Free journalism resources

Welcome to Media Helping Media's collection of free journalism training resources. We have more than 270 articles, lessons, and modules which are all free to download and adapt to meet local needs.

Lesson: Climate Change

This lesson plan is designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to report accurately and ethically on climate change.

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..

Module: Training of Trainers

This free educational module provides an outline for teaching senior journalists the skills needed for developing and delivering effective training for media professionals.

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.

What 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.

The roles of reporters and sub-editors

In newspapers, a streamlined workflow, characterised by minimal editorial intervention, benefits both reporters and sub-editors, ultimately enhancing the publication's quality.

Journalism training at Hurriyat Sudan.Media Helping Media provides free journalism and media management training resources.

MHM on FacebookCheck our Facebook page for regular updates from Media Helping Media.

Journalism training in Jaffna Sri LankaAll the lessons, modules and articles on Media Helping Media are free to adapt and use.

Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0

Media Helping Media is proud to be hosted by the Fojo Media Institute.

Snacking on rumour, feeding on facts

The good news for mainstream media is that the social networking audience still wants facts, but those producing the facts need to rethink how they create and disseminate those facts.

Creating a strong fact-checking system

It’s the job of the journalist to try to find and present the truth, but fact-checking isn't easy. It requires a methodological approach to verification. 

Information disorder – mapping the landscape

Information disorder is everywhere according to journalist Claire Wardle. Here she sets out the categories that reporters need to be aware of and research.

Impartiality in journalism

For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.

Why editorial ethics are important

The Media Helping Media ethics section is designed to help journalists navigate some of the challenges they might face as they go about their work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Female representation in news leadership and coverage

Is your news organisation and its output male dominated? Are women fairly represented in newsroom leadership roles and the stories covered?

Preparing 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.

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.

Emotional pressure – scenario

How should a reporter respond when someone uses emotional pressure and threats to try to stop them doing their job?

Trespass and journalism – scenario

In this scenario we look at a situation where a journalist is faced with breaking the law in order to gather essential information for informing the public debate.

Testing boundaries – scenario

In this scenario we look at a situation where an editor faces breaking protocol because of the strength of a story.