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Starnes Publishing

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Good starting point for recent graduates but provides little growth opportunity - Editorial Starnes Publishing Employee Review

3.0
Jan 24, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The coverage area is good and provides young journalists with many opportunities to cover and write about a variety of topics (city council, board of education, business profiles, human interest features, sports, etc). You'll learn good reporting skills that will transfer well to other jobs in journalism. Stories are very self-driven so you'll have the freedom to choose your stories. People who read the papers are also generally very appreciative of our content and will light up when they hear who you work for which is a nice plus.

Cons

This is a small company that, in my opinion, has taken on more than they can handle without expanding the staff appropriately. Few positions have been added but not where they are needed, leading some employees to be incredibly overworked. There is also little room for growth in this company on the editorial side. After two years, most people will find themselves looking for something new to do or learn with few opportunities available. People applying for the editorial division should also be aware that you WILL NOT be compensated or reimbursed for mileage, and this job involves a lot of driving.

Explore other reviews about Starnes Publishing

5.0
Jan 3, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Wonderful editors and publishers, great stories related to specific communities around the Birmingham area, monthly publication provides lengthy deadlines, several special sections each year provide more writing opportunities.

Cons

I don't have any cons. It's been a great opportunity writing for them the past few years.

2.0
May 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Creative freedom. Great employees help make up for horrible management.

Cons

Extreme understaffing led to consistently working 60+ hours per week without overtime compensation in an effort to meet unrealistic expectations set by ownership that lacks an understanding of journalism and is willing to compromise ethical standards for financial gain. Benefits are virtually nonexistent. Ownership is not receptive to feedback, does not value employees as individuals or prioritize their well-being, and fails to take accountability for persistent issues with organization, inadequate staffing and communication. Heavy push to rely on AI to save time or replace entire roles with no regard for needed training or journalistic ethical standards.

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