Meanwhile, as an independent journalist, Nair recognized the unique opportunity in how communication was changing in real time. She made the pivot: “I was seeing how a digital, AI-centered world was affecting human connection, yet no one was reporting on it,” Nair said.

Though the job creates more independence, all three journalists noted they did miss the people they used to work with and offered high praise for their former teammates.

Still, independence creates autonomy and the ability to set your own schedule.

Ashton said she doesn’t miss the early wake-up calls and the heavy hair and makeup required for news networks, while Nair echoed similar sentiments, adding she doesn’t miss the long hours and unpredictable travel.

Moran said newsrooms can lack civic spirit, calling it “a rhetorical ornament, put up for show, rather than a democratic necessity and journalistic obligation.”

Establish credibility and build a connection

In this new space of journalism, being seen as a credible voice takes work, and as Nair pointed out, no newsroom staff validates your work; you have to do it all yourself.

“I use the same reporting standards and editorial judgment I developed in network news. Before I publish anything, I ask myself whether it is accurate, useful, and responsible,” Nair said.

However, credibility can take different forms with different audiences.

Moran says credibility is about getting it right and telling the truth about what it means, while Ashton says that in today’s world, having your name attached to a news organization doesn’t automatically make you a credible voice: “Being a good communicator with good credentials does,” Ashton added.

Don’t wait for the audience to come to you

Becoming an independent journalist isn’t easy, especially when you have to build and sustain audiences. Moran said that the main thing is to establish a connection with the audience, adding, “You’ll know you’re connecting by their authentic responses to the work.”

According to Ashton, a primary goal is establishing trust and authenticity with an audience. Nair added that her advice is to focus on your goals and make sure everything you produce follows that core idea.

For those considering this field, Ashton emphasizes patience and focus, noting that audiences won’t just come to you.

“You have to go to them. You need to find them, and they need to choose you as their source,” Ashton said.

Nair says you should be willing to take a risk within this new space, adding that you should use the skill sets that you have honed as a reporter to your advantage, using investigative experience to “understand what people need.”

Finally, Moran says your audience should get the truth from you: “Don’t fake outrage if you don’t feel it. Don’t run from a hard subject. Do follow your heart.”