Basics

Citizen reporting to citizen journalism

This article was written for a group of young citizen reporters from remote rural communities in Zimbabwe who were learning how to become journalists.

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.

Developing and applying news sense

How do we know what is “news”? There are millions of things going on in the world all the time and only some of them become news stories.

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.

Parliamentary reporting for beginners

To cover parliament, a journalist needs to know local laws, understand parliamentary procedure, and know about the politicians and the political parties.

Fact-checking and adding context

An essential part of the editorial process is to examine everything we are told to make sure it is factual.

Tool: News Story Checklist

The follow is a structured checklist tool for journalists to consider in order to ensure they produce strong news stories.

Clarity is as important as accuracy

Journalists must write clearly as well as accurately using accessible language that the audience can understand.

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How to detect AI-generated images

How can journalists identifying fake photographs with so many dramatic images being shared at speed on social media.

Offence and journalism

Journalists must ensure that the material they use in coverage has a clear editorial purpose. Where that material is likely to offend, there need to be clear warnings of what is coming up.

Wanted, your media know-how

Have you got any journalism expertise that you are willing to share with others? If so, please get in touch.