Media strategy

Our strategy section explores long-term planning and sustainable development for news organisations. Examine digital transformation, newsroom convergence, audience engagement, revenue diversification, organisational change management, and business models that support quality journalism. All material is free to download, adapt and use. Scroll down our site map for all the content in this and other sections.

Senior journalists at NTV in Vinh, Nghệ An. Image by David Brewer released via Creative Commons.

Winning audience trust and loyalty

A media organisation needs to be clear about what it stands for in order to win the trust of the audience.

Convergence graphic created by MHM with Microsoft AI Image Creator

Convergence: transforming news production

Introducing a converged news operation is rarely easy. Those trying to introduce changes in workflows, roles and responsibilities are often met with resistance.

Image by angeliathatsme released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Forward planning for media organisations

This module looks at how media organisations need to plan ahead in order to produce original content that informs the public debate and makes the most efficient use of resources.

Journalists and contributors from Hurriyat Sudan www.hurriyatsudan.com/ learning how to produce original journalism during a week-long training course held in Kampala, Uganda and organised by Fojo International

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?

Newsroom collaboration graphic created with Gemini AI

Planning a journalistic collaboration

Here we look at the practical steps needed in setting up an editorial collaboration with another news organisation or other information source.

Project management image courtesy of pxhere and released under Creative Commons Universal

Project management skills

Successful media projects, whether new programmes, live event coverage or product launches, rely on following specific regulatory rules and industry guidelines.

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.

Image by Ben Sutherland released via Creative Commons CC BY 2.0

Newspaper audience research

Audience research is essential if a newspaper is to remain relevant and generate revenue, but some publishers fail to gather adequate audience feedback.

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Adapting to changing audience behaviour

Media organisations need to ensure that the content they produce is available on every device the audience turns to for information.

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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.

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.

Convergence: transforming news production

Introducing a converged news operation is rarely easy. Those trying to introduce changes in workflows, roles and responsibilities are often met with resistance.

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.

Image by Megan Finn released via Creative Commons CC BY-ND 2.0

Social media test for mainstream media

Does your media organisation have a social media strategy. Does it reach out and connect with your audience on every device they are turning to for information?

Image by CM David released via Wikimedia Commons

Creating a converged newsroom

A converged news operation offers improved quality control, more efficient workflows, cost savings, a steady flow of original journalism across all devices, and new resulting business opportunities.

Image by Werner Anderson released via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Creating a current affairs programme

In this article we look at the steps involved in creating a radio news and current affairs programme based on the needs of the target audience.

Radio training in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Image by David Brewer shared via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Creating a distinctive radio station sound

A radio station can only achieve impact if it has a unique and consistent sound and delivers content that the listeners can relate to.

TV production gallery, image by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

The project management process

In this example, we were asked at short notice to help produce a televised debate between political candidates before a general election. We had three-and-half weeks to make it happen.

Image by IICD from The Hague, The Netherlands released via Creative Commons CC BY 2.0

The value of audience research

Knowing your audience and understanding the issues they face are essential factors in developing a compelling editorial proposition.

Image by Rawpixels/a> released via CC[0] Wikimedia Commons

The uneasy but essential evolution of news

Empowered audiences now act as superusers, creating and sharing content to offer alternative information channels beyond mainstream media providers.

Winning audience trust and loyalty

A media organisation needs to be clear about what it stands for in order to win the trust of the audience.

Project management in media

A media organisation must always remain alert to changing audience demand and behaviour. This involves continually examining what is produced to ensure that it is relevant to those who consume it.

Forward planning for media organisations

This module looks at how media organisations need to plan ahead in order to produce original content that informs the public debate and makes the most efficient use of resources.