All articles, lessons, and modules on Media Helping Media are free to adapt and use.
Language and style – basics
This training module from The News Manual looks at language and style in news writing. It offers guidance on how to write sentences for maximum understanding, and examines why care over language is important.
Using the right words
Words are the essential tools of journalism. They convey meaning and help the audience understand the issues we are covering. So they need to be used properly.
Is your journalism ethical?
Reliable journalism is based on applying strict editorial ethics to all we do so that we can examine the issues that have the most impact on the lives of our audience.
Unconscious bias and journalism
Bias is a prejudice or favour for or against an individual or group. It is often an inaccurate and unfair judgement. We are all biased. It’s normal, although it is not desirable.
The essential role of journalism
Journalism isn’t just reporting, it’s witnessing history, challenging power, amplifying unheard voices, and making sense of a chaotic world.
Planning effective election coverage
Planning is essential for journalists to produce effective election coverage.
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Tips for investigative journalism
This article looks at some of the main points to consider when producing a piece of investigative journalism.
How to investigate corruption safely
Investigating and reporting on corruption involves risk. Here we look at how investigative journalists stay safe when covering stories that are likely to anger those who are determined to keep their secrets hidden.
Adopting the ‘big story’ approach
Planning is critically important in the news business. It’s the mark of professionalism and the essence of good coverage. But there are some things you can’t plan.Big stories happen out of the blue. And when they happen you have to spring into action immediately.
Story development techniques
Journalists need to look for related stories, angles, or missing pieces of a story in order to help the audience understand the importance of the issue being covered.
Organising effective newsgathering
Here we look at ways to set up a strong newsgathering team from planning, production through to output.
The project management process
In this example, we were asked at short notice to help produce a televised debate between political candidates before a general election. We had three-and-half weeks to make it happen.
Creating a distinctive radio station sound
A radio station can only achieve impact if it has a unique and consistent sound and delivers content that the listeners can relate to.
The value of audience research
Knowing your audience and understanding the issues they face are essential factors in developing a compelling editorial proposition.
Emotional pressure – scenario
How should a reporter respond when someone uses emotional pressure and threats to try to stop them doing their job?
Withholding information – scenario
In this scenario a journalist comes across information that changes the focus of a story the editor had asked them to write. Should they include it or withhold it.
Legal threats – scenario
In this scenario a local newspaper reporter faces legal threats for a factual planning application report that lacked the applicant's demanded "positive spin."
Lesson: Interviewee Motivation
This lesson plan looks at why some people are willing to talk to an investigative journalist and why some won't.
Lesson: Brand Values
This lesson plan is designed to help participants understand the importance of brand values in news and how they apply to journalists..
Lesson: News Angles
A lesson plan is designed to help trainers teach students how to seek out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story.
Module: Editorial Ethics
This free educational module provides an outline for teaching students about editorial ethics. It's designed to be adapted by universities and colleges to meet local needs.
Module: Fact-Checking
This free educational module provides an outline for a six-week course teaching students about fact-checking in a world of information disorder.
Module: Broadcast Journalism
This free educational module provides an outline for teaching students about broadcast journalism. It’s designed to be adapted by universities and colleges to meet local needs.
The qualities required for media training
A trainer must not shout at participants or get into loud arguments. They must not make those attending their courses feel small or humiliate them.
Evaluation, impact, and assessment
Training should always be judged by its effectiveness, and there are several tools for measuring success.
Designing a media training plan
A well-designed media training plan could make the difference between the success and the failure of a media business.