So, what exactly does a “stringer” in the journalism field do anyway? And what is so cool about chasing sunsets? 

The stringer connects the press with breaking news providing an extra set of eyes on the scene — what we call a “backpack journalist” at Madison College. The stringer walks the streets risking life and limb chasing police scanner tips and stepping on unwelcome turf. The stringer is the one getting the job done.  

“Stringers are journalists who provide news organizations with media coverage, often on a freelance basis,” Indeed.com states. “Some people start their journalism careers as stringers since it can help them develop their skills and help them find future employment in the industry.” 

The hustle 

Finding a breaking story is the art of being a stringer. On Aug.15, 2023, the journey to Los Angeles offered the opportunity to test drive a day in the life of being a stringer for the Madison College Clarion. The trip lasted roughly 36 hours, consisting of taking a super cold shower at Dusk Hotel on Sunset Boulevard to conduct market research seeking answers about the Hollywood strikes.  

After bumping into a guy who was our V.I.P. van tour guide, the reality of Los Angeles manifested quickly. Fear, loathing and the road ahead would take a three-hour tour into the Hollywood hills. The fear was our tour guide sharing his story about leaving the life of being a background actor stating, “we wait around doing nothing for days making minimum wage. Tour guide is my dream job.” 

The journey as a stringer began at Madison College 

My certificate journey began in 2018 through the Intro to Entrepreneurship course after developing the Bob Cobb Freelance Ink LLC business plan. The plan evolved into a practicum pilot through the Investigative Journalism and Documentary Storytelling courses. The student entrepreneurship adventure braved the uncharted waters of the pandemic as a live stream reporter and ended up profiling Bobby Seale and his advocacy after visiting Madison College.  

• The Journalism Certificate credits are transferable to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 
• The course is referred to as “Backpack Journalism,” offering techniques for researching. 
• Can be taken as electives recognized by Financial Aid through dual attendance at both the university and community college aside from declaring a major.  

The Clarion offers a great resource for developing a side stream of revenue called “bootstrapping,” created through the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Madison College Challenge. Bootstrappers can take on freelance jobs to help pay for operating costs, college tuition and most of all, trips to Los Angeles.  

Talk to an advisor or stop by the Clarion newsroom in Student Life to discuss your journalism future. Create your breaking news or soft feature canvas and be part of our outstanding newsletter and newspaper.