Can journalists have their stories "stolen" by pitched editors?

Reputable publications would not do that.

@JonnyCeltics, what size is the article and what type of publications are you engaged with to sell the story?

Yes it can happen. If it’s a great story idea and they can access the sources, why would they pay you to go and do the work when they have a journo they have already paid sitting there? It might not be reputable but we are talking about a business. If they have no real connection or loyalty to you, a freelancer, they could steal an idea. Give enough information to explain the concept but not so much your story can be produced by an in house journalist. Don’t give details such as source names and the like.

I have had journalists from large mainstream publications cut and paste whole sections of my stories (printed in another publication) and published under their byline. Annoying to say the least.

You’ve have journalists from major publications plagiarize your work, @Bellatrix? It is more than annoying. It is illegal.

It’s happened. In hindsight, I should have contacted the editor of the publication – but I didn’t.

I need a copyeditor. LOL ^

They would wait until your story is written, then decide if one of their writers can do a better job.

Did you proof read the first line of your question here?