Advanced journalism

Our advanced section explores specialised topics for experienced journalists seeking to deepen their expertise. Develop your skills in data journalism, multimedia storytelling, investigative techniques, and complex narrative structures that elevate reporting to the next level. All our material is free to download, adapt and use. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.

Image by Scale Free Metwork released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Spotting errors in your own writing

Spotting mistakes after hitting publish is a journalist's nightmare. Here, veteran journalists share tips for catching errors when writing news stories.
Leaks and Tip-Offs - a MHM training article graphic

Handling story leaks and tip-offs

A critical factor for journalists when handling and disseminating leaked material is the need to take account of the motives of the leaker.
"Working late" by Alan Cleaver is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Why follow-up journalism matters

Most news stories need following up. If the original has any value, there will be angles worth developing. If you fail to do so, you let your audience down.
Slide by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Managing a news website’s front page

The journalist in charge of a news website is like a shopkeeper who sets out their stall. If the items are badly displayed the customer might miss them, if they are not fresh people won't buy them.
Answer Engine Optimisation - a MHM training article graphic

Journalism that AI will trust and promote

What must journalists do to ensure news stories perform well in AI and search queries? The answer might surprise those who think algorithms favour clickbait.
Avoiding Idioms Graphic by MHM

The use of idioms in journalism

Journalists producing serious news coverage must always write in a way that is clear, accurate, free from jargon.
A researcher at The National Archives - image by The National Archives (UK) released via Creative Commons

How ‘critical history’ differs from historical context

Historical context explains why a story matters. Critical history is about finding stories that have been buried. Both are essential elements of journalism.
Journalism Role - a MHM training resource graphic

The essential role of journalism

Journalism isn’t just reporting, it’s witnessing history, challenging power, amplifying unheard voices, and making sense of a chaotic world.
Online editor in Vietnam - image by Media Helping Media released by Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Updating an online news item

Journalists working on a news website are responsible for publishing content on every device their users to turn to in order to access information.
Image by Bram Cymet released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.0

Tips for motivating journalists

Daily news meetings should be inclusive and agenda-setting. Editors must foster a culture of original ideas and risk-taking to keep staff motivated and alert.
Image of hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil, by Bhatt released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 2.0

When interviewees dodge your questions

Question avoidance is something every journalist faces. Here we look at common tactics, what they mean, and how to handle them.
Slide by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Handling breaking news

Journalists need to have a system in place for covering a breaking news story in order to know who does what and when.

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