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 RESOURCESClichés, journalese, and jargon
Journalists need to recognise and then avoid using journalese, jargon, and clichés. Their writing must be clear, easy to understand, and informative.
Introduction to interviewing
The interview is one of the basic tools of journalism. You cannot be a good journalist without being a good interviewer and a careful listener.
News sources and the ‘so what’ factor
Every news story needs at least one reliable source that is able to share information that helps the journalist get to the facts.
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.
Photojournalism and ethics
The following are commonly accepted ethical guidelines for photojournalists adopted by most mainstream media.
Data journalism glossary
The following words and terms are commonly used in data journalism. Data journalists might want to familiarise themselves with them.
Journalism and activism
Can a journalist also be an activist for a cause without compromising the core editorial values of journalism?
What is data journalism?
Data journalism, also known as data-driven journalism, is the process of finding, understanding, and processing information in order to produce news stories.
Tips for investigative journalism
This article looks at some of the main points to consider when producing a piece of investigative journalism.
The investigative journalism dossier
Discipline, order and a well thought out plan are essential for successful investigative journalism.
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.
Diversity in journalism
The importance of diversity in journalism extends beyond representation, it is also about enriching the news coverage produced and ensuring its relevance to a wider audience.
Setting up community radio
Launching a community radio station is about more than just broadcasting news, it’s about creating a hub for local voices, sharing vital information, and building community spirit.
When a ‘big story’ breaks
Big stories happen out of the blue. And when they do newsrooms have to spring into action immediately.
Developing 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.
Audience research and segmentation
In a rapidly shifting media landscape, where consumers have more choice than ever, a deep understanding of the audience has become essential for all media companies.
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?
Off-the-record chat – scenario
In this scenario we look at what a journalist should do with off-the-record information when it relates to a major news event.
Testing boundaries – scenario
In this scenario we look at a situation where an editor faces breaking protocol because of the strength of a story.
Returning favours – scenario
In this scenario a naive reporter's early success with a government minister leads to an ethical dilemma when a 'favour' is demanded in return.
Training needs assessment
Thorough research is the essential if you are to deliver high-impact media training. Never accept a brief from media managers without question - they could be wrong and often are.
International media training
Those invited to help the media overseas need to ensure that the training they offer is continually refreshed in order to stay relevant and useful.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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