Occupying a middle ground between traditional journalism and communication, the corporate journalist's profession remains unfamiliar to the general public. Those who lend their pen to the official discourse of their employing company create various content for internal and external audiences. What are the specificities of this profession? How does a corporate journalist differ from a communication officer? And what about the necessity of validating their production?
Anne Diradourian, a freelance corporate journalist for over 10 years, emphasizes the diversity of her tasks: "I assist companies and organizations in their editorial communication. I write content with significant added value for both print and web. I don't create marketing content or commercial brochures. I work on activity reports, CSR reports, corporate magazines, and even company books," she explains.
As a multimedia professional, a corporate journalist is involved in various mediums such as podcasts and videos. Matthieu, a corporate journalist for an insurance company in Lyon, exemplifies this versatility. He writes articles and produces video reports on topics like customer relations or office relocations. While the 38-year-old journalist's work is primarily published on the company's intranet, it occasionally gains visibility on the company's website. Matthieu adds, "My company organizes public-facing events, and I cover this news, which resembles regional daily press coverage. Recently, I wrote an article about an association we collaborate with that supports autistic individuals."
"Putting one's ego aside"
Anne Diradourian and Matthieu share a common background: both have a journalism education. Anne graduated from ESJ Paris, while Matthieu was trained in journalism at CUEJ in Strasbourg. These former press journalists acknowledge that they did not initially envision a career in corporate journalism. After working for about fifteen years in regional press, particularly at La Voix du Nord, Anne Diradourian served as editorial and communication manager at ESJ Lille. Later, she became the editor-in-chief of a general information magazine in the Hauts-de-France region. However, after nine issues, the media filed for bankruptcy. She says, "It was a big surprise. As I had this communication role and there were no prospects in the press, I accepted a position as communication director in a startup. After three years, I felt the urge to start my own business and created my company."
For these two formally trained journalists, retaining the techniques and know-how inherent to journalism is crucial. Matthieu insists, "In the company where I work, the role of a corporate journalist does not officially exist. I am officially a communication activities manager, but I consider the work I do to be journalistic." Collecting information through interviews, narrating a video or audio report, editing a story, producing a report—the practice closely resembles that of a press journalist. The notable difference is that corporate journalists lack a press card and must have their topics and texts approved by the management.
"It's essential to set aside your ego. I have no problem validating my texts, most of which aren't even signed," assures Anne Diradourian. While it may have initially been a challenge for him, Matthieu now faces no issues validating the content he produces. He adds, "I validate it with my manager and the subject matter experts, who are the company's experts."
Versatile Tasks and Less Precariousness Than in the Press
While facing more validation constraints than in the press, Anne Diradourian doesn't regret her professional transition. "I enjoy being independent; it's a freedom that is priceless. I work alone, but I collaborate with the communication teams of companies or agencies. I often travel, and I tackle very diverse subjects it's a mental gymnastics that I find extremely pleasing," she emphasizes.
For Matthieu, it's a similar story. "I work for a company with values that I share, and the atmosphere is good. Unlike the press and media, it's a much less precarious lifestyle. It's real security, especially when you have two children like me," he adds. Anne Diradourian confirms: "It's a job that is better paid than freelance work. I sign annual or monthly contracts with companies that offer higher rates than freelance rates."
To inform employees about their company's life or highlight its activities to clients and the general public, the corporate journalist puts their editorial expertise into creating high-value content. Perhaps a less prestigious path than a permanent position in a national daily, but one that comes with significant advantages!
Matthieu Maurer (Contributor)