Managing a media business
Funding the news – a guide to sustainability
Sustainable business models for media managers launching outlets in tough economic climates. Explore resilient strategies for long-term growth and stability.
A proven way to finance independent media
The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) offers a distinctive route to media sustainability, combining mission-driven financing with deep strategic support to strengthen independent journalism worldwide.
Developing a media sales strategy
Sales is one of the most important elements of a media company's commercial strategy. The sustainability of the business relies on its ability to generate income.
Building a news team from scratch
Selecting, training and organising a strong news team is a challenge in any circumstances, but doing so in a refugee camp with no resources is an amazing achievement. One editor explains how it was done.
Hiring and developing staff
Hiring the right journalists is one of the most critical decisions senior newsroom managers make. The following guide is designed to help editors choose the right candidates.
Identifying training needs for journalists
When journalists fail to file a story it can sometimes reveal skill gaps. This exercise illustrates what editors hear and which training might fix the problem.
Diversity in journalism
The importance of diversity in journalism extends beyond representation, it is also about enriching the news coverage produced and ensuring its relevance to a wider audience.
Preparing a media corporate plan
The corporate plan is the most important tool in a media chief executive’s toolbox. Without it the media organisation can become lost and directionless.
Organisations supporting independent media
We have compiled a list of organisations that offer operational, strategic, and financial/business support for independent media, helping outlets survive, grow, and enhance their impact.
Setting up a media business
A media business is like a table with four legs - the target audience, the editorial proposition, values, and the market.
Establishing a market differential
This article sets out the process for producing original, in-depth, issue-led journalism designed to inform the public debate.
Managing people and setting objectives
Media managers need to set clear objectives for all staff in order to get the best out of those who work for the news organisation.
Female representation in news leadership and coverage
Is your news organisation and its output male dominated? Are women fairly represented in newsroom leadership roles and the stories covered?
Related learning resources
Workshop: Stress and trauma in journalism
Journalism can exposes reporters to trauma. This workshop offers techniques and tools to manage stress and protect a reporter's work and wellbeing.
Lesson: SMART objectives for training
This lesson plan is designed to teach how to apply SMART objectives to training programmes for journalists and media managers.
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Tool: The MHM newsroom staffing rota
Every news operations needs a staffing rota that provides excellent coverage during operational hours, makes maximum use of resources, and offers significant benefits for staff.
Tool: SMART objectives for media training
Those delivering media training need to focus on SMART objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
Tool: Journalist wellbeing charter
This tool is for newsroom managers to use to protect the psychological wellbeing of staff who encounter trauma and stress.
Module: Managing People
This free six-week module is designed for senior journalists who are stepping into leadership roles which involve managing teams of people.