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 RESOURCESWhy 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.
Pitching a news story to an editor
Whether you're a journalist or reporter, learn how to pitch stories effectively to ensure they are accepted by your editor every time.
How to spot a news story
What are the telltale signs that help journalists distinguish fact from fiction, and how do they know when they have uncovered an important news story?
Unconscious bias and journalism
Bias is a prejudice for or against a group, often leading to unfair judgements. While it's a normal human trait, understanding our biases is vital for fairness.
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.
Integrity and journalism
Without integrity your journalism is untrustworthy and suspect. Integrity is essential if a journalist wants to investigate issues, shine a light in dark places, and to dig where others don't.
How to spot errors in your writing
Most journalists need a second pair of eyes to check through their copy in order to spot any factual, grammatical or spelling mistakes.
A journalist must not have an agenda
Our role as journalists is to unearth information, prepare it and then display it for the benefit of the audience. We are not there to fabricate, manipulate or force.
Disinformation and misinformation
Journalists attempting to deal with 'fake news' need to understand the difference between disinformation and misinformation.
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.
The investigative journalism dossier
Discipline, order and a well thought out plan are essential for successful investigative 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
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.
Creating a vibrant newsroom culture
The output of a news organisation is determined by how well the newsroom is run. A well-managed newsroom is more likely to produce compelling and engaging content focused on audience need.
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.
The uneasy but essential evolution of news
Empowered audiences now act as superusers, creating and sharing content to offer alternative information channels beyond mainstream media providers.
Creating a distinctive radio station sound
A radio station can only achieve impact if it has a unique and consistent sound and delivers content that the listeners can relate to.
Convergence: transforming news production
Introducing a converged news operation is rarely easy. Those trying to introduce changes in workflows, roles and responsibilities are often met with resistance.
Journalistic ethics – scenario
In this scenario a reporter feels ethically compromised after accepting hospitality from a developer who subsequently pressured them for favourable coverage.
Right of reply – scenario
When should journalists offer a right of reply? All the time, sometimes, never? Try our ethical scenario and add your comments.
Transparency and full disclosure – scenario
In this scenario a reporter embedded with the military and closely monitored in a war zone wanders off and discovers a story the army wouldn't want him to tell.
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.
Basic rules for delivering training
One of the first steps in delivering training is to articulate the ground rules. Participants need to know what to expect and what is expected of them
Media training requirements
For international media training to be successful, tried, tested and proven case studies from a similar region are needed.
Tool: Newsroom Convergence Implementation
This newsroom convergence tool helps editors deliver content to multiple platforms from one source, increasing reach and efficiency while reducing costs.
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: 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.
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The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.