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Preserving the fundamentals of good journalism
Media Helping Media (MHM) works to safeguard the core principles of public-service journalism. We offer free training materials in multiple formats designed to be downloaded, adapted, and used worldwide.
More than 200 articles on best practice
More than 100 free training resources
Try our introduction to journalism curriculum then take the MHM news professionalism test.
Find out Essential elements of a news story
Pyramid journalism and the essential elements for writing a news story.
Facts, context, perspectives, and the truth
The primary role of a journalist in covering a news story is to uncover verifiable facts, provide context and present the information to the audience.
Journalism and the public interest
All news stories should, by definition, be interesting. They should immediately capture the attention and make the audience want to know more.
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.
Photojournalism and ethics
The following are commonly accepted ethical guidelines for photojournalists adopted by most mainstream media.
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.
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.
How to detect AI-generated images
How can journalists identifying fake photographs with so many dramatic images being shared at speed on social media.
Hey AI, what are the top stories of the day?
Have you ever chaired a news meeting surrounded by blank faces with no story ideas? Well, with AI that experience could be a thing of the past.
Why would anyone want to talk to a journalist?
An investigative journalist has to encourage people to share information that they had previously withheld.
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.
How to investigate corruption safely
Investigating and reporting on corruption involves risk. Here we look at how investigative journalists stay safe when covering stories that are likely to anger those who are determined to keep their secrets hidden.
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.
Setting up refugee media in exile
This article deals with how refugee communities can set up and operate a successful news organisation when living in exile.
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.
Knowing your audience
Identifying the target audience and discovering the information needs of readers, listeners and viewers, is essential for formulating an editorial proposition.
Reviewing news output is essential
A media house needs to be continually assessing whether its output is meeting the needs of the audience and achieving business targets.
The value of audience research
Knowing your audience and understanding the issues they face are essential factors in developing a compelling editorial proposition.
Informed consent – scenario
In this scenario a reporter covering a disaster finds a grief-stricken woman who he films in order to feature in his report before discovering the truth about the tragedy behind her emotions.
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.
Legal threats – scenario
In this scenario a local newspaper reporter faces legal threats for a factual planning application report that lacked the applicant's demanded "positive spin."
Tool: MHM Training timetable
This sample training timetable has been created for the benefit of any trainers who are planning to download and adapt one of our MHM lesson outlines for their own specific purposes.
Tool: Optimism index for media trainers
The 'Optimism Index' is a tool designed for trainers of group journalism sessions to gauge and ultimately improve the participants' hope for the future.
Tool: Evaluation and Impact Assessment
Training should always be judged by its effectiveness, and there are several tools for measuring success. The following is to evaluate the assess the impact of the training.
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