In association with Fojo Media Institute, Linnaeus University, Sweden

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.

Radio production training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Creating TV and radio packages

Discover how to create concise, compelling TV and radio packages that capture audience attention and deliver key information effectively.
Read more
Image by woodleywonderworks released under Creative Commons

Attribution and plagiarism

The importance of attribution and avoiding plagiarism.
Read more
Image by David Brewer released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

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.
Read more
Image by Allissa Richardson released via Creative Commons CC BY 2.0

Interviewing for video journalists

Tips about the steps a video journalist can take to enhance the quality of filmed interviews.
Read more
Image by Alexandre Dulaunoy released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0

Shoe-leather reporting

Despite the influx of digital information, the foundational skills of "shoe-leather reporting", involving direct contact, investigation, and verification, remain essential for journalists in the modern newsroom.
Read more
Image by Upwardly Global released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

Preparing for a job interview

Some suggestions for journalists preparing for a job interview.
Read more
Image by Tessa Kavanagh from Pixabay

Translation in journalism

If you are a journalist working in a multilingual society, you may have to work in more than one language.
Read more
Image by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Clarity is as important as accuracy

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

You might also like

Exercises

Exercise: Editorialising is not for news

Learn to recognise and avoid editorialising in news reporting. Ensure accuracy and fairness by keeping a clear line between facts and opinions.
Lessons

Lesson: Letting the pictures tell the story

Television journalists need to ensure that they are exploiting the medium to the maximum effect by letting the pictures tell the story.
Refreshers

Refresher: Managing a newsroom

This intensive, full-day Newsroom Management programme is designed for senior editors and managers seeking to get the best out of their journalists and available resources.
© Content on Media Helping Media is released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 unless otherwise stated.