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Media Helping Media is hosted by the Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University.
News reporting
Here we look at what is involved in news reporting, from getting out and talking to people in the street to covering news events and reporting from conflict zones. We look at how to pitch a story to an editor, what to do when a big story breaks, why keeping records while reporting is important, and reporting responsibilities as a news story evolves.
Shoe-leather reporting
Digital noise is everywhere, but shoe-leather reporting - getting out and talking to people - remains a foundational skill for the modern journalist.
Covering a news event
Check our news event coverage guide with tips on preparation, on-site reporting, ethical interviews, and capturing compelling photos and video.
Pitching a news story to an editor
Whether you're a journalist or reporter, learn how to pitch stories effectively to ensure they are accepted by your editor every time.
The questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
Including the human angle in news
For news organisations to succeed, they must attract and retain audiences. The human touch is vital for building trust and engagement.
Developing and handling news sources
News sources are vital for journalists to find essential stories. Without reliable information, reporters would be left staring at a blank page.
News sources and the ‘so what’ factor
Every news story needs at least one reliable source that is able to share information that helps the journalist get to the facts.
Developing important news angles
Seeking out new angles on a breaking, developing or running news story is an important part of the editorial process.
Citizen reporting to citizen journalism
This article was written for a group of young citizen reporters from remote rural communities in Zimbabwe who were learning how to become journalists.
Evidence-based reporting
This guide provides a framework for journalists to compile in-depth reports on any topic by ensuring that all they write is based on verifiable facts.
Why some news stories are rejected
There will be times when a news story is withheld from publication, we look at why, what changes might be needed, and how to make sure a story is ethical and legally safe.
Interviewing without questions
Some interviews don't have to be a rigid question-and-answer session. A more conversational approach - without asking a single question - can sometimes yield richer insights.
Doorstepping – scenario
You are a local newspaper reporter sent out to doorstep a bereaved family but you lie to your news editor because you are reluctant to intrude on their grief.
The importance of keeping records
Journalists who want to inform the audience need to keep records so that they can add context to breaking news stories without having to rely on others for background information
The evolution of an original news story
Behind every headline is a journey of persistence. This article shows how robust research and in-depth reporting are central to uncovering the complete story.
The roles of reporters and sub-editors
Streamlined newspaper workflows with minimal editing benefit reporters and sub-editors, ultimately enhancing publication quality.
Related learning resources
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: Public interest
Learn how journalists apply the public interest test to balance privacy and ethics while holding power to account and serving society’s right to know.
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: Gender equality in journalism
Journalists should report the world as it is. Women make up half the population but are often ignored. Learn how to improve accuracy through gender equality.
Quick Guide: Fact-checking and adding context
Journalism isn't just relaying information, it's about rigorous fact-checking. A vital editorial step is scrutinising every detail to ensure accuracy.
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: Developing news angles
This guide is for journalists who want to look past the surface of a story in order to explore important news angles.
Quick Guide: Assessing news value
As a journalist, your primary job is to find information that is interesting, relevant, and important to your audience. Not every event is news.
Quick Guide: Developing news sense
Good journalists develop a news sense which enables them to spot a story and understand its significance.
Quick Guide: 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.
Quick Guide: Evidence-based reporting
Journalists should always rely on facts rather than feelings. Evidence-based reporting means your stories are built on data, documents, and witness accounts.
Quick Guide: Developing and handling news sources
Use this checklist to ensure you build and manage credible news sources so that your journalism remains authoritative, original, and high-quality.
Quick Guide: 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.
Exercise: Questions every journalist should ask
There are six questions that a journalists should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who? This exercise considers their use in journalism.
Exercise: Developing important news angles
Finding new angles on developing news stories is essential. Journalists must explain how news events impact their audience's lives. This exercise will help reporters find out how.
Workshop: The six important questions
This workshop looks at the six questions that every journalist should consider asking. They are What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
Workshop: Developing important news angles
Finding fresh angles on developing news is vital. Journalists must explain how events impact their audience's lives, ensuring stories remain relevant and insightful.
Lesson: The questions every journalist should ask
This lesson plan teaches students about the six essential questions - What? Why? When? How? Where? and Who?
Lesson: Pitching a news story to an editor
This lesson plan provides a comprehensive guide to the essential skill of pitching a news story idea to an editor.
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Content released under Creative Commons
The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.