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Media Helping Media is hosted by the Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University.
Newsroom management
In this section we look at how to run a vibrant newsroom with motivated journalists producing original in-depth content. We look at the role of the hands-on editor, how to run an effective news meeting, the importance of reviewing news output, and how to get the best out of a news meeting. We look at how AI can be used as a newsroom tool, and how diversity is essential in order to provide comprehensive coverage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reviewing news output is essential
A media house needs to be continually assessing whether its output is meeting the needs of the audience and achieving business targets.
Diversity in journalism
Diversity in journalism extends beyond representation, it's also about enriching the news coverage produced and ensuring its relevance to a wider audience.
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?
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.
Using AI as a newsroom tool
Discover the pros and cons of AI in news production. We interview Google Gemini to explore how artificial intelligence views its growing role in journalism.
Using AI for story development
How artificial intelligence (AI) can help a journalist brainstorm a story in order to discover multiple news angles
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.
The role of the news producer
The news producer has an essential role to play in any news organisation. Their job is to ensure that the material that is published is of the highest quality.
Organising effective newsgathering
Here we look at ways to set up a strong newsgathering team from planning, production through to output.
Handling breaking news
Journalists need to have a system in place for covering a breaking news story in order to know who does what and when.
When a ‘big story’ breaks
Big stories happen out of the blue. And when they do newsrooms have to spring into action immediately.
Adopting the ‘big story’ approach
Professional news relies on meticulous planning and coverage. Yet, some stories remain unpredictable. Explore the balance between preparation and the unexpected.
Old news is no news, updates are essential
Journalism involves an ongoing commitment to update and rework the material we are producing to ensure that it remains relevant, reflects latest developments, and continues to inform.
In-depth proactive journalism
Proactive journalism is an approach to newsgathering where reporters take the initiative in seeking out stories rather than relying on wires feeds.
Story development techniques
Journalists need to look for related stories, angles, or missing pieces of a story in order to help the audience understand the importance of the issue being covered.
Social media in news production
Social media has fundamentally disrupted the media landscape, forcing traditional outlets to confront their operational models and redefine their role in a rapidly evolving information ecosystem.
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?
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.
Collaborative journalism explained
Newsroom collaboration empowers diverse media outlets to produce original, in-depth investigative reports, broadening the reach and impact of modern journalism.
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.
Convergence: workflows, roles and responsibilities
A converged newsroom operates like a 'content factory', with a centralised 'command and control' desk responsible for all news intake, production and output.
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.
Related learning resources
Quick Guide: Motivating news teams
Aspiring editors must inspire, not just instruct. Learn how to foster a creative environment and lead your newsroom to success.
Workshop: Stress and trauma in journalism
Journalism can exposes reporters to trauma. This workshop offers techniques and tools to manage stress and protect a reporter's work and wellbeing.
Tool: Multiplatform Authoring (MPA)
This MPA tool lets journalists write a story once and publish across multiple digital platforms, ensuring editorial consistency for the news organisation’s audience.
Tool: The MHM newsroom staffing rota
Every news operations needs a staffing rota that provides excellent coverage during operational hours, makes maximum use of resources, and offers significant benefits for staff.
Tool: News Meeting Manager
This tool is designed to help editors prepare for and run an effective news meeting that results in the production of original and informative journalism.
Tool: Journalist wellbeing charter
This tool is for newsroom managers to use to protect the psychological wellbeing of staff who encounter trauma and stress.
Module: Managing newsroom evolution
This free educational module provides an outline for teaching senior newsroom editors the skills needed to run an efficient newsroom delivering content to multiple platforms.
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: The Content Value Matrix
In this article we look at the 'content value matrix, a tool designed to help media managers prioritise effort and resources on the stories that really matter to the target audience.
Tool: Newsroom Convergence Implementation
This newsroom convergence tool helps editors deliver content to multiple platforms from one source, increasing reach and efficiency while reducing costs.
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The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.