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Media Helping Media is hosted by the Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University.
Quick Guides
Our free quick guides are short checklists designed as self-teaching aids highlighting the main points from some of our training articles. All are linked to the articles they summarise. Visit our site map for all the content in this and other sections.
Quick Guide: Lateral reading for fact-checking
Journalists use lateral reading to fact-check by broadening their knowledge. But what is it, how does it differ from normal reading, and what are the benefits?
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: Avoid editorialising in news
Journalism should be fact-based and impartial. Understand why news reporters must leave their opinions at home to guard against conscious and unconscious bias.
Quick Guide: Diverse perspectives in news
Diverse perspectives are essential if journalists are to reflect the true complexity behind the news. Varied viewpoints add depth to reporting.
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: Trauma and stress
Covering traumatic events and experiencing stress are part of journalism, making it essential for journalists to learn how to protect their mental health.
Quick Guide: Developing news sense
Good journalists develop a news sense which enables them to spot a story and understand its significance.
Quick Guide: Citizen journalism
Learn to turn simple observations into professional news stories. This guide covers adding depth and context to your reporting.
Quick Guide: Plain writing
Effective news writing clarifies meaning through precise, simple language. Learn how to make your reports easily digestible for every reader.
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: Story leaks and tip-offs
This checklist sets out how journalists should handle story leaks and tip-offs, starting with the essential first step: verifying the source.
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