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.
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.
Tool: News story checklist
The follow is a structured checklist tool for journalists to consider in order to ensure they produce strong news stories.
The evolution of an original news story
Behind every headline is a journey of persistence. This article shows how robust research and in-depth reporting are central to uncovering the complete story.
The questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
Developing and handling news sources
News sources are vital for journalists to find essential stories. Without reliable information, reporters would be left staring at a blank page.
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.
How to conduct and Interview remotely
Here we explore the key issues journalists face when interviewing sources via electronic media instead of face-to-face and in real time.
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.
Translation in journalism
If you are a journalist working in a multilingual society, you may have to work in more than one language.
Interviewing politicians
Master political interviews: learn to navigate scripted lines and handle evasive answers to ensure you uncover the facts the public needs to hear.
Spotting 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?
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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The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.