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 RESOURCESConstructing a TV news package
This article sets out the basics for creating a news package for TV. It's been created for those starting out in TV journalism.
The questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
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.
Photojournalism and ethics
The following are commonly accepted ethical guidelines for photojournalists adopted by most mainstream media.
Accuracy in journalism
Precision is the soul of journalism. Rule one is simple: get it right. If you can't respect the absolute need for accuracy, this isn't the career for you.
Fairness in journalism
Fairness in journalism means exploring all sides of an issue and reporting the findings accurately.
Handling story leaks and tip-offs
A critical factor for journalists when handling and disseminating leaked material is the need to take account of the motives of the leaker.
Climate change – tone and language
Climate change is a complex and urgent story, demanding careful consideration of tone and language from the journalists covering the issue.
Journalism and activism
Can a journalist also be an activist for a cause without compromising the core editorial values of journalism?
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.
Community radio running order
The following is a 24-hour daily schedule for a community radio station, balancing core programming elements with listener engagement and local relevance.
How to be a hands-on editor
A hands-on editor should be visible and positive, lead well-prepared news meetings with strong communication skills, be present when big stories break, praise publicly, correct privately, and trust their staff.
In-depth proactive journalism
Proactive journalism is an approach to newsgathering where reporters take the initiative in seeking out stories.
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.
From digital denial to digital first
Failure to recognise and keep up with changing audience behaviour is one of the most common reasons for media organisations struggling.
Project management skills
Successful media projects, whether new programmes, live event coverage or product launches, rely on following specific regulatory rules and industry guidelines.
Photo journalism – scenario
In this scenario a reporter tells the newsdesk that she has a strong news story only to find that the facts were not as they seemed.
Accuracy – scenario
In this scenario a reporter witnesses a mass walkout of workers from a factory affected by industrial action. The company claims it's business as usual; the union says all workers have downed tools.
Informed consent – scenario
In this scenario a reporter covering a disaster films a grief-stricken woman before discovering the facts about the ordeal she has witnessed.
Developing the potential of your staff
Media training is about investing in people - your staff. They are your most precious resource.
What it takes to be a media trainer
Media trainers must have recent, valid experience of all they teach. They will not earn the respect of course participants if they can't relate to the issues they face.
Tool: Gap analysis in media training
'Gap analysis' is an essential part of any 'training of trainers' (ToT) programme because it helps identify the specific needs of participants.
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: The Content Value Matrix
In this article we look at the 'content value matrix, a tool designed to help media managers prioritise effort and resources on the stories that really matter to the target audience.
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.
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