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.
The qualities of a journalist
Journalism is a demanding profession that requires a unique combination of intellectual curiosity, linguistic skill, and a deep understanding of the world.
What is takes to be a journalist
Journalists should be accurate, first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, aware, disciplined and realistic.
Editorialising is not for news
The free training materials on Media Helping Media are all aimed at encouraging one particular kind of journalism: accurate, fact-based, impartial news reporting.
Creating a structured news report
Writing news without a plan is like building a kit without instructions. Use a structured story plan to order facts logically and engage your readers.
Lateral reading for journalists
Lateral reading is a core journalism skill. Learn what it is, how it differs from vertical reading, and how to apply it to fact-checking.
SIFT for fact-checking
Journalists who are committed to fact-checking, as we should all be, have several methods available to help them deal with fake news. One of them is SIFT.
Tool: MHM Story Builder
The Media Helping Media’s Story Builder is a simple tool created to help those who are new to journalism write informative news articles.
Shoe-leather reporting
Digital noise is everywhere, but shoe-leather reporting - getting out and talking to people - remains a foundational skill for the modern journalist.
Unlock your journalistic potential
The following is a collection of tips for journalists starting off in the job. It's been compiled from advice shared by senior journalists around the world.
Fact-checking and adding context
Journalism is about far more than gathering information then passing it on. An essential part is to examine everything we discover to make sure it's factual.
Constructing a TV news package
Learn how to construct a TV news package, from research and filming to editing and scripting, with this step-by-step guide for new journalists.
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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.