Oliver Bateman Does the WorkVerified account

There are places that include it in the freelancer agreement (G/O, Longreads, probably others)

I’d have to pore back over it when I have a chance. Happy to.

Thanks good brother.

I have no such agreements in place. Even the print piece I just did for Men's Health carries no such protections, but they (like VQR) have fact checkers combing every statement. But I don't generally cover breaking stuff or things that might trigger defamation litigation

That's part of the nature of places moving toward 100% 1099 labor -- investigative, topical work isn't great from a cost-benefit perspective. Historical pieces and largely harmless/positive or just offbeat features are much safer. Journalism goes kayfabe!

In 18+ years I believe there was one instance where a publication I worked for was threatened with accusations of defamation. Cannot recall the context. But I’m also confident the places I freelance for wouldn’t leave me culpable and exposed.

I mean, you’d hope so—like HuffPost stepping up for Yashar—but it’s better guaranteed. God bless the @gmgunion for getting that protection in for freelancers and not just the staff/union members.

I am 10000 percent with you on union inclusion for freelancers, and have broached the issue with relevant parties in my own career.