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Music Journalists

Outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook projects that employment of reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts will decline by 10 percent through 2028, due to the continued consolidation of magazines and newspapers and resulting budget and staff cuts. Specialty writers such as music journalists, however, may experience better employment opportunities due to their expertise and knowledge. Strong employment growth is expected for music journalists who write for online newspapers and magazines, although these positions are often part time and offer low pay.

The demand for music journalists will be higher in large cities such as New York, Nashville, Chicago, or Seattle because of their large and busy music scenes. Those just breaking into journalism might find better luck starting at smaller community newspapers and other publications. In general, opportunities will be best for writers who are willing to relocate and accept relatively low starting salaries. With experience, music writers at small papers can move up to editing positions or may choose to transfer to reporting jobs at larger newspapers or magazines.

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