Find out how to make the best use of the training material on Media Helping Media.
Preserving the fundamentals of good journalism
Media Helping Media (MHM) works to safeguard the core principles of accurate, impartial, public-service journalism. We offer free training materials in multiple formats designed to be downloaded, adapted, and used worldwide.
Check out more than 250 articles on journalism best practice
Check out more than 140 free training resources
Try our introduction to journalism curriculum then take the MHM news professionalism test.
Find out 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.
The evolution of an original news story
Impactful and original journalism often begins with the answer to a question which, after thorough investigation, develops into a news story with significant implications.
How to create a structured news report
This module was written for trainee journalists in Zimbabwe who were keen to learn how to produce in-depth video reports about life in their remote rural communities.
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.
Is your journalism ethical?
Reliable journalism is based on applying strict editorial ethics to all we do so that we can examine the issues that have the most impact on the lives of our audience.
How to detect AI-generated images
How can journalists identifying fake photographs with so many dramatic images being shared at speed on social media.
The use of idioms in journalism
Journalists producing serious news coverage must always write in a way that is clear, accurate, free from jargon.
Disinformation and misinformation
Journalists attempting to deal with 'fake news' need to understand the difference between disinformation and misinformation.
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.
Tips for investigative journalism
This article looks at some of the main points to consider when producing a piece of investigative journalism.
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.
Community radio running order
The following is a 24-hour daily schedule for a community radio station, balancing core programming elements with listener engagement and local relevance.
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.
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.
Winning audience trust and loyalty
A media organisation needs to be clear about what it stands for in order to win the trust of the audience.
The project management process
In this example, we were asked at short notice to help produce a televised debate between political candidates before a general election. We had three-and-half weeks to make it happen.
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.
Journalistic integrity – scenario
In this scenario a political correspondent working for a broadcaster is asked to speak at an event organised by a political party - but there is a catch.
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.
Evaluating the impact of training
The evaluation process at the end of a media training session begins the moment you are engaged by the media organisation you are being asked to help because this is when you know the expectations and deliverables.
Tool: Training of Trainers (ToT)
Training of Trainers (ToT) courses are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to train others.
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.
Tool: News story checklist
The follow is a structured checklist tool for journalists to consider in order to ensure they produce strong news stories.
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: 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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