Check out our short guide setting out how to make the best use of the free training resources on Media Helping Media.
Media Helping Media (MHM)
Preserving and promoting the core principles of accurate, impartial, public-service journalism by offering free training materials in multiple formats to be downloaded, adapted, and used.
Essential Journalism Values
CHECK OUT MORE THAN 250 ARTICLES ON JOURNALISM BEST PRACTICEFree Journalism Learning Materials
DOWNLOAD AND ADAPT MORE THAN 140 ASSORTED TRAINING RESOURCESWhat editors look for when hiring
What's the best preparation for a career in journalism? Media Helping Media asked some experts in the field what they look for when hiring staff.
Journalism and the public interest
All news stories should, by definition, be interesting. They should immediately capture the attention and make the audience want to know more.
Why some news stories are rejected
There will be times when a news story is withheld from publication, we look at why, what changes might be needed, and how to make sure a story is ethical and legally safe.
Photojournalism and ethics
The following are commonly accepted ethical guidelines for photojournalists adopted by most mainstream media.
Conflicts of interest
In journalism, public trust is essential for credibility. One of the most significant threats to that trust are the many possible conflicts of interest that might confront journalists.
Impartiality in journalism
For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.
Using AI as a newsroom tool
Discover the pros and cons of AI in news production. We interview Google Gemini to explore how artificial intelligence views its growing role in journalism.
Data journalism glossary
The following words and terms are commonly used in data journalism. Data journalists might want to familiarise themselves with them.
Engaging viewers and listeners
TV and radio presenters need to connect with the audience, building trust and respect. Here Riz Khan shares some tips for engaging viewers and listeners.
How to investigate official documents
The investigative journalist never takes things at face value. They probe and question in order to get to the truth, especially with official
The investigative journalism mindset
The investigative mindset is responsible for solving more information mysteries than probably any other factor. If you haven’t started writing down your best strategies now might be the time to start.
Tool: Motive, veracity, and security (MVS) matrix
This free Media Helping Media matrix is designed to help journalists assess the risks and benefits of investigating a tip-off or a leak.
Tool: The MHM newsroom staffing rota
Every news operations needs a staffing rota that provides excellent coverage during operational hours, makes maximum use of resources, and offers significant benefits for staff.
Tool: Story Weighting System
Different news stories have a different value for your audience and for your business. Giving news items a 'weighting' can lead to impact and efficiencies.
Adopting the ‘big story’ approach
Professional news relies on meticulous planning and coverage. Yet, some stories remain unpredictable. Explore the balance between preparation and the unexpected.
Newspaper audience research
Audience research is essential if a newspaper is to remain relevant and generate revenue, but some publishers fail to gather adequate audience feedback.
Creating a converged newsroom
A converged news operation offers improved quality control, more efficient workflows, cost savings, a steady flow of original journalism across all devices, and new resulting business opportunities.
Audience research and segmentation
In a rapidly shifting media landscape, where consumers have more choice than ever, a deep understanding of the audience has become essential for all media companies.
Doorstepping – scenario
You are a local newspaper reporter sent out to doorstep a bereaved family but you lie to your news editor because you are reluctant to intrude on their grief.
Off-the-record chat – scenario
In this scenario we look at what a journalist should do with off-the-record information when it relates to a major news event.
Interviewing integrity – scenario
In this scenario, an award-winning journalist is offered a top job at national TV station, but soon after starting her new job she discovers corruption in the media house.
Tool: SMART objectives for media training
Those delivering media training need to focus on SMART objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
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.
Evaluating the impact of training
The evaluation process for media training is set in motion the moment you are engaged by the media organisation you are being asked to help.
Tool: Story Weighting System
Different news stories have a different value for your audience and for your business. Giving news items a 'weighting' can lead to impact and efficiencies.
Tool: MHM Story Builder
The Media Helping Media’s Story Builder is a simple tool created to help those who are new to journalism write informative news articles.
Tool: Learning management systems
Learning Management Systems (LMS) are increasingly becoming the digital backbone of all media training, in particular Training of Trainers (ToT) courses.
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