Basic journalism
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. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.
Gender equality in the media
Addressing gender imbalance in media requires a multifaceted approach from journalists, combining personal initiative with essential systemic change.
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.
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.
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.
The roles of reporters and sub-editors
Streamlined newspaper workflows with minimal editing benefit reporters and sub-editors, ultimately enhancing publication quality.
The questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
Including the human angle in news
For news organisations to succeed, they must attract and retain audiences. The human touch is vital for building trust and engagement.
What editors look for when hiring
What's the best preparation for a career in journalism? Media Helping Media asked some experts in the field what they look for when hiring staff.
Parliamentary reporting for beginners
To cover Parliament, a journalist must master local laws, procedure, and political parties, backed by a solid grasp of history.
Crime reporting for beginners
Crime journalists must balance the public’s right to know with ethics, ensuring accuracy and sensitivity while avoiding sensationalism or prejudice.
Assessing news value
The job of the journalist is to sort through daily events and package them into stories in order to inform the public.
Introduction to interviewing
The interview is one of the basic tools of journalism. You cannot be a good journalist without being a good interviewer and a careful listener.
Journalism and the public interest
All news stories should, by definition, be interesting. They should immediately capture the attention and make the audience want to know more.
The inverted pyramid
The inverted pyramid model puts key news first, followed by supporting details, with the least important background information at the base of the article.
Pitching a news story to an editor
Whether you're a journalist or reporter, learn how to pitch stories effectively to ensure they are accepted by your editor every time.
Why some news stories are rejected
There will be times when a news story is withheld from publication, we look at why, what changes might be needed, and how to make sure a story is ethical and legally safe.
What is 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.
The importance of diverse perspectives
Diverse perspectives and facts are vital for accurate journalism, helping to reveal the true complexity behind the news through varied viewpoints.
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.
What is takes to be a journalist
Journalists should be accurate, first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, aware, disciplined and realistic.
Letting the pictures tell the story
Here we explore the importance of visual storytelling in TV and video journalism, showing you how to let the pictures tell the story.
Adjectives and adverbs in journalism
When it comes to writing - not just news writing but any kind of writing - adjectives and adverbs have a bad reputation.
The power of quotes in journalism
Quotes can define an era, a person, or a story. Used thoughtfully, they transform reporting from factual to memorable, from clear to compelling.






















