Basics
For those starting off in a career in journalism, including what makes news, how to write a story, interviewing tips, and fact-checking.
The qualities of a journalist
Journalism is a demanding profession that requires a unique combination of intellectual curiosity, linguistic skill, and a deep understanding of the world.
Facts, context, perspectives, and the truth
The primary role of a journalist in covering a news story is to uncover verifiable facts, provide context and present the information to the audience.
Pitching a news story to an editor
Whether you are a freelance journalist or reporter for a newspaper or broadcaster, you will need to understand how best to pitch a story so that it is accepted by the editor.
How to succeed as a journalist
Journalists should be accurate, first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, aware, disciplined and realistic.
Preparing for a job interview
Some suggestions for journalists preparing for a job interview.
Introduction to interviews
The interview is one of the basic tools of journalism. You cannot be a good journalist without being a good interviewer and a careful listener.
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.
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.
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