Abc
Lots of stories,
too few journalists
Hi
What I do
I’m Claudia Elliott, an independent journalist, currently based in Bakersfield, California.
I’ve tried retirement, but here’s the thing — there is too much news not being covered because, quite simply, there are not enough journalists, especially at the local level.*
For people like me, who believe an informed citizenry is essential for a successful democracy, the statistics are appalling. I try to help this situation by finding important stories that might otherwise go unreported.
Newspapers, magazines, and online publications publish my work, providing readers with access to important information.
*Here’s why: Newsroom employment fell by 57% between 2008 and 2020, and newspaper industry employment has continued to decline since. In July 2024, the LA Times reported that California had lost one-third of its newspapers and 68% of journalists since 2005.
There’s always a story. It’s all stories, really. The sun coming up every day is a story. Everything’s got a story in it. Change the story, change the world.” ― Terry Pratchett, “A Hat Full of Sky”
Are you looking for a freelance journalist in Kern County or California's Mojave Desert? I'd love to hear from you!
Recent awards
My reporting for the Tehachapi News has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association and the George F. Gruner Awards (Fresno State University):
- 1st Place, Housing and Land-Use Reporting — CNPA California Journalism Awards, 2025
- 2nd Place, Coverage of Youth and Education — CNPA California Journalism Awards, 2025
- 1st Place, Best Sports Story — George F. Gruner Awards, 2023 (plus three honorable mentions)
- 1st Place, Features Story — George F. Gruner Awards, 2022
→ See work sample page for award-winning stories
Affiliations
Society of Professional Journalists
I am a professional member of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. I do my very best to follow and uphold the SPJ Code of Ethics.
California News Publishers Association
I’m a freelance member of the California News Publishers Association. I found CNPA valuable when I was a student journalist trying to learn about the industry and scoping out job possibilities and later as a reporter, editor and newspaper publisher. It was once called the California Newspaper Publishers Association but has adapted to the times!
First Amendment Coalition
The First Amendment Coalition is an award-winning, nonprofit public interest organization dedicated to advancing free speech, more open and accountable government, and public participation in civic affairs. I help support this organization because it works to advance one of the most important elements of our democracy, the people’s right to know. I encourage you to check out this resource.