Mailbag: Is freelancing the future of this business?

Grape,

I've noted a few larger markets are hiring people on a freelance basis. What's the deal, and is this a trend?

-Freebird

Dear Freebird,

It's more than a trend, it is a growing trend. I work on a freelance basis as a network field producer, and when I do so I'll bet 90 percent of the crew is freelance as well.

Many larger markets are using more and more freelancers, some five days per week. Obviously it is a two way street... the station doesn't have to pay benefits, and the employee has a good deal of freedom.

This works best if your spouse has great benefits (Mrs. Grape is a teacher, so I'm well covered). But even if you have to buy your own health insurance (not cheap, by the way), freelancing is a foot in the door of a big market. I've had one client start as a freelancer who was put under contract after a few months.

Many people like freelance gigs because it offers you the opportunity to have a very flexible life. Many women who want to do the parenting thing and still have a career are working freelance.

By the way, very often freelance jobs are not advertised. When contacting stations in larger markets, you'll often have to inquire if the station employs people on a freelance basis.

The upside for the station... if things don't work out, they simply stop calling you.

But if they like you they run the risk of losing you to the station across the street, so if you make a good impression you can sometimes carve out a permanent job for yourself.