Australian start-up creates marketplace connecting freelancers and publishers

Australian start-up, Newsmodo, creates marketplace connecting freelancers and publishers

Rakhal Ebeli, a former journalist and Network Ten presenter has developed a web based media marketplace called Newsmodo that connects media organizations with freelance contributors including journalists, photographers, camera operators and other media professionals.

Newsmodo allows for freelancers to access real work opportunities and pitch directly to publishers while publishers and media organizations can send in briefs for stories they need freelance journalists to cover.

The site manages each individual request from media organizations and enables freelancers to pitch their stories, videos, and images in a targeted manner. Briefs are distributed directly to vetted freelancers (inclusive of price) through Newsmodo, who are then given the opportunity to respond with their relevant pitches. Publishers are subsequently able to choose the pitch they feel best meets the brief.

Previously, Newsmodo relied on freelancers to upload relevant content that would catch the eye of publishers or newsrooms for them to purchase exclusively through the site. Yet, even though publishers found it valuable to have access to thousands of freelancers, their main concern was making sure the stories they wanted were 100% customized.

Therefore, in response to this feedback, the system has now changed from having freelancers pitch stories to letting freelancers respond to a brief by publishers/newsrooms that they feel comfortable responding to.

The new design has seen hundreds of media organizations internationally tapping into the global freelancer reach of Newsmodo, with wish lists of exclusive stories. The site has successfully commissioned and sold content across Australia, US, UK, The Middle East, and Asia.

Newsmodo website

Briefs met and currently being pitched to by freelancers from around the globe, include:

• Exclusive interview with Amanda Knox
• Syrian exclusive with images from the war zone
• British Government worker’s 7 hour Afghan attack
• Tour de France coverage
• Nelson Mandela coverage
• Egypt coverage

Some of Newsmodo’s clients to date include The Sun, ITV, NBC, The Daily Mail, as well as more than 3000 freelance professionals.

Both media organizations and freelancers are able to access Newsmodo for free, with only a negotiated fee being charged to the freelancer, upon commissioning. It is 100% obligation free to set briefs and pitches.

Briefs can be submitted anytime to Newsmodo’s 24/7 team, by visiting www.newsmodo.com, emailing editor@newsmodo.com or calling +61 425 741 147.