Managing a Media Business

Our management section focuses on newsroom leadership and organisational development. Learn effective strategies for team building, resource allocation, staff development, conflict resolution, and editorial strategy that create productive, innovative, and resilient journalism organisations. All our material is free to download, adapt and use. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.

Media Sustainability - a MHM training article graphic

Funding the news – a guide to sustainability

Explore sustainable business model strategies for media managers launching news outlets planning for long-term growth and stability.
Image to illustrate the MDIF approach in Asia

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. 
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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.
Media strategy training Kenya. Image by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons

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.
Logos of media support organisations

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.
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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.
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Establishing a market differential

This article sets out the process for producing original, in-depth, issue-led journalism designed to inform the public debate.
The author delivering copies of The Bhutan Reporter Monthly. Photo/Laura Pohl

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 - a MHM training article graphic

Hiring and developing staff

Hiring the right journalists is one of the most critical decisions senior newsroom managers make. Find out how editors can choose the right candidates.
Photograph of Journalism training in Vietnam by David Brewer released via Creative Commons

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.
Training Needs - a MHM training article graphic

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.
Image by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Developing the potential of your staff

Media training is about investing in people - your staff. They are your most precious resource.
Diversity in News - a MHM training resource

Diversity in newsgathering

Diversity in newsgathering extends beyond representation, it's also about enriching the news coverage produced and ensuring its relevance to a wider audience.
Women in Media - a MHM training article graphic

Female representation in news leadership and coverage

Is your newsroom and output male-dominated? Are women fairly represented in leadership and stories? Do your staff and news agenda reflect society?

Related learning resources

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Workshop: Stress and trauma in journalism

Journalism can expose reporters to trauma. This workshop offers techniques and tools to manage stress and protect a reporter's work and wellbeing
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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. It's based on the article...
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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.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media Training Tool

Tool: SMART objectives for media training

Those delivering media training need to focus on SMART objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
Graphic for an MHM training tool

Tool: Journalist wellbeing charter

This tool is for newsroom managers to use to protect the psychological wellbeing of staff who encounter trauma and stress.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media course module

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.

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