Freelance journalists, photographers, writers, editors, producers, cartoonists and illustrators play an integral role in the media industry, and we are standing together to set a floor for pay and conditions and protect quality journalism.
In a crucial step towards industry wide implementation of the MEAA Freelance Charter, MEAA freelancers at various publications have been fighting to form agreements to codify fair minimum rates and conditions. Through their collective action, members are setting an important precedent to improve the industry for all.
Click on the links below to view the agreements and policies that members have won so far.
Overland and MEAA Agreement
Overland are the first publication to sign on to the MEAA Freelance Charter. Freelancers at Overland have secured minimum rates and annual rate increases, timely payment following submission, superannuation for a secure retirement, “kill fees” for commissions that are cancelled by the outlet, retention of all copyright, indemnity from defamation, respect for the MEAA Journalist Code of Ethics and clear dispute resolution options.
Nine Publishing Freelance Policy
Collective action by MEAA members has lead to Nine Publishing developing its first freelance policy. This policy codifies minimum rates and important conditions such as “kill fees” for commissions that are cancelled by the outlet, indemnity from defamation, and timely payment following submission.
The Guardian Freelance Policy
While freelancers at The Guardian are still fighting for an agreement, in response to collective action by MEAA Freelancers, The Guardian have improved their freelance policy, and committed to ongoing rate increases.
Private Media Undertaking
Due to pressure from MEAA Members, Private Media (Crikey, The Mandarin, and SmartCompany) have signed an undertaking to negotiate freelance rates with MEAA members. Freelance members at MEAA are currently preparing to commence these negotiations.
MEAA Freelance Rates
The purpose of this document is to provide a rough estimate of what you would need to charge to earn the same
as a J5 graded journalist on a Nine publishing metropolitan daily newspaper – with some allowance given to the
running costs of your small business. It does not seek to represent actual market conditions.
