Basics
Our journalism basics section provides foundational knowledge for aspiring journalists. Learn essential skills from news writing to interviewing, and master the core principles of accurate reporting. See our site map to view the complete list.
Words that are frequently misused
It's essential for journalists to maintain precision in their use of language, especially when dealing with words that sound or look similar but which carry different meanings.
Clichés, journalese, and jargon
Journalists need to recognise and then avoid using journalese, jargon, and clichés. Their writing must be clear, easy to understand, and informative.
Translation in journalism
If you are a journalist working in a multilingual society, you may have to work in more than one language.
Fact-checking and adding context
An essential part of the editorial process is to examine everything we are told to make sure it is factual.
Journalistic roles and responsibilities
Journalism involves many tasks that requires a wide variety of skills. We look at some of the jobs journalists do.
Constructing a news package for radio
This is a short training module setting out the basics for creating a news package for radio. It's been created for those starting out in radio journalism.
How to cover an event
This guide offers comprehensive advice for anyone looking to cover an event, from meticulous preparation and strategic on-site actions to ethical interview techniques and capturing compelling visuals.
The questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
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The use of idioms in journalism
Journalists producing serious news coverage must always write in a way that is clear, accurate, free from jargon.
Lesson: Offence and journalism
This lesson plan is designed to help students avoid causing unnecessary offence while continuing to produce robust, critical, in-depth journalism.
Lesson: How to develop news angles
A lesson plan is designed to help trainers teach students how to seek out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story.







