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 RESOURCESNews writing for beginners
A journalist writing a news story is the author, organiser and decision maker. Without them the story may never be told.
In journalism, good writing is plain writing
The purpose of news writing is to convey meaning clearly and effortlessly by using precise, comprehensible, and easily digestible words.
Lateral reading
When it comes to fact-checking and adding context to news articles, journalists need to apply ‘lateral reading’ in order to broaden their knowledge.
Respecting privacy as a journalist
Journalists face a difficult balancing act. They must respect privacy, but they must also investigate issues that are in the public interest.
Fairness in journalism
Fairness in journalism means exploring all sides of an issue and reporting the findings accurately.
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.
The importance of keeping records
Journalists who want to inform the audience need to keep records so that they can add context to breaking news stories without having to rely on others for background information
Planning a radio current affairs programme
Explore the difference between radio news and daily current affairs programmes, and learn how they work together to keep audiences fully informed.
Investigating election irregularities
What should journalists look out for when covering elections? We look at five areas.
The investigative journalism dossier
Discipline, order and a well thought out plan are essential for successful investigative journalism.
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.
Investigating corruption
A journalist investigating corruption faces many risks and challenges. Investigative journalist Don Ray shares his experience.
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.
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.
Project management skills
Successful media projects, whether new programmes, live event coverage or product launches, rely on following specific regulatory rules and industry guidelines.
Reviewing news output is essential
A media house needs to be continually assessing whether its output is meeting the needs of the audience and achieving business targets.
The value of audience research
Knowing your audience and understanding the issues they face are essential factors in developing a compelling editorial proposition.
Covering a tragedy – scenario
In this scenario we look at how a journalist should act when they witness a tragedy unfolding and have to decide whether to help, or to stand by and report.
Journalistic integrity – scenario
In this scenario a political correspondent working for a broadcaster is asked to speak at an event organised by a political party - but there is a catch.
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.
The MHM public service journalism curriculum
The following curriculum is designed for journalists who want to improve their skills, and for journalism trainers to adapt and use.
Tool: Evaluation and Impact Assessment
Training should always be judged by its effectiveness, and there are several tools for measuring success. The following is to evaluate the assess the impact of the training.
Wanted, your media know-how
Have you got any journalism expertise that you are willing to share with others? If so, please get in touch.
Tool: The MHM reporter’s notebook
If you are starting out in journalism you might find our Media Helping Media Reporter's Notebook helpful when covering your first story.
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: The MHM reporter’s notebook
If you are starting out in journalism you might find our Media Helping Media Reporter's Notebook helpful when covering your first story.
You can use...
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The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.