Basics

This section is for those starting off in journalism. The articles have been written by media professionals and cover all aspects of journalism including what makes news, how to write a story, how to develop a story and find new angles, interviewing tips, and how to fact-check. See our site map to scroll down the complete list of articles.

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How to spot a news story

What are the telltale signs that help journalists distinguish fact from fiction, and how do they know when they have uncovered an important news story?
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How to write a radio news script

Radio journalists must write clear scripts that weave together compelling audio clips, ensuring listeners understand a news story's significance.
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Translation in journalism

If you are a journalist working in a multilingual society, you may have to work in more than one language.
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Interviewing ‘off the record’

Journalists’ sources sometimes agree to talk only off the record.  Here we examine what that means and how to handle it when sources place...
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Clichés, journalese, and jargon

Journalists need to recognise and then avoid using journalese, jargon, and clichés. Their writing must be clear, easy to understand, and informative.
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Unlock your journalistic potential

A journalist must learn the house rules of the media organisations they are working for. All will have a set of guidelines and a style guide. But here are general tips about starting off in journalism.
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Radio production training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

How to create a broadcast news package

Discover how to create concise, compelling TV and radio packages that capture audience attention and deliver information effectively.
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Lateral reading

When it comes to fact-checking and adding context to news articles, journalists need to apply ‘lateral reading’ in order to broaden their knowledge.
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Management

Tool: The Content Value Matrix

In this article we look at the 'content value matrix, a tool designed to help media managers prioritise effort and resources on the stories that really matter to the target audience.
Investigative

AI and investigative journalism

The landscape of investigative journalism is undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a powerful ally for reporters.
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Covering climate change

Reporting on climate change poses a series of significant challenges to journalists. The subject is highly topical, highly controversial and involves complicated scientific research.
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