The Economist announced July 10, 2026, that it is hiring freelance video editors to support its editorial video department [1].
This move signals a continued push toward diversifying digital delivery formats. As audiences shift away from traditional text-heavy consumption, the publication is prioritizing visual storytelling to maintain engagement across its platforms.
The publication said it is "seeking experienced editors to help create compelling and insightful videos" [1]. These freelance contributors will be tasked with producing content specifically for the company's app and website [1]. The focus remains on maintaining the publication's standard of insight while adapting it for a video-centric audience.
While the current openings are for freelance positions, the organization indicated that the staffing needs could evolve. The Economist said, "Permanent roles may become available in the future" [1].
The recruitment drive focuses on editors who can translate complex global analysis into a visual medium. This expansion allows the editorial video department to scale its output without immediately committing to a larger permanent headcount, a common strategy for media organizations managing digital transitions.
By integrating more video content, the publication aims to reach a broader demographic of users who prefer short-form and long-form video over long-form articles. The freelancers will work under the guidance of the editorial team to ensure the visual style aligns with the brand's established identity [1].
“The Economist is seeking experienced editors to help create compelling and insightful videos.”
The shift toward freelance video production reflects a broader trend in legacy journalism where traditional print brands transition into multi-media houses. By utilizing freelance talent for its app and website, The Economist can rapidly scale its video output to compete with digital-native news outlets while maintaining flexibility in its operational costs.
