Media Helping Media offers free training resources covering basic, advanced and investigative journalism, editorial ethics, media management and strategy, and staff training. We also have scenarios to test journalistic instincts. The site is supported by Fojo Media Institute.
Assorted training modules
Running a successful news meeting
Most newsrooms hold regular news meetings where the editor sets out what news stories are going to be covered and invites the news team to offer ideas about how the news should be developed and covered.
News writing tips for beginners
A journalist writing a news story is the author, organiser and decision maker. Without them the story may never be told. They make the most important decision of all by asking the question - is there a story?
How to design a successful media training plan
A well-designed media training plan could make the difference between the success and the failure of a media business. Get it wrong and you could be adding to the problems you were asked to address.
For journalists, clarity is as important as accuracy
These are a few thoughts (some of them taken from The Economist’s style guide and those of other respected newspapers) for journalists writing and editing copy in English.
50 tips for budding journalists
A journalist must learn the house rules of the media organisations they are working for. All will have a set of guidelines and a style guide. But here are general tips about starting off in journalism.
Editorial ethics scenario
Try our editorial ethics scenario and see what you would do if an earlier laps in editorial judgement led to you feeling unable to cover a news story because of external pressures.
Tips for writing radio news scripts
Writing a script for a radio news package
Keep it short and simple
Radio journalists need to be able to pick the best, most newsworthy audio...
24 tips for journalistic productivity
If you turn up for the daily news meeting without a story idea, you're in the wrong job. A journalist should be living and breathing stories 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.
Parliamentary reporting tips for beginners
To cover parliament, a journalist needs to know local laws, understand parliamentary procedure, know about the politicians and the political parties involved, and have a solid knowledge of history.
Fairness in journalism
Fairness in journalism means exploring all sides of an issue and reporting the findings accurately. Members of the public should never be used to exaggerate the importance of a story.
Respecting privacy as a journalist
Journalists face a difficult balancing act. They must respect privacy, but they must also be rigorous and robust in their investigation into issues that are in the public interest.
Why editorial ethics are important
The Media Helping Media ethics section is designed to help journalists understand and navigate some of the challenges they are likely to face as they go about their work.
How to set online news priorities
Tips on how to run a news website which is part of a converged news operation involving broadcast and/or print in order to fully exploit existing resources and add in-depth interactive elements.
The challenges facing journalists covering elections
The challenge of objectivity, impartiality in journalism is faced daily by journalists, but there is no test of professionalism greater than the heat and pressure of a bitterly-fought political election.
Is your journalism open to manipulation?
The relationship between the media and politicians can have an impact on the functioning society. One of the roles of the journalist is to scrutinise the actions of politicians without getting too close.
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. If you are to uncover the story you need to keep asking questions.
Avoiding the pitfalls of investigative journalism
Producing a piece of investigative journalism to international standards can be a daunting prospect. This guide is to help journalists avoid some of the pitfalls and problems often encountered.
10 tips for investigating corruption
An investigative journalist has to plot the geometry of bribery, determine the currency of influence, document the paper trail, and deal with threats and retaliation when investigating corruption.
Prioritising production with the content value matrix
How to prioritise newsroom effort
There are many demands on a newsroom. There is the routine flow of news releases and stage-managed events that need to...
Social media in news production and news dissemination
Social media is an increasingly disruptive force on the media landscape. It challenges traditional, mainstream media to reconsider how they operate.
Newsgathering tips for producing great content
The newsgathering process involves sourcing ideas, planning coverage, assigning teams, structuring packages, monitoring the web, working in the field - and coming back alive and well.
How to develop a media sales strategy
Sales is one of the most important elements of a media company's commercial strategy. The sustainability of the business relies on its ability to generate income.
Preparing and introducing a media corporate plan
The corporate plan is the most important tool in a media chief executive’s toolbox. Without it the media organisation can become lost and directionless.
Identifying the target audience and its information needs
The first step in setting up a media business is to identify the audience you plan to serve. You need to know their information needs so that you can better serve them.
Editorial integrity scenario
You are invited to make a public speaking appearance at a political event where the organisers want you to explain the role of journalism in covering elections. They offer you a gift. What do you do?
Protecting the integrity of an interview
An editorial integrity scenario where a journalist on a large salary faces the dilemma of whether to compromise their editorial integrity, become a whistleblower, or resign. What would you do?
Editorial ethics scenario
Try our editorial ethics scenario and see what you would do if an earlier laps in editorial judgement led to you feeling unable to cover a news story because of external pressures.
How to design a successful media training plan
A well-designed media training plan could make the difference between the success and the failure of a media business. Get it wrong and you could be adding to the problems you were asked to address.
Adopting the right attitude 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. Some fairly strong points made by participants.
Wanted, your media know-how
Are you a journalist, media manager or media trainer with some tips to share for the benefit of others? If so, please consider submitting a training module to Media Helping Media.