SABEW launches jobs initiative

Times are tough, something the Society of American Business Editors and Writers understands. That’s why, to better serve members, SABEW announces a revamp its job listings site and launch of a market to connect business freelancers and editors.

“We’re responding to a huge need among people who have been caught up in especially severe cutbacks among business journalists, not just in daily newspapers but across all media. A lot of them have suddenly been thrust into freelancing to support themselves,” said SABEW President Bernie Kohn of the Baltimore Sun. “It’s a scary proposition, especially in this economic climate, and we want to do all we can to get folks back on their feet and keep them in the profession they love.”

The revamped jobs site on the organization’s web site, www.sabew.org:

* Prominently displays JOBS on the home page left menu to click directly to the job site;
* Removes password protection from job listings so they are accessible to any journalist looking for work;
* Removes password protection so any media outlet can post a job;
* Accepts listings from journalism, PR and related fields. SABEW members post jobs for free. Non-members pay $30 per job per month.

SABEW also has launched a freelance market for its members to help bring editors together with freelancers looking for work. SABEW established a listserv of more than 100 business freelancers. Any editor or media organization can circulate freelance work proposals to the listserv.

To post a job with SABEW, circulate a freelance opportunity, add your e-mail address to the freelancer listserv, or join SABEW, e-mail sabew@missouri.edu.

The jobs listings and freelance initiatives are part of SABEW efforts to help its membership cope with the media transformation. Last month, SABEW announced a one-time special offer of a discounted membership rate for members who have lost their jobs.

SABEW also will offer a mentor for business journalist who accepted a buyout was laid off or otherwise put out of work by the cuts. The aim is to help these journalists by providing advice, networking opportunities and career development suggestions. To request a SABEW mentor e-mail Dawn.Wotapka@DowJones.com.