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.
Where does news come from?
The job of the journalist is to uncover the stories that shape our understanding of the world.
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 must master local laws, procedure, and political parties, backed by a solid grasp of history.
Essential elements of a news story
Pyramid journalism and the essential elements for writing a news story.
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.
Writing a radio news script
Radio journalists must write clear scripts that weave together compelling audio clips, ensuring listeners understand a news story's significance.
Covering a news event
Check our news Event coverage guide with tips on preparation, on-site reporting, ethical interviews, and capturing compelling photos and video.
Assessing news value
The job of the journalist is to sort through daily events and package them into stories in order to inform the public.
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Refresher: Delivering training for media professionals
This intensive one-day course offers senior journalists and media professionals a rigorous refresher on the core skills necessary to become effective Trainers of Trainers (ToT).
Workshop: Attribution and plagiarism
It's essential that journalists covering news attribute any material that they have gathered from other sources. A journalist must never copy the work of others and pass it off as their own.
The essential role of journalism
Journalism isn’t just reporting, it’s witnessing history, challenging power, amplifying unheard voices, and making sense of a chaotic world.










