World Media Economics and Management Conference 2016

Layoffs and outsourcing in the news business from consolidation and technology have led to a growing demand for and supply of freelancers. Transaction costs related to hiring them are declining but other management costs arise from both coordination and accommodating freelancers’ different attitudes and motivations compared to employees, especially among Millenials. This paper presents findings from a survey of international freelance journalists (n=453). An exploration of attitudinal and personality factors by workforce generation (Boomer, Gen X, Millenial) is described. Implications for media workforce managers are explained.