and compelling writer, says Blachman. “It doesn’t matter what else I’m bringing to the table if I can’t execute on my client’s vision for their book and deliver compelling content, quickly,” he adds.

The ability to collaborate is important. Unlike the novelist who works alone, the ghostwriter can expect to communicate with the client on a regular basis.

You must also possess an uncanny knack of capturing your client’s voice. “A good ghostwriter can connect with the stories they’re writing and the clients they’re working with,” says Alex Foster, who’s ghosted bestselling memoirs and novels. “Empathy allows ghosts to live vicariously through the lives of others, seeing as they see and feeling as they feel.”

Who is a ghostwriter’s boss?

It depends on the scope of the work, but in most situations you’ll answer to your client.

What do you need to get ahead in this position?

A firm understanding of the publishing industry is important. “That includes the markets, the genres, the styles of writing,” says Foster. “You should be establishing connections, such as agents, editors, authors, publishers, ghostwriting firms and more.”

How can you get your foot in the door?

Getting a degree in English or journalism could be useful, but your real card up your sleeve will be your work portfolio. “It’s okay if you don’t have this experience yet, but you must go about acquiring it,” says Foster.

Don’t forget to network, network, network. “Know that you’ll pitch a lot more projects than you’ll get,” says Blachman. “Sometimes you need to start small—say, ghostwriting someone’s blog post or op-ed—to prove your value.” And of course, the tried-and-true ‘word of mouth’ method will always be your friend.

Think a ghostwriting career is in your future? Polish your skills with these writing & editing courses, then head over to our job board and apply!

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Advice From the Pros

Think Local, Write Global: How to Break Into International Publications

Learn how to scour the local news and spot universal trends

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published September 20, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published September 20, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

The Internet has democratized the writing process like never before. You can now read the international editions of newspapers and magazines online, even if you live several oceans away from the nerve center of its publication. And the good news is that you can write for it too!

Here’s how you can hone your storytelling skills and reach out to a wider world of opportunities.

Find a Worthy Protagonist

Converting local ideas into articles that would appeal to an international audience may seem overwhelming at first, but it can give your writing income and experience a much-needed shot in the arm.

The critical question is: how can you get an editor based in another country to care about local issues that you badly want to highlight but may be far removed from their readers’ lives? According to Didem Tali, an award-winning multimedia journalist who has written for The New York Times, National Geographic, Al Jazeera, BBC World Service, The Guardian, Irish Times and others, the key to doing this effectively lies in spotting a strong protagonist, one with universal appeal.

Draw your editor (and your reader) into the story by making them care about this character and the remarkable circumstances of his/her life. Our life experiences may be vastly different, but emotions are universal after all.

“Humanize your story as much as possible,” she says. “You can do this by mindfully listening to the people you interview. A reader in another country may not appear to have a lot in common with a rural Cambodian woman, but once they realize that this is a real flesh-and-blood person, they will be drawn into the story they’re reading.”

While interviewing a community of people, be wary of power structures even within the community. “There will always be a talkative person who has more to say and it is easier to have an easygoing interview. However, always make an effort to interview that shy 18-year-old woman in the corner as well. You might be surprised with the color they add to your story and how their views might differ,” says Tali.

Scour the Local News, Spot Universal Trends

Prathap Nair is a writer and photographer based in Stuttgart, Germany. He writes on travel, food, culture, environment and current affairs and has contributed to the Pacific Standard, BBC, The Guardian, Ensia, Korean Air’s Morning Calm magazine and others. “Having recently moved to Germany, my knowledge of the language is less than desirable,” he says. “Yet, I scour the local news websites for any breaking news stories and put the important ones through Google Translate to see if they will be of interest for an international publication.” He recently sold one such article—about two Stuttgart residents suing the city’s mayor for doing not enough to curb air pollution—to the Guardian. As in Nair’s case, an interesting and current local news peg that highlights universal issues such as pollution and the environment can sometimes help catapult a story into the international limelight. “Look for local issues that would resonate with a global audience,” he says.

Change the way you travel

If you have an opportunity to travel, make the most of it. Writing about unique travel experiences can open the doors to a slew of international publications. “I do a lot of travel/adventure and food writing, so I really try to demonstrate the unique activities, natural wonders and cuisines of a region. I highlight dishes and experiences that a person can’t find anywhere else and tell a story through a local’s eyes to give a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a place,” says journalist Davina van Buren, who has written for publications outside of the US since 2015 and who describes herself as a digital nomad. Most recently, she spent a year in Tulum, Mexico, where she lived and worked from a one-room ‘cuarto’ while immersing herself in Yucatan culture.

It helps to record your travel experiences, even if you don’t have an assignment just yet, says Prathap Nair. “During my travels, I take copious notes and record quotes during conversation with sources that I think would be useful for a story at a later date. This habit of mine helped immensely for an article I recently wrote for a magazine about Sri Lankan jackfruit.” Nair was able to report the story from his home in Germany, once he pitched and landed an assignment for an in-flight magazine in South Korea after he’d returned from Sri Lanka.

Release Prejudices and Preconceived Notions

It’s easy to have assumptions about people before you actually interview them, but letting go of these preconceived notions is important for your growth as a writer, especially if you want your writing to appeal beyond the boundaries of your own backyard. “I’d urge any emerging reporter to make a conscious effort to leave their assumptions behind and truly listen to people,” says Tali. This would involve shedding age-old prejudices too.

Cut Through the Clutter on Twitter

Mining social media for work isn’t unusual in the era in which we live. Cutting through the clutter however is important. “Twitter can seem overwhelming at first but it begins to make sense if you use an app like Tweetdeck or Hootsuite,” says Chryselle D’Silva Dias, a writer based in Goa, India who has contributed to publications such as TIME, The Atlantic, Vice, The Guardian, Telegraph and others.

“This breaks up the never-ending stream of tweets into ‘columns’ which you can customize and use to keep track of specific things. For instance, I have columns that follow certain editors, or groups that give me ideas for stories or even search terms like “call for pitches” or “writers wanted”. Use this not only to find new work but also engage with editors and other writers,” she says.

You will have to be a certain level of tech savvy to make it as a freelancer, especially on an international scale. Learn how to build a social media strategy and hone your multimedia skills.

However, there is no substitute for words on the page, says Van Buren. “Don’t get so caught up in the apps and blogs and newsletters that you forget the crux of what you are doing: storytelling,” she says. “No matter what you are writing, in the end, it’s all storytelling.”

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Resumes & Cover Letters

3 Proven Tips for Writing a Speculative Cover Letter That Gets Noticed

How to apply for a job that’s not advertised

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

3 min read • Originally published September 25, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

3 min read • Originally published September 25, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

What happens if you really want to work for a company, but there aren’t any jobs listed that match your skills, or that you like the look of? Do you:

A. Think – “oh, well, maybe it’s not my time to work for them”.

B. Grab the bull by the horns, take the initiative and apply for a job there anyway?

In case you aren’t sure, the answer is B.

And no, you won’t seem rude or presumptuous to apply for a position that doesn’t actually exist.

If you write your speculative cover letter to best sell yourself and your skills, and have a tailored resume to accurately demonstrate that you not only have the ability, but also the experience to undertake the type of work that you are looking for, then you will be seen as a go-getter.

The HR department will, more than likely, keep your application on file should something appropriate come up.

Or (even better), they might not be aware that they require someone to do the job that you want to do, until you highlight to them that you are keen to do it. In which case, you might find yourself being called in sooner than expected.

So how do you write a speculative cover letter that ends up in the hands of the key decision-makers, when they aren’t actually looking to hire?

We have three tips to help you.

1. See if you have a connection there already

Not only can your connection ensure that your speculative cover letter ends up directly in the hands of the person you are trying to impress, but if you have someone who can vouch for you, then you are eliminating a lot of potential risk that HR departments face when hiring unknowns.

And that is always a huge plus for them.

2. Know the name of the decision-maker

Addressing the speculative cover letter to “whom it may concern” is only going to get you ignored if you’re not applying for an advertised job. If the HR department isn’t expecting your letter and resume, then you run the risk of it being disregarded altogether.

Find out who the key decision-makers are in the field you’re applying to. Hunt them out on LinkedIn, look at the company’s website for a list of team members, or even phone up reception and see if you can get a name. Be proactive in your hunt, show initiative.

This approach has two benefits:

Your letter will, at the very least, end up in the hands of the right person.
It will demonstrate your enthusiasm and your professionalism at being able to find the correct person (just make sure you spell their name correctly).

3. Be succinct

Nobody wants to read a War and Peace style letter droning on about you and your history.

Understand that the speculative cover letter is not there to get you a meeting, the purpose of the cover letter is solely to encourage the reader to read your resume.

Explain, in as few sentences as possible, why you want to work for the company and why you would be a great fit.
Demonstrate that you understand the needs of the company, don’t make the letter all about you.
Show, don’t tell. Pull key examples from your resume that highlight your particular skillset and use them to display how effective you would be, at the role you would like to undertake, in their company.
Keep it to one page. This not only will prevent you from waffling on, but it will also highlight your ability to be an effective communicator.

If in doubt, remember the old adage ‘don’t ask, don’t get’. You have nothing to lose by putting yourself out there, only lots to gain.

Guest post written by Resume-Library for Mediabistro. For more tips on cover letters, resumes and more visit www.resume-library.com.

Topics:

Get Hired, Resumes & Cover Letters

Networking

RTDNA: What Broadcast Journalists Need to Know About This Key Organization

Over 70 years of advocating and supporting the broadcast and digital journalism industry

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

4 min read • Originally published October 9, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

4 min read • Originally published October 9, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Professional organizations provide much-needed community by bringing likeminded individuals together, fostering support within distinct sectors of media/communications and helping to push the industry forward.

Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) works to protect the rights of broadcast and digital journalists in the courts and legislatures throughout the country. It promotes ethical standards in the industry, provides members with training and education and honors outstanding work in the profession through the Edward R. Murrow Awards. RTDNA members help shape the future of the journalism profession by advocating on journalists’ behalf and lobbying in their interest. A firm defender of the First Amendment, RTDNA advocates for open government and freedom of information, and promotes diversity in newsroom staffing and coverage.

Year Founded:

1946

What specialty does the organization support?

Broadcast & Digital Journalism

Headquarters Location:

Washington, DC

Do you have local chapters? If so, how many?

No, but members are organized into 14 regions, each represented by a Director on the Board.

Organization Leader/President:

Current Board Chair Scott Libin; Executive Director Dan Shelley

How do you become a member of RTDNA?

Join online at members.rtdna.org/join.

Is there a cost associated with being an RTDNA member?

Dues are $199 per year or under, depending on the member’s job role.

Are there perks associated with being a member of the organization?

Yes! RTDNA membership includes perks like discounts from educational partners Mediabistro, Poynter, the AP Stylebook and others, as well as on the annual Excellence in Journalism conference and entries to the Edward R. Murrow Awards.

What’s one thing that sets your organization apart?

RTDNA is an organization for news leaders. That means news managers and executives, but more broadly it means our members are the best in the broadcast & digital news business, and we recognize journalism excellence each year with the Edward R. Murrow Awards, the most prestigious in the industry.

Does RTDNA offer members any additional resources?

Absolutely! RTDNA members get continuous legal support through our Voice of the First Amendment Task Force, continuing education through in-depth webinars and bite-sized Ed Talks tips, and constantly updated ethics and leadership resources.

How has this organization changed in the past, and where does it expect to go in the future?

RTDNA was founded in 1946 as the Radio News Editors Association. As you can imagine, we’ve changed and adapted as the industry has, now serving broadcast and digital journalists. Currently, RTDNA is undergoing a renaissance. Under the leadership of new Executive Director Dan Shelley, a longtime radio, television and digital news executive, RTDNA has launched the Voice of the First Amendment Task Force. Its aims are proactively supporting journalists facing threats to their press freedom and educating the public about the importance of a free press to our democracy.

How does RTDNA view the current state of the news industry?

Journalism is under attack. In the past decade, the primary threat to the news business has been just that—business models and economic disruption. Today, though, the news industry is increasingly under verbal and sometimes even physical assault by, in the recent words of our 2017 John F. Hogan Award recipient, CNN’s Jake Tapper, “lying Twitter trolls and hostile foreign governments and juvenile officials in our own country.” The vitriol ostensibly against “fake news” is too often directed at responsible media, who, far from being “enemies of the people,” are fulfilling a Constitutionally-protected duty to keep the public informed and the powerful held accountable.

As an organization is it difficult to keep up with changes in the news and journalism industry?

RTDNA’s members are leaders in journalism, at the forefront of the industry. We can never predict the future with certainty, but we aim to give our members the tools and resources to continually innovate to better serve changing audiences.

What is the current state of opportunities for journalists and news professionals? Are jobs growing?

Yes, the Expo floor at the 2017 Excellence in Journalism was overflowing with recruiters! Jobs are growing, but they are also changing. We’re seeing demand shift to multi-media journalists (MMJs) and journalists with a variety of digital skills, but news organizations are hiring.

Over the past year, has the industry changed? If so, how?

Attacks on journalism have grown more vitriolic. According to the Press Freedom Tracker, which RTDNA helped launch, there have been 20 arrests and 20 physical attacks on journalists this year. And the “fake news” label is now bandied about to describe responsibly reported stories consumers or pundits simply don’t like, or where the facts are disagreeable. At the same time, local news has continued to steadfastly serve communities, especially those in desperate need of potentially lifesaving information, as we saw during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

What do you see for the future of the news industry?

Journalism is under threat but will continue to play a vital role in our democracy. Journalists are no longer the primary gatekeepers of information but rather critical guides in helping the public sort fact from fiction. Delivery platforms, formats and mediums will continue to change as technology advances, but the underlying function of journalism, and its underlying principles, will remain.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

Hot Jobs

Hot Jobs: The Best Social Media Positions Hiring Now

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

1 min read • Originally published October 9, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

1 min read • Originally published October 9, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Do you love social media? Do you think you have what it takes to introduce the next big idea in less than 140 characters or convey a brand message through images? If so, a career in social media may be for you!

We’ve carefully selected our top 12 favorite social media job postings and gathered them all in one place.

Take the next step in your professional journey and apply for jobs as a social media specialists, community managers, social media editors, strategists, and more.

No jobs were found

Topics:

Get Hired, Hot Jobs

Advice From the Pros

Publishers Are Pivoting to Video — Here’s How to Keep Up

Video content is here to stay

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 16, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 16, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Did you know that 82% of Twitter users watch video content on the platform? What about the fact that 45% of people watch more than an hour of Facebook or YouTube videos each week? Or, how about that 43% of people state that they actually want to see more video content from marketers?

Those are pretty astounding statistics, and they all help to explain the pivot to video that many traditional publishers have been making in recent years.

“Publishers have to make that shift in order to keep up with where the consumers are going,” explains Dana Johnson, a marketing professional and Mediabistro Social Media Marketing course instructor. “Readers are no longer picking up magazines and newspapers at the newsstands and consuming media the way they did 10 years ago. You have to change with the times, so to speak.”

Much of video’s popularity has to do with its accessibility and convenience. “We all have shorter attention spans today, and video is a way to capture those people who don’t want to take the time to read an entire article,” says Katie Leimkuehler, a social media consultant, and instructor for Mediabistro’s Build a Social Media Video Strategy course.

This emphasis on more and more video content is enough to have media pros, like writers, marketers and copyeditors shaking in their boots. Are their careers about to be totally irrelevant?

Spoiler Alert: Video Isn’t Going Anywhere

In media, there are plenty of trends that come along. Because of that, it’s tempting to think of video as yet another passing fad. But, rest assured, it’s likely here to stay. In fact, we’ll probably see video’s popularity continue to rise.

“I think it’s going to become even more creative,” says Johnson, “There are features that have been out for a few years now, such as videos being shoppable. You can scroll over the content and see where someone got an item. Things are going to become even more convenient and content will be serviced to us via video much more.”

There’s been plenty written about how misguided this shift to video is for most publishers. It’s impact on writing and editing staffs has been brutal and it hasn’t proved itself to be the savior of publishing, as the C-levels had hoped.

But, this “pivot to video” doesn’t need to mean bad news for more traditional media pros. In fact, there’s never been a better time to diversify your own skillset to keep up with the changing times.

“Now’s a great time, because there’s no set way of doing things. Publishers aren’t only taking high-quality videos. Things are evolving and changing, and plenty of places are open to rougher cut videos that aren’t perfect,” explains Leimkuehler, “Now is the perfect opportunity to build up those skills in the smallest ways so you can market yourself and stay current and relevant.”

How to Diversify Your Skillset

So, with that in mind, what are some things you can do to dip your toe into the video waters? Here are a few tips to help you match the pivot to video that many publishers are making.

Ask to shadow someone

Sometimes there’s no better way to learn about a skill or an industry than to actually be a part of it.

“I definitely recommend speaking to a friend, colleague, or even reaching out to someone you don’t know personally to say, ‘Hey, can I shadow you on a shoot? Can I shadow you in a pre-production meeting?’” advises Johnson.

Doing so will give you even more insight into everything that’s involved in the video creation process, as well as what skills you’ll need to stay competitive.

Watch and learn

While watching other people is an effective way to familiarize yourself, so is watching existing video content.

“Start watching videos,” says Leimkuehler, “Gain an understanding of how to tell a story in a short amount of time and everything that involves.”

You can learn a lot by simply observing how things are done elsewhere.

Take a course

“There’s so much opportunity to learn and expand your skillset online,” shares Emmy Favilla, Senior Commerce Editor at Buzzfeed and a Mediabistro instructor, “It’s easier than ever before to learn all of this new information.”

Of course, Mediabistro courses are a great place to start to begin learning more about how to transfer your own skills to the video landscape.

For copy editors in particular, Favilla teaches a Mediabistro course about multimedia copyediting. Within the course, students learn about rules that apply only to video—such as ensuring words appear in the frame long enough to read or that all video clips that aren’t original have credits.

Fortunately, copyediting skills are quite transferrable.

“There are little extra things that you have to keep in mind when you’re editing videos, but fortunately it’s not a wildly different process from editing written articles,” Favilla adds.

Peruse jobs

When you think about what’s involved with video content, it’s easy to think about the obvious roles—things like a camera person, a video editor or host, for example.

However, there’s far more to it than that. “LinkedIn is a great friend and a great resource,” says Johnson, “It shows you just how many different types of jobs there are related to video.”

So, go ahead and scroll through a few job listings to see what sort of skills are being pursued. It might open up doors you didn’t even know existed.

Just get started

Needing to explore a new area or refine a new skill can be intimidating. But, sometimes it’s best if you just dive in and get started.

“Just start shooting,” shares Leimkuehler, “Whether you want to get a nice camera or just use your phone, start playing around to see what kinds of interviews and videos you can get. Then, just start building from there.”

The pivot to video can be a somewhat scary transition for more traditional media professionals. But, rest assured, written content isn’t necessarily going anywhere either.

“Editorial content will never completely go away,” says Leimkuehler, “There will always be different types of learning styles and different ways to get content.”

Even so, it’s still a good idea to diversify your skillset and keep yourself competitive in the ever-changing media landscape. So, gather your courage and just dive in!

As Johnson concludes, “Stepping into the idea of what’s new is often more intimidating than actually doing it.”

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Skills & Expertise

Go Freelance

Essential Safety Resources Every Freelance Journalist Needs

Five tips for how you can protect yourself in the field

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

6 min read • Originally published October 18, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

6 min read • Originally published October 18, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

In the early years of his career, Luke Duggleby found himself in a situation that he hadn’t quite anticipated. He had traveled to East China to meet villagers protesting against massive pollution caused by a factory that had poisoned their land. “In a rare show of defiance, they had set-up a road block at the entrance to the factory,” says Duggleby, a British freelance photojournalist currently based in Bangkok and the recipient of the 2017 South Asia Journalist Association (SAJA) Reporting Fellowship.

He met the villagers and took pictures of their protest. “As we were leaving, three black cars arrived and plainclothed officials told us to get in.” After a gruelling 5 hours of interrogation, Duggleby’s memory cards were wiped clean. He was finally released and ordered to leave the city. This was his introduction to the fact that danger for a journalist can come in many forms—not just physical harm.

“At the time, we had done no prior research and neither did we attempt to contact any local people (beforehand). I had not understood the system, coming from a western society that allows such coverage,” he says. Since then, Duggleby has taken a course in security training and self-defense; he’s far more aware of the political situation and cautious when taking on sensitive assignments.

Every day, all over the world, journalists and photographers (even those not necessarily covering conflict zones or tension ridden areas) find themselves facing grave difficulties, courting trouble and arrest, bearing physical hardships—even dealing with death threats—all in the course of doing their jobs.

And as the recent tragic death of Swedish freelance journalist Kim Wall has proved, any assignment can have an element of risk. As a freelancer, how can you protect yourself while ensuring that you still research deeply and report your stories without limitations? Here are some tips and resources that can help.

The Three A’s of Planning:

“Security and awareness training should be mandatory for all journalists, no matter where their reporting area is,” says Cath Mossom, who served in the British military for 22 years and now runs RPS Partnership, a crisis management and hostile training facility an hour from London, UK. “Whether they are working undercover, reporting against drugs, crimes, corruption, natural disasters, or even when they are reporting from home on domestic issues, all journalists face some risk.”

Staying safe involves detailed planning and the three A’s will help, says Mossom: “We need to learn how to be Aware, to Anticipate [problems] that may arise and to be able to Avoid any danger/trouble. The more knowledge you have of an area, the more confident you will be once you arrive.”

Confidence borne of such awareness can be a huge advantage, because it translates into body language that ensures that you’re less likely to be a victim of an attack. “If you arrive in an airport for instance, and don’t know the lay out, or where your driver is, you look lost and vulnerable. This can make you an easy target,” she says.

If you’re taking on a reporting assignment that’s taking you into unfamiliar territory, be sure to research the lay of the land as much as possible before you set out. Study Google Maps, talk to other reporters or travelers who have been here before, be aware of the weather, the political situation and even the potential health risks involved. Keep emergency numbers handy.

“We need to also think about contingency planning more, so that if something were to happen, we have already thought through the process, and we are then able to react more quickly and decisively for a better outcome, rather than be frozen to the spot,” says Mossom.

Register with Organizations That Can Help

The brutal killings of freelance journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff in the summer of 2014 in Syria shocked many newsrooms and set in motion a chain of events that culminated in the creation of ACOS (A Culture of Safety). In September 2014, Reuters, The Associated Press, and the International Press Institute held private meetings in New York and Chicago where editors discussed how to respond to these murders and promote freelance journalists’ safety. During the following months, a volunteer committee made up of representatives of the Frontline Freelance Register (FFR), Reuters, The Associated Press, the Dart Center, GroundTruth Project, and the Overseas Press Club Foundation drafted the Freelance Journalist Safety Principles, a document aimed at media organizations and freelancers alike that lists a set of safety standards for freelancers and local journalists. Several other organizations, including the Rory Peck Trust, Reporters without Borders, and the Committee to Protect Journalists, were involved in the creation of the initiative.

“We focus on freelancers and local journalists worldwide. We are working on several short videos around key digital security aspects. This came as a top priority and a crucial need for freelancers,” says Elisabet Cantenys, Executive Director, ACOS Alliance. “Ultimately, we want to embed a culture of safety. In practical terms, this means finding options for insurance, supporting and coordinating safety training, facilitating the exchange of safety information and resources.”

It was a time when news budgets were shrinking and freelancers were increasing in numbers. “We started Frontline Freelance Register (FFR) in 2013 to address these changing needs in the industry. Having systems in place to support and protect us is so important,” says Emma Beals, independent journalist, co-chair of ACOS Alliance and co-founder and former board member of FFR. “The ACOS Alliance principles and lays out several things that freelancers and news organizations should discuss and prepare before an assignment and learn about how to better protect themselves.”

The Rory Peck Trust is another organization that supports freelancers worldwide. Their website has templates for risk assessments and communication plans. In August, it teamed up with FFR to offer free consultations for freelancers around the world with security advisors. In these online sessions, freelancers reporting outside of their home countries learned the basics of how to protect themselves.

Reach out to Locals and NGOs

Journalists often hire locals who act as guides. “You not only stay safe this way, but have more access and deeper insight into any issue,” says Duggleby. Often called ‘fixers’, these locals arrange meetings and gain access to key contacts. Since they know the terrain well, they can help you navigate any pitfalls.

“Good fixers can be expensive, but there are more of them who are getting into this work and promoting themselves on social media,” says Duggleby. If your freelance budget does not include fixers, seeking out NGO’s who handle the issues you’re reporting on would be helpful too. “A recent photo documentary I produced looked at human rights defenders who had been killed in Southeast Asia in the last 20 years. It is a sensitive topic and I worked very closely with a Human Rights NGO who continuously monitored the situation,” says Duggleby.

Listen to your instincts

Sometimes it helps to listen to our gut instincts. Even if this means leaving a certain situation or location prematurely, you should stay tuned to that inner voice that warns you when something is not quite right. And this can apply, even if you’re reporting in a familiar area, that you don’t usually associate with threat.

“There is the misconception that safety concerns only apply to those working on the frontlines,” says Cantenys. “Your email or communications can be compromised anytime. A demonstration can turn violent. A terrorist attack can happen around the corner. Being safe would mean being professional. Also, safety needs to be integrated into your work.”

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Climb the Ladder

Why Mentorship Matters in the Communications Field

From offering career advice to introducing you to the professionals in your field, a mentor can help advance your path in communications

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 23, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

5 min read • Originally published October 23, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Professional development is essential for getting ahead in the ever-evolving communications world, and one of the best ways to develop your skill set is by aligning yourself with a person you admire within your field.

“We get carried away with spreadsheets, schedules and the stuff that is modern work life, and we forget about our duties to one another,” says Clay Cutchins, a mentor and creative strategist at Franklin Street, a Richmond, Virginia-based health care brand and marketing consultancy.

Older, more experienced colleagues can help junior workers advance by offering career advice, introducing them to the right people and opportunities, and sharing tips and tools of their trade.

“I realized that to get ahead as a writer I needed to eventually find someone who can help me get there,” says Rachel McGuinn, Cutchins’ mentee and a writer with Franklin Street. McGuinn, who was transitioning from project manager to writer was nervous about making the big leap. “I had never done advertising writing and it was very different. At first I felt like I didn’t deserve it or I didn’t know if I could do it.”

Cutchins saw McGuinn’s potential and decided to take her under his wing and help her grow as a writer. “Her humility showed her respect for the craft and for her new position,” says Cutchins. “I identified with that.”

Cutchins’ experience in the Marine Corps along with his time spent shadowing novelist and screenwriter Elmore Leonard made him aware of the importance of leadership in the workplace. And when he saw McGuinn’s humble desire to develop her craft, he knew they would make a good team.

According to studies, those who are mentored are 130 percent more likely to hold leadership positions and because of the beneficial role of mentorships, 90 percent of mentees show an interest in mentoring others later in their lives.

“It’s a rite of passage for when you get to a certain point of your career and craft that you can share that with someone,” says McGuinn. “It’s invaluable.”

While mentorships may seem like an alliance that only serves the younger, less experienced colleague, the relationship also helps the person in the leadership role as well.

“I benefit from the mentorship more so in some ways,” says Cutchins. His mentorship with McGuinn has expanded the breadth of his writing, helped fine-tune his diplomacy skills, and kept him in the loop with things that are culturally relevant. “You learn from people with good character no matter what their age or experience is,” he says.

Finding Your Mentor

Finding a mentor may seem like a daunting task, but through some research you can identify the right candidate. Look to your elders within the communications field and take note of the people you admire. Does this person have skills you want to develop within yourself? Do they command the respect of the professionals in your industry? Are they known for supporting their colleagues? Can you easily connect with them? These are the questions that you should be asking yourself when tracking down the right person to guide you in your career.

Your mentor already may be sitting across from you at work, or you may have to look beyond the confines of your office walls to find your match. Join a professional association like Public Relations Society of America or the American Marketing Association and start attending networking and industry events to make connections.

Cruise LinkedIn to scope out interesting profiles or troll Twitter to see who is leading important discussions. Ask an esteemed colleague or former college professor if they have any recommendations of people who might be a good advisor for you. After you have narrowed down your list of prospects, invite each candidate out for coffee to see if there is a connection. “That chemistry is absolutely necessary,” advises McGuinn.

Also, your city’s chamber of commerce or a local business organization may offer a mentorship program that screens candidates and pairs you up with the right person.

Kick-start your career in the Communications field with these entry-level opportunities.

Establishing + Maintaining The Relationship

Upfront establish what you both, as mentor and mentee, seek from the relationship. With your mentor, outline your goals and strategize a plan of attack. And then schedule meetings for every month or so with an agenda of topics to discuss. Or if you are looking for something a little more low-key, maybe your mentorship style is more informal, spit-balling ideas over beers and meeting up a few times throughout the year.

Now two years into her mentorship with Cutchins, McGuinn reminisces on their first structured meeting, a whiteboard session where Cutchins had her list out her aspirations as a writer. “The more we put on the board, the more excited and confident I became because those were goals that I could very easily see and achieve,” she says.

After their first mentorship session, the two started meeting to discuss movies and books, like Stephen King’s “On Writing,” and over the years the mentorship grew to incorporate casual lunch meet-ups and formal writing sessions. As your mentorship develops, feel free to add new activities that can strengthen your bond as mentor and mentee. Attend a networking event together. Invite your mentor to a work party. Go see an exhibit that you both are interested in.

“A mentor is only as good as the questions the mentee asks,” says Cutchins. You are given access to information and tools through your mentor, so be sure to tap into their industry knowledge.

While a mentorship exists so you can absorb the knowledge of your elder, be sure to be respectful of the time and attention they are giving to the relationship too. Stay focused during meetings, accept criticism with grace, show your appreciation, and be sure to reciprocate the love, asking if you can help your mentor with anything.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

1) Don’t hide or delete comments

2) Say, “Thank you”

3) Respond to everything and keep it short

4) Provide another outlet to vent

5) Sometimes it’s okay to say, “We’re sorry”

What exactly does a ghostwriter do?

What skills are required?

Who is a ghostwriter’s boss?

What do you need to get ahead in this position?

How can you get your foot in the door?

Find a Worthy Protagonist

Scour the Local News, Spot Universal Trends

Change the way you travel

Release Prejudices and Preconceived Notions

Cut Through the Clutter on Twitter

1. See if you have a connection there already

2. Know the name of the decision-maker

3. Be succinct

Year Founded:

What specialty does the organization support?

Headquarters Location:

Do you have local chapters? If so, how many?

Organization Leader/President:

How do you become a member of RTDNA?

Is there a cost associated with being an RTDNA member?

Are there perks associated with being a member of the organization?

What’s one thing that sets your organization apart?

Does RTDNA offer members any additional resources?

How has this organization changed in the past, and where does it expect to go in the future?

How does RTDNA view the current state of the news industry?

As an organization is it difficult to keep up with changes in the news and journalism industry?

What is the current state of opportunities for journalists and news professionals? Are jobs growing?

Over the past year, has the industry changed? If so, how?

What do you see for the future of the news industry?

The Three A’s of Planning:

Register with Organizations That Can Help

Reach out to Locals and NGOs

Listen to your instincts

Dave Baker