In association with Fojo Media Institute, Linnaeus University, Sweden

Advanced journalism

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Understanding post-truth in journalism

For journalists, post-truth represents a critical challenge to our core mission of informing the public with accurate, verified information. Here we look at how journalists should handle post-truth content.
Journalists James Innocent Ali (background) and Bakhita Aluel recording links at Radio Easter in South Sudan.

Editing audio for radio news

We edit audio when airtime is limited. Always consult your editor or producer on the required duration before starting any edits to ensure the item fits.
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Avoiding bias during election coverage

During elections politicians will often accuse media organisations and their journalists of bias. We look at the challenges of producing fair election coverage.
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A journalist must not have an agenda

Our role as journalists is to unearth information, prepare it and then display it for the benefit of the audience. We are not there to fabricate, manipulate or force.
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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False equivalence and false balance

Journalists can sometimes present an inaccurate or false version of events by trying too hard to 'balance' a story or incorrectly treating elements of a story as being roughly equal.
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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.
Image of a news conference courtesy of Mariusz Kaminski

Brand values in news

All news organisations have values. They are the biggest part of the organisation’s brand. Journalists need to uphold these brand values at all times.
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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.
Image of a journalist covering a climate change rally created with Gemini Imagen 3 AI by Media Helping Media

Journalism and activism

Can a journalist also be an activist for a cause without compromising the core editorial values of journalism?
Image to illustrate AI in the newsroom - created using Imagen 3 by David Brewer of MHM

Using AI in journalism

Media organisations using AI should set clear newsgathering and production guidelines to protect journalistic integrity and maintain audience trust.
Slide by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.

The importance of keeping records

Journalists who want to inform the audience need to keep records so that they can add context to breaking news stories without having to rely on others for background information
Slide by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Planning effective election coverage

Planning is essential for journalists to produce effective election coverage.
Fact-checking training Kenya. Image by Media Helping Media released via Creative Commons

Creating a fact-checking system

It’s the job of the journalist to try to find and present the truth, but fact-checking isn't easy. It requires a methodological approach to verification.
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Forms of information disorder

With the spread of fake news, journalists need to recognise and understand the different categories, types, elements, and phases of information disorder.
Journalist Bakhita Aluel adjusting the microphone at Radio Easter in Yei in South Sudan

Editing radio news bulletins

Radio bulletins offer concise updates on the latest news. They deliver key stories tailored to your listeners' interests in just a few minutes.
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Avoiding manipulation

One of the roles of the journalist is to scrutinise the decisions made by politicians and report the implications to the public.
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.
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Dealing with fake news

Media experts share their advice on how to deal with fake news
Journalists Bakhita Aluel (seated) and Vivian Nandege at Radio Easter in Yei in South Sudan - image by Jaldeep Katwala

Making documentaries for radio

Documentaries are in-depth stories told in a more interesting way. A great documentary engages listeners and puts them at the heart of the storytelling.
Image by Adam Lisagor released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Avoiding bias during election coverage

During elections politicians will often accuse media organisations and their journalists of bias. We look at the challenges of producing fair election coverage.
Photo by Zainul Yasni on Unsplash

Information disorder – mapping the landscape

Information disorder is everywhere according to journalist Claire Wardle. Here she sets out the categories that reporters need to be aware of and research.
Current affairs programme training in Vinh, Vietnam - image by MHM

Planning a radio current affairs programme

Explore the difference between radio news and daily current affairs programmes, and learn how they work together to keep audiences fully informed.