Managing and developing staff
In this section we look at how to hire, develop, and manage staff. The material here is for newsroom managers who want to create a vibrant newsroom culture from scratch. It includes ensuring there is a diverse group of highly motivated journalists, knowing how to run an effective news meeting, and managing a newsroom so that staff are encouraged to work to their maximum potential.
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.
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.
Tips for motivating journalists
Daily news meetings should be inclusive and agenda-setting. Editors must foster a culture of original ideas and risk-taking to keep staff motivated and alert.
Creating a vibrant newsroom culture
The output of a news organisation is determined by how well the newsroom is run. A well-managed newsroom is more likely to produce compelling and engaging content focused on audience need.
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.
Gender equality in the media
The role of the journalist in rectifying gender imbalance in media is multifaceted, and it involves both individual actions and contributing to broader systemic change.
Running an effective news meeting
Here we offer 50 suggestions for helping editors run stimulating news meetings that guarantee a steady stream of original stories.
Getting the best out of a news meeting
The following is a list of the essential elements required to ensure a successful daily newsroom meeting that provides a clear outline of what news stories are being covered.
The role of the hands-on editor
A hands-on editor should lead by example, be present for breaking news, and communicate well. They must trust staff, praising publicly and correcting privately.
Hey AI, what are the top stories of the day?
Have you ever chaired a news meeting surrounded by blank faces with no story ideas? Well, with AI that experience could be a thing of the past.
Developing the potential of your staff
Media training is about investing in people - your staff. They are your most precious resource.
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.
Setting up refugee media in exile
This article deals with how refugee communities can set up and operate a successful news organisation when living in exile.
Related learning resources
Refresher: Managing a newsroom
This intensive, full-day Newsroom Management programme is designed for senior editors and managers seeking to get the best out of their journalists and available resources.
Tool: SMART objectives for media training
Those delivering media training need to focus on SMART objectives, which are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound.
Lesson: Gender equality in news production
A lesson plan is designed to help journalists understand the need to avoid stereotypes in their news writing.