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. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.
Interviewing politicians
There is a fine art to interviewing politicians. You need to understand their motivation, realise they will have a script, not allow them to complicate matters, refuse to be sidetracked, and retain an open mind.
Constructing a TV news package
This article sets out the basics for creating a news package for TV. It's been created for those starting out in TV journalism.
How to carry out an interview remotely
Here we look at some of the important issues journalists face when interviewing sources in another location via electronic media rather than face-to-face and in real time.
Using the right words
Words are the essential tools of journalism. They convey meaning and help the audience understand the issues we are covering. So they need to be used properly.
Including the human angle in journalism
For news organisations to succeed, they must attract and retain audiences. The human touch is vital for building trust and engagement.
Clarity is as important as accuracy
Journalists must write clearly as well as accurately using accessible language that the audience can understand.
Introduction to interviews
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.
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