Journalist-at-large

A journalist-at-large is a freelance or staff writer who covers a wide range of topics and geographical locations, without a specific, consistent beat or assignment. This role provides flexibility to pursue stories of personal interest or emerging significance, often contributing to multiple publications or platforms. They may be tasked with investigative reporting, feature writing, or covering breaking news as needed. The position demands strong research skills, adaptability, self-motivation, and the ability to quickly understand diverse subjects. They serve as versatile storytellers, often focusing on human-interest angles and in-depth analysis, moving freely between different media environments.

Journalist-at-large meaning with examples

• Sarah, a journalist-at-large, traveled across the country, interviewing individuals affected by climate change for a series of articles in various environmental magazines. She didn't have a dedicated beat, allowing her to pursue this passion project. Her stories, covering diverse perspectives, from farmers to city planners, were highly acclaimed, demonstrating her journalistic versatility and ability to uncover nuanced narratives.
• After the political scandal broke, David, a journalist-at-large, was deployed to cover the unfolding events. He conducted interviews with key figures, analyzed official documents, and wrote daily reports for an online news outlet and weekly long-form pieces for a print publication. His agility and responsiveness to the dynamic news cycle showcased the strengths of the role, even in a fast-moving situation.
• Maria, a journalist-at-large, specialized in long-form, in-depth investigations. She spent months researching the impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce, traveling to tech hubs and speaking with experts. Her resulting book and accompanying series of articles, published across several platforms, exemplified the depth and breadth of her knowledge as a journalist-at-large.
• With a strong background in international affairs, Peter operated as a journalist-at-large reporting on humanitarian crises and global conflicts for different media platforms. He often produced written reports, video documentaries, and audio podcasts, showcasing his ability to work across different media formats. He showed a willingness to pursue stories that were difficult to cover.