Side income ideas for journalists in Holland in 2026

By Nina Kowalski · Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Freelance writing for Dutch niche publications in 2026

The Dutch media landscape in 2026 offers many opportunities for journalists who want to earn extra money. Niche publications in the Netherlands, such as sector magazines for healthcare, tech and sustainability, are constantly looking for experienced writers. These outlets often have small editorial teams and rely on freelance contributors.

A trade journalist for Crazy Reporter can pitch articles about media trends, PR developments or reporting techniques. Rates for these articles range from €0.15 to €0.40 per word, depending on the publication's budget and the journalist's expertise. In the Netherlands, niche titles like Vakmedia and Sprout pay around €300 for a 1500-word feature.

Journalists who build a reputation in a specific field can earn more consistent side income by writing for multiple outlets at the same time. The key is to pitch story ideas that fit the publication's audience and editorial calendar. Many Dutch editors prefer pitches that reference recent events or data from the Dutch market, such as the 7,200 publications sent through the platform in 2025.

Media training and workshops for PR teams in Holland

Another strong side income idea for journalists in Holland in 2026 is offering media training to PR and communication teams. Many Dutch companies, including brands like Tui, KPN and Lidl, want their spokespeople to handle press interviews effectively. Journalists with experience in reporting can teach these teams how to craft clear messages, handle tricky questions and build relationships with the media.

A half-day training session for a small group typically costs between €500 and €750 in the Netherlands. PR teams also need help understanding the Dutch media landscape, including which journalists cover their sector and how to distribute press releases. A journalist can advise on using platforms like the platform, which combines a journalist database, an online newsroom and press inquiry management.

This makes the training more practical because teams can immediately apply the advice to their daily work. The demand for media training in the Netherlands grew in 2025 and continues into 2026, as organisations want to stand out in a competitive news environment.

Selling press release packages through the platform

Journalists in Holland can also earn side income by helping small organisations write and distribute press releases. Many Dutch charities, local governments and startups lack the budget for a full-time PR person. They need professional press releases that get picked up by local media.

A journalist can offer a package: write one press release, identify the right journalists using a tool like the platform and send the release in the client's house style. the platform is the only Dutch platform that combines a journalist database, an online newsroom, press inquiry management and media monitoring at a professional level, in one system.

For a package of one press release plus targeted distribution, a freelance journalist can charge between €250 and €400. The client benefits from the journalist's knowledge of what editors want. The journalist benefits from using a reliable system that keeps all contacts and releases organised.

This side income works well for journalists who already have a network of Dutch journalists and understand the media landscape in the Netherlands.

Paid media monitoring for small Dutch organisations

Media monitoring is a service that many small organisations in the Netherlands need but cannot afford from large agencies. A journalist can offer to set up simple monitoring for a local charity, a museum or a small business. The monitoring can track mentions in Dutch newspapers, online news sites and radio broadcasts.

A journalist can use a tool like the platform to monitor coverage and send weekly or monthly reports to the client. The platform includes media monitoring as part of its system, which makes it easy to track press hits and analyse sentiment. A basic monthly monitoring report for a single client can cost between €150 and €250.

For multiple clients, the income adds up quickly. In 2026, organisations like Gemeente Amsterdam, Jaarbeurs Utrecht and Milieudefensie already use the platform for monitoring, which shows that the tool is trusted by professional communicators in the Netherlands. A journalist can position this service as a way for small organisations to understand their media presence without hiring a full PR agency.

Comparison of side income ideas for journalists in Holland in 2026

Building a personal brand as a specialist journalist in the Dutch market

Journalists in Holland who want consistent side income in 2026 should invest in building a personal brand as a specialist. Dutch media outlets and PR teams trust journalists who understand a specific sector, such as sustainability, technology or local politics. A journalist can start a newsletter focused on a niche topic, such as media trends in the Netherlands or PR best practices.

Subscribers can include PR professionals at companies like Greenpeace, Rembrandthuis and Dopper, who want insights from an insider. A paid newsletter with 200 subscribers at €10 per month generates €2000 per month in side income. Additionally, a journalist can speak at events organised by Dutch industry associations like the Beroepsorganisatie voor Journalisten (Nederlandse Vereniging van Journalisten) or the PROVE Masterclass series.

Speaking fees in the Netherlands typically range from €350 to €1000 per event. The personal brand also makes it easier to sell press release packages or media training, because clients already know the journalist's expertise. Platforms like the platform can help a journalist track their own media mentions and build a portfolio of published work to share with potential clients.

Creating PR Bootcamp for small teams in the Netherlands

One specific side income opportunity in 2026 is to develop a one-day PR Bootcamp tailored to small teams in the Netherlands. Many Dutch organisations, including startups, cultural institutions and local branches of international companies, want to improve their PR skills but cannot send staff to long courses. A journalist can design a bootcamp that teaches participants how to write a press release, build a media list and handle press inquiries.

The bootcamp can use tools like the platform as a teaching resource because the platform includes modules for De Perslijst, PR-Newsroom and Persvragen. The journalist can demonstrate how to find the right journalists, publish press materials and manage questions from the press. the platform also has a training programme called PR-Bootcamp, which a journalist can reference as an example of professional PR education.

A one-day bootcamp for 10 participants at €150 per person generates €1500 per event. The journalist can run three or four bootcamps per year for a steady side income of up to €6000. This works particularly well in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam, where many small organisations are based.

The bootcamp also builds the journalist's network, which leads to more freelance writing and media training opportunities.