Media Helping Media is proud to be hosted by the Fojo Media Institute.
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.
Free Journalism Learning Materials
DOWNLOAD AND ADAPT MORE THAN 150 ASSORTED TRAINING RESOURCESReporting from conflict zones
When reporting from a conflict zone a journalist needs to be sensitive, understand history and cultural issues, and put people first
Essential elements of a news story
Pyramid journalism and the essential elements for writing a news story.
Covering a news event
Check our news event coverage guide with tips on preparation, on-site reporting, ethical interviews, and capturing compelling photos and video.
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.
Impartiality in journalism
For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.
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.
Climate change – language
Climate change is a complex and urgent story, demanding careful consideration of tone and language from the journalists covering the issue.
Journalism, trauma and stress
Journalists often witness traumatic events that impact their reporting. We explore the support available for managing work-related stress and trauma.
Detecting AI-generated images
How can journalists identifying fake photographs with so many dramatic images being shared at speed on social media.
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.
Tips for investigative journalism
This article looks at some of the main points to consider when producing a piece of investigative journalism.
Dealing with suspects as news sources
Sources are one of the most valuable resources for a journalist. They need to be handled with care in order to build trust and gain knowledge.
Secondary trauma in the newsroom
Up to 50% of newsroom staff viewing graphic footage face secondary trauma. Discover who is most at risk and how organisations can provide essential support.
Convergence: workflows, roles and responsibilities
A converged newsroom operates like a 'content factory', with a centralised 'command and control' desk responsible for all news intake, production and output.
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.
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.
Managing people and setting objectives
Media managers need to set clear objectives for all staff in order to get the best out of those who work for the news organisation.
Project management in media
A media organisation must always remain alert to changing audience demand and behaviour. This involves continually examining what is produced to ensure that it is relevant to those who consume it.
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.
Withholding information – scenario
In this scenario a journalist comes across information that changes the focus of a story the editor had asked them to write. Should they include it or withhold it.
Doorstepping – scenario
You are a local newspaper reporter sent out to doorstep a bereaved family but you lie to your news editor because you are reluctant to intrude on their grief.
Developing the potential of your staff
Media training is about investing in people - your staff. They are your most precious resource.
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
Improving media assistance
Media assistance is a two-way process in which providers have as much to learn as they have to give, according to those on the receiving end.
Tool: Delivering trauma training
Discussing trauma can trigger emotional responses in participants, so it is vital to lead training sessions with a mix of professional advice and empathy.
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: Training of Trainers (ToT)
Training of Trainers (ToT) courses are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to train others.
Check our Facebook page for regular updates from Media Helping Media.
The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.