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From our journalism basics section

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Fact-checking and adding context

An essential part of the editorial process is to examine everything we are told to make sure it is factual.
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Editorialising is not for news

The free training materials on Media Helping Media are all aimed at encouraging one particular kind of journalism: accurate, fact-based, impartial news reporting.
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Words that are frequently misused

It's essential for journalists to maintain precision in their use of language, especially when dealing with words that sound or look similar but which carry different meanings.
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Journalism, trauma and stress

Journalists frequently face trauma that affects their wellbeing and work. Explore essential support services for managing work-related stress and trauma.
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Journalists and politicians

Journalism is often referred to as “the fourth estate”, and is seen as being crucial to the functioning of a healthy and fair society.
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Climate change – language

Climate change is a complex and urgent story, demanding careful consideration of tone and language from the journalists covering the issue.
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AI and investigative journalism

The landscape of investigative journalism is undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a powerful ally for reporters.
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Investigating official documents

The investigative journalist never takes things at face value. They probe and question in order to get to the truth.
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Tool: Motive, veracity, and security (MVS) matrix

This free Media Helping Media matrix is designed to help journalists assess the risks and benefits of investigating a tip-off or a leak.
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Why editorial ethics are important

The Media Helping Media ethics section is designed to help journalists navigate some of the challenges they might face as they go about their work.
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Respecting privacy as a journalist

Journalists must balance privacy rights with the need for rigorous, robust investigation into matters of public interest.
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Photojournalism and ethics

The following are commonly accepted ethical guidelines for photojournalists adopted by most mainstream media.
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Testing boundaries – scenario

In this scenario we look at a situation where an editor faces breaking protocol because of the strength of a story.
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Editorial impartiality – scenario

In this scenario a reporter covering a story about medical malpractice in a hospital discovers that the consultant involved is a relative. What should they do?
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Journalistic ethics – scenario

In this scenario a reporter feels ethically compromised after accepting hospitality from a developer who subsequently pressured them for favourable coverage.