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.
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.
Developing important news angles
Seeking out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story is an important part of the editorial process.
How news value is assessed
The job of the journalist is to sort through daily events and package them into stories in order to inform the public.
The evolution of an original news story
Impactful and original journalism often begins with the answer to a question which, after thorough investigation, develops into a news story with significant implications.
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.
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.
News writing for beginners
A journalist writing a news story is the author, organiser and decision maker. Without them the story may never be told.
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.
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Good journalism has always been about data
We are all data journalists, even those who may have never heard of the term before. Data journalism has been around for years, it's just more accessible and useful now.
Refresher: Managing newsroom evolution
This intensive, one-day newsroom management course is designed for senior editors and managers seeking to navigate the complex challenges of the evolving media landscape.
Lesson: Interviewing ‘off the record’
This lesson plan is designed to help journalists understand the purpose, the benefits, and the risks of ‘off the record’ interviews.










