Fixers as Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This article examines how fixers and local journalists are increasingly organising among themselves to manage working contracts with foreign correspondents venturing into their countries. This study first reflects on the traditional modus operandi of foreign correspondents and fixers, as covered in the work of authors such as Hannerz, Maxwell-Hamilton, Murrell and Paterson et al. It then moves on to update the narrative of one group of fixers, from being ad hoc hires to becoming media entrepreneurs. This study also explores the growing number of online organisations that are turning this long-standing newsgathering role into a trading profession, that is opening up beyond the news media into other areas of practice such as film-making and business. It explores a range of new media organisations from large transnational ones to boutique operations, and gathers data from some of the key people behind these changes. As local fixers, producers and journalists remain uniquely exposed to violence and danger in the course of their jobs, this study also explores if any changes are being implemented to try and ensure better safety standards.