Hosted by the Fojo Media Institute
Media Helping Media is hosted by the Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University.
Journalism Basics
Our basics section provides foundational knowledge for journalists starting their careers and for those wanting to refresh their skills. Learn techniques including news writing, interviewing, story structure, and reporting practices that form the bedrock of quality journalism. All our material is free to download, adapt and use.
Covering a news event
Check our news event coverage guide with tips on preparation, on-site reporting, ethical interviews, and capturing compelling photos and video.
Developing a news sense
How do we know what is news? There are millions of things going on in the world all the time and only some of them become news stories.
Finding and judging news
What is news? Beyond facts, it’s the stories that truly matter to people. Explore why human interest and personal relevance are at the heart of every headline.
Interviewing for video journalists
Tips about the steps a video journalist can take to enhance the quality of filmed interviews.
The active and passive voices in news
Make your news writing more interesting by using the “active voice”. Bob Eggington explains this simple and effective technique.
How to spot a news story
How does a journalist know when they are on the right track? What are the telltale signs that distinguish fact from fiction?
News writing for beginners
A journalist writing a news story is the author, organiser and decision maker. Without them the story may never be told.
Militaristic words used in journalism
Militaristic words in journalism distort reality and dehumanise people. They're used out of habit rather than a deliberate search for accuracy and clarity.
Court reporting for beginners
Learn essential court reporting tips for beginners, covering legal constraints, accuracy, and how to report trial verdicts fairly and professionally.
News sources and the ‘so what’ factor
Every news story needs at least one reliable source that is able to share information that helps the journalist get to the facts.
Interviewing ‘off the record’
Sources sometimes agree to talk to journalists ‘off the record’. Here we examine what that means and how to handle such a request.
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Content released under Creative Commons
The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.