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 RESOURCESIncluding the human angle in journalism
For news organisations to succeed, they must attract and retain audiences. The human touch is vital for building trust and engagement.
Developing and applying news sense
How do we know what is “news”? There are millions of things going on in the world all the time and only some of them become news stories.
Parliamentary reporting for beginners
To cover parliament, a journalist needs to know local laws, understand parliamentary procedure, and know about the politicians and the political parties.
Conflicts of interest
In journalism, public trust is essential for credibility. One of the most significant threats to that trust are the many possible conflicts of interest that might confront journalists.
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.
Fairness in journalism
Fairness in journalism means exploring all sides of an issue and reporting the findings accurately.
Media safety during elections
Journalists covering elections should never carry a weapon, should have first aid training, dress appropriately, listen to the locals and avoid confrontation.
Old news is no news, updates are essential
Journalism involves an ongoing commitment to update and rework the material we are producing to ensure that it remains relevant, reflects latest developments, and continues to inform.
Self-censorship in journalism
To combat self-censorship - a major hurdle for robust, impartial journalism - journalists must first recognize why it happens and understand its root causes.
AI and investigative journalism
The landscape of investigative journalism is undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a powerful ally for reporters.
Investigating corruption
A journalist investigating corruption faces many risks and challenges. Investigative journalist Don Ray shares his experience.
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.
Adopting the ‘big story’ approach
Professional news relies on meticulous planning and coverage. Yet, some stories remain unpredictable. Explore the balance between preparation and the unexpected.
The role of the news producer
The news producer has an essential role to play in any news organisation. Their job is to ensure that the material that is published is of the highest quality.
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.
Organisations supporting independent media
We have compiled a list of organisations that offer operational, strategic, and financial/business support for independent media, helping outlets survive, grow, and enhance their impact.
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.
Social media test for mainstream media
Does your media organisation have a social media strategy. Does it reach out and connect with your audience on every device they are turning to for information?
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.
Privacy protection – scenario
You are working on the online news desk of a large media organisation. News breaks of fighting overseas. Raw footage arrives showing identifiable dead bodies. What do you do?
Emotional assumptions – scenario
In this scenario a journalist lets their own emotional assumptions colour their news judgement resulting in misinformation.
Designing a media training plan
A well-designed media training plan could make the difference between the success and the failure of a media business.
Build your own journalism training course
Editors who want to improve their news output and raise the professionalism of their staff now have access to free training materials.
Developing the potential of your staff
Media training is about investing in people - your staff. They are your most precious resource.
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: 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: 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.
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The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.