Where’s our “solo incubator” for journalists?
At Pace Law School, recent law grads entering the field on their own as “solos” can opt to do so on campus, with the supervision of professors and experienced lawyers and access to resources like office supplies and research tools.
The Pace Community Law Practice is the fourth so-called “Solo incubator” launched nationwide, according to the National Law Journal. The first was a program at City University of New York School of Law (National Law Journal):
The school offers low-cost office space in midtown Manhattan and staff support for up to two years to a select number of graduates aiming to establish themselves as solos or launch small firms. The program offers more than office space; participants have access to a large network of experienced solo practitioners who function as mentors, and they enjoy an internal support network among their colleagues in the incubator, which helps to reduce the isolation many solo practitioners experience.
Where is the “solo incubator” for journalists?
OK, journalism isn’t really a for-hire business (freelance assignments aside). The best work continues to be done by reporting and editing staffs working together at news organizations.
But as the idea of content as a product evolves, and the universe of potential employers of journalists expands, perhaps a “solo incubator” could become a hive of journalism activity that companies can approach to hire at will.
“Need two reporters, an editor and an artist for 10 days to complete a research project? Ours are sharp and well-directed.”
“Need a site publishing in one month but you don’t know how to find a staff? We can help.”
“Need an editor to help define your audience and design a coverage plan? Sure thing.”
The fellas at Contently are doing so already and may have beaten academia to the punch in many ways. CUNY’s Graduate School of Journalism Entrepreneurial Incubator is the right idea, but limited to students. There’s room for an Ivory-Tower version of the “solo incubator” and there are enough recent, and not-so-recent J-school grads without a job or an office to hang out in all day.
It could also be a great hive of inspiration for journalists dedicated to freelance and research projects or those among us who are entrepreneurs to collaborate and share expenses (a la coworking at Hive at 55 and New Work City), plus get the guidance of experienced journalists and educators.
