US: Some Washington Post bloggers paid extra

Posted by Diana Epstein on March 20, 2006 at 11:24 AM

As more newspapers insist that their journalists contribute to or start their own blogs, a new hierarchy of pay seems to be emerging, not always for the benefit of all journalists. Last week it was revealed that many journalists that blog for the Washington Post do not receive extra compensation for their time, whereas others who write for blogs under their own name see additional money in their paychecks.

Group blogs, which are compiled by beat reporters, are uncompensated because they require “less work” from each reporter. Those who are paid extra are solo bloggers whose names give the blog a “sense of franchise.” As a result reporters asked the paper to be paid collectively the blogging salary of “one marquee name” and they’ll split it amongst themselves. An agreement has yet to be reached.

Later this month the Washington Post launches the Washington Post Radio, one more media outlet that will need Post contributions. The Washington Post plans to compensate staff contributions to the station.

With the many new media outlets becoming available to journalists, news medias are requesting and expecting journalists to contribute, doing extra work with no compensation. While questions like asking for blog, radio, chat and video contributions are becoming more frequent at newspapers, journalists are asking what’s in it for them.

Sources: MarketWatch and Washington City Paper

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