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.
The power of words
Journalists need to understand the power of using the right words when writing news stories
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...
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.
The roles of reporters and sub-editors
In newspapers, a streamlined workflow, characterised by minimal editorial intervention, benefits both reporters and sub-editors, ultimately enhancing the publication's quality.
Reporting from conflict zones
When reporting from a conflict zone a journalist needs to be sensitive, understand history and cultural issues, and put people first
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.
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.
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Editorial impartiality – scenario
In this scenario a reporter covering a story about medical malpractice in a hospital discovers that the consultant involved is a relative. What should they do?
Refresher: TV journalism skills
This comprehensive one-day intensive training course is designed to provide journalists with the foundational and advanced techniques necessary for producing compelling broadcast content, from news packages to documentaries.
Privacy protection – scenario
You are working on the online news desk of a large media organisation. News breaks of fighting overseas. Raw footage arrives showing identifiable dead bodies. What do you do?










