How to Get Started with & Slightly Contrarian News
Want to break into the news industry with a fresh perspective? It’s tougher than ever, but also more vital. The media environment is saturated, yet original voices can still cut through the noise. But how do you get started producing news that stands out – and does it ethically? Is it even possible to be truly original anymore?
Key Takeaways
- Secure a journalism internship at a local publication like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution or a digital news outlet to gain practical experience.
- Develop a beat focusing on an underserved community or niche topic, like hyper-local politics in Fulton County, to build unique expertise.
- Pitch your stories to smaller publications and online platforms before aiming for larger outlets to refine your reporting and build a portfolio.
Find Your Niche & Embrace the Local
Forget trying to be the next national correspondent right away. The path to impactful news reporting often starts hyper-local. Think about the stories that aren’t being told in your own community. What issues are being ignored? What voices are being silenced? This is where you can carve out a niche and develop a contrarian edge.
For example, instead of another piece on the national political circus, focus on the impact of local ordinances on small businesses in the Old Fourth Ward. Investigate zoning disputes near the BeltLine. Report on the challenges faced by immigrant communities accessing resources at the North Fulton Service Center. These are the stories that matter most to the people living in your area, and they often get overlooked by larger news organizations.
Develop a Contrarian Angle (Responsibly)
Being contrarian isn’t about being deliberately provocative or sensationalist. It’s about challenging conventional wisdom, questioning established narratives, and offering alternative perspectives. It’s about digging deeper than the surface level and uncovering the complexities of a story.
I had a client last year, a young journalist fresh out of UGA, who wanted to write about the affordable housing crisis in Atlanta. Instead of rehashing the same old talking points, she focused on the role of private equity firms in driving up rents in historically Black neighborhoods. She spent months poring over property records at the Fulton County Courthouse, interviewing tenants facing eviction, and analyzing financial data. Her reporting, while controversial, was meticulously researched and ultimately shed new light on a critical issue. Being contrarian means being prepared to back up your claims with evidence. It means being willing to challenge powerful interests, but always with integrity and a commitment to accuracy.
Build Your Skills & Portfolio
You don’t need a fancy journalism degree to get started, though formal training certainly doesn’t hurt. What you do need is a strong command of the English language, a relentless curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Start by honing your writing skills. Practice writing clear, concise, and engaging prose. Read widely and pay attention to how different journalists approach storytelling.
Next, master the fundamentals of reporting. Learn how to conduct interviews, gather information, and verify facts. Familiarize yourself with the principles of journalistic ethics and the legal framework that governs news gathering. And, crucially, learn how to use a camera and edit video. Multimedia skills are no longer optional; they’re essential. I’ve seen so many talented writers struggle because they couldn’t produce even basic video content. Don’t let that be you.
Once you’ve developed your skills, start building a portfolio. Write for your school newspaper, contribute to online publications, or start your own blog. The key is to get your work out there and show potential employers what you can do. Don’t be afraid to start small. Even a few well-written articles can make a big difference.
Pitching Your Stories
Don’t aim for the New York Times right away. Start local. Pitch story ideas to smaller publications, community newspapers, and online platforms. These outlets are often more receptive to new voices and fresh perspectives. When pitching, be clear, concise, and compelling. Explain why your story is important, who it will impact, and why you’re the best person to tell it.
Consider the Georgia News Lab, a collaborative investigative reporting project involving several universities and news organizations. Getting involved with a program like that can provide invaluable experience and connections.
The Ethical Considerations
Here’s what nobody tells you: being a contrarian journalist comes with a responsibility to be even more rigorous in your reporting. You will face accusations of bias, of being unfair, of having an agenda. You need to be prepared to defend your work with facts, with evidence, and with a clear conscience. This is especially true in the age of misinformation and disinformation, where trust in the media is at an all-time low. According to a Pew Research Center report from 2022, only 29% of Americans have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in the news media.
I had a case study two years ago, a local online news platform that decided to “go contrarian” by publishing articles questioning the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. They saw a temporary boost in traffic, but they also faced widespread criticism from medical professionals, public health officials, and other journalists. Their credibility suffered irreparable damage, and they ultimately lost a significant portion of their audience. The lesson? Being contrarian is not an excuse for spreading misinformation or endangering public health.
Fact-Checking is Non-Negotiable
Every fact, every quote, every statistic must be verified. Use multiple sources, cross-reference information, and consult with experts. Don’t rely on hearsay or unconfirmed reports. And always, always be transparent about your sources. Cite your sources clearly and accurately. If you’re using anonymous sources, explain why and provide as much detail as possible about their motivations and credibility. The Associated Press (AP) has a great guide to fact-checking that all journalists should read.
Monetization & Sustainability
Let’s be real: making a living as a journalist is tough, especially if you’re starting out. The traditional news model is broken, and many publications are struggling to survive. That said, there are still opportunities to make a decent income, but you need to be creative and resourceful. One area to explore is how visuals hook readers.
One option is to freelance. Many publications are willing to pay freelance journalists for high-quality content. Another option is to start your own news website or blog and monetize it through advertising, subscriptions, or donations. This is a long game, of course. It takes time to build an audience and generate revenue. But if you’re passionate about news and willing to work hard, it can be a rewarding path.
We ran into this exact issue at my previous firm. A client had a podcast and blog focusing on local Atlanta politics. They offered a paid subscription service for premium content, like in-depth interviews and analysis. They also partnered with local businesses to run sponsored content. It wasn’t easy, but they managed to build a sustainable business that provided them with a decent income.
The trick is to diversify your revenue streams. Don’t rely on a single source of income. Explore different options and find what works best for you. And don’t be afraid to experiment. The news industry is constantly evolving, and you need to be willing to adapt and innovate to survive. You might even look to the arts as a secret weapon.
Final Thoughts: The Future of News
The future of news is uncertain, but one thing is clear: original, well-researched, and ethically sound reporting will always be in demand. By focusing on local stories, developing a contrarian angle responsibly, and mastering the skills of the trade, you can carve out a niche for yourself in the news industry and make a real difference in your community. The path won’t be easy, but the rewards are worth it.
Consider how news needs experts to rebuild trust.
What skills are most important for a journalist in 2026?
Beyond writing and interviewing, video editing, data analysis, and social media management are crucial. Understanding how algorithms shape news consumption is also vital.
How can I build a portfolio without prior experience?
Start a blog, volunteer for local publications, or create sample articles and videos showcasing your skills. Contribute to community forums and offer to cover local events.
How do I find a contrarian angle on a story?
Question assumptions, look for alternative perspectives, and dig deeper into the data. Identify the unspoken truths and challenge the dominant narrative. But always be fair and accurate.
What are the ethical considerations of contrarian journalism?
Uphold accuracy and fairness above all else. Avoid sensationalism and misinformation. Be transparent about your sources and motivations. Recognize your own biases and strive for objectivity.
How can I monetize my news reporting?
Freelance writing, subscription models, advertising, sponsored content, and grants are all viable options. Diversify your income streams and experiment with different approaches.
Don’t just consume news; create it. Start small, stay ethical, and find the stories that matter. Atlanta needs your voice. What are you waiting for?
