Media Confidential Ben Zand: How to make money in journalism (without selling your soul)
Dec 1, 2025
Ben Zand, a documentary maker and founder of Zandland, shares his insights on creating authentic journalism for younger audiences. He discusses his journey from the BBC to independence, emphasizing the importance of resilience in dealing with rejection. Zand delves into the challenges and opportunities of building a media company that prioritizes journalistic values. He also critiques the BBC's need to adapt and explores the potential of podcasts and affordable documentaries to foster community engagement.
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Inside A Goon Cave
- Ben Zand spent time inside a "goon cave" to tell a human story behind extreme porn addiction and loneliness.
- He then took the subject to a sex psychologist to explore causes and possible help.
From Local Kid To BBC Doc Maker
- Ben traced his route from Liverpool to Edinburgh Napier and then into BBC roles across radio, online and social content.
- He credits BBC training and relentless pitching for launching his documentary career.
Bootstrap With Commissions
- Start with a commission and use multi‑skilled crew to make content on tight margins and reinvest proceeds.
- Pitch relentlessly and be prepared to go unpaid while building a body of work and reputation.