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.
Fake news and trust chains
"Fake news" encompasses two distinct concepts: fabricated stories masquerading as truth and the dismissal of legitimate news as false.
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.
Creating a current affairs programme
In this article we look at the steps involved in creating a radio news and current affairs programme based on the needs of the target audience.
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.
Creating a current affairs programme
In this article we look at the steps involved in creating a radio news and current affairs programme based on the needs of the target audience.
Examining rumour to find facts
The role of a journalist is to publish facts. To do that they often have to examine rumour and gossip as part of the newsgathering process.
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.
Specialisms in journalism
Specialist reporting means going beyond general news coverage in order to develop deep expertise, insight and trust in a particular subject area.
Using AI for story development
How artificial intelligence (AI) can help a journalist brainstorm a story in order to discover multiple news angles
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.
Computer-assisted reporting (CAR)
Computer-Assisted Reporting (CAR) refers to the use of digital tools such as spreadsheets, databases, and basic statistical analysis to interrogate large datasets.
Covering climate change
Reporting on climate change presents journalists with major hurdles, as it's a topical, controversial subject rooted in complex scientific research.
Journalism and activism
Can a journalist also be an activist for a cause without compromising the core editorial values of journalism?
Making a documentary
A free step-by-step guide for journalists who want to learn how to make documentaries.
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.
Spotting errors in your own writing
Most journalists need a second pair of eyes to check through their copy in order to spot any factual, grammatical or spelling mistakes.
Presenting news content online
A journalist managing a news website is constantly involved in updating, refreshing and repositioning content in time with the evolving news flow.
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.
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.
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.
Investigating election irregularities
What should journalists look out for when covering elections? We look at five areas.
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.
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.





















