About
Paydesk was founded on the front lines of the Balkan wars—a partnership between journalist Henry Peirse and tech entrepreneur Morgan Sowden, forged during the siege of Sarajevo. Henry, a seasoned reporter, was covering the conflict as a freelancer, while Morgan, at the start of a career spanning eBay, Facebook, and Octopus, was setting up one of the region’s first public internet providers. Their shared experience in one of the most challenging environments imaginable gave them unique insight into the needs of newsrooms and freelancers alike.
This foundation in journalism, paired with technological expertise, created Paydesk—a platform that genuinely understands the needs of freelance journalists, reporters, broadcasters, photographers, videographers, film makers, field producers as well as those of the organizations they serve. After ten years of operations, we are the world’s largest network of vetted news professionals, used by some of the world’s largest broadcasters and publishers to gain quick, reliable access to local expertise in over 180 countries.
Why Choose Paydesk?
- Global Access, Local Expertise: With 10,000+ news professionals covering 100+ languages in 180 countries, Paydesk brings deep, local perspectives to global newsrooms.
- Quality You Can Trust: Every professional on our platform is thoroughly vetted, offering clients fast, reliable access to skilled freelancers.
- Supporting Freelancers: Our journalism roots mean we empathize deeply with freelancers’ need for consistent, timely payments. Paydesk guarantees that once work is completed and approved, freelancers are paid quickly and securely.
- Innovative Solutions: With integrated payments, insurance, and an intuitive booking interface, Paydesk makes it easier for newsrooms to access and manage top talent wherever stories unfold.
- Restore Trust: As the world of news evolves, audiences are drawn to authentic, well-informed descriptions. By using local talent to tell stories rooted in firsthand knowledge, media organizations build trust and credibility, connecting audiences with the context and depth they seek.
Moving Journalism Forward
We see the news business today much like the music industry of the early 2000s: the traditional revenue model has shifted, creating both challenges and opportunities. While the old ways of hiring and employing news professionals have changed, the demand for quality journalism is as strong as ever. Just as streaming revolutionized music, Paydesk is reshaping journalism by connecting clients directly to an expansive network of freelance news professionals worldwide.
Paydesk provides flexibility, stability, and empathy in an industry facing constant change. We empower freelancers by ensuring they are supported and fairly compensated, while enabling clients to extend their reach and tell the stories that matter. Whether you’re a small publication or a major broadcaster, Paydesk is your trusted gateway to news professionals worldwide.