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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 Constructing a TV news package
This article sets out the basics for creating a news package for TV. It's been created for those starting out in TV journalism.
Pitching a news story to an editor
Whether you are a freelance journalist or reporter for a newspaper or broadcaster, you will need to understand how best to pitch a story so that it is accepted by the editor.
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?
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.
Impartiality in journalism
For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.
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.
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.
The use of idioms in journalism
Journalists producing serious news coverage must always write in a way that is clear, accurate, free from jargon.
Investigating election irregularities
What should journalists look out for when covering elections? We look at five areas.
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.
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.
Why would anyone want to talk to a journalist?
An investigative journalist has to encourage people to share information that they had previously withheld.
Social media in news production
Social media has fundamentally disrupted the media landscape, forcing traditional outlets to confront their operational models and redefine their role in a rapidly evolving information ecosystem.
Getting the best out of a news meeting
The following is a list of the essential elements required to ensure a successful daily newsroom meeting that provides a clear outline of what news stories are being covered.
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.
Collaborative journalism explained
Newsroom collaborations are a powerful way to bolster and broaden journalism, allowing all types of organisations, from established global media to new digital ventures and local community sites, to produce original, in-depth, investigative reports.
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.
Funding the news – a guide to sustainability
A list of sustainable business models for media managers who are planning to start a media outlet in economically challenging circumstances.
Scenario: Conflict of interests
In this scenario you are a political correspondent working for a national public service broadcaster. A lobbying company offers you a significant amount of money to train lobbyists in how to influence the media. What do you do?
Public interest – scenario
This scenario looks at some of the issues that need to be considered when deciding whether a story is in the public interest.
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.
The MHM public service journalism curriculum
The following curriculum is designed for journalists who want to improve their skills, and for journalism trainers to adapt and use.
Tool: SMART objectives for media training
Those delivering media training need to focus on SMART objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
What it takes to be a media trainer
Media trainers must have recent, valid experience of all they teach. They will not earn the respect of course participants if they can't relate to the issues they face.
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