Quick Guides
Our quick guides are short checklists designed as self-teaching aids that highlight the main points from some of our longer training articles. All are linked to the articles they summarise. The quick guide checklists are designed to offer a recap of the main points in the original pieces so that journalists who are using our training can remind themselves of the essential considerations when covering news. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.
Writing a news story
When writing news you need to put the most important information at the top so that the audience is informed even if they only catch the headline and summary.
Reporting on a news event
This checklist sets out what journalists should do when covering a live news event, including preparation and how to respond to the unexpected.
Using quotes in journalism
Quotes are a journalist’s most powerful tool. Used well, they bring stories to life, add credibility, and let audiences hear directly from sources.
Self-censorship and how to avoid it
Avoid the self-censorship trap with our quick guide checklist. Learn to identify warning signs and discover practical ways to protect your editorial voice.
Writing a news story
When writing news you need to put the most important information at the top so that the audience is informed even if they only catch the headline and summary.
Adjectives and adverbs in journalism
Streamline your writing with this short how-to checklist. Use it to strip away confusing clutter and sharpen your journalism for better clarity.
Creating a story plan
This checklist is designed to help news journalists include the most important elements of a story when covering a complex issue.
Interviewing skills
To conduct an insightful interview you must be well-prepared, having carried out thorough research, be focused on the topic, and be an attentive listener.
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.
Conducting interviews remotely
This checklist sets out the main considerations when conducting an interview remotely if an interviewee is not available for a face-to-face meeting.
Developing valuable news sources
Use this checklist to ensure you build and manage credible news sources so that your journalism remains authoritative, original, and high-quality.
Managing conflicts of interest
Use this checklist to manage conflicts of interest and protect your journalistic integrity. It's designed to maintain audience trust and professional standards.
Attribution in journalism
Master news attribution and referencing by following our checklist for ensuring your reporting is accurate, credible, and avoids plagiarism.
Making a documentary
Documentary making can feel daunting for new journalists. Follow a structured process to turn simple ideas into powerful visual journalism.
Including the human angle in news
Use this checklist to make sure you always add a human angle to news stories to help your audience identify with your content better.














