Basics
For those starting off in a career in journalism, including what makes news, how to write a story, interviewing tips, and fact-checking.
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.
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?
Preparing for an interview
A journalist needs to be well-prepared when planning an interview. However, after all your research, try to keep the interview to three questions in order to avoid over-complication and confusion.
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.
Why some news stories are rejected
There will be times when a news story is withheld from publication, we look at why, what changes might be needed, and how to make sure a story is ethical and legally safe.
How to succeed as a journalist
Journalists should be accurate, first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, aware, disciplined and realistic.
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.
Adjectives and adverbs in journalism
When it comes to writing - not just news writing but any kind of writing - adjectives and adverbs have a bad reputation.
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This free educational module provides an outline for teaching students about the role of journalism in society. It's designed to be adapted by universities and colleges to meet local requirements.
Lesson: Covering climate change
This lesson plan is designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills necessary to report accurately and ethically on climate change.
Covering a tragedy – scenario
In this scenario we look at how a journalist should act when they witness a tragedy unfolding and have to decide whether to help, or to stand by and report.