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Media Helping Media (MHM)
Preserving and promoting the core principles of accurate, impartial, public-service journalism by offering free training materials in multiple formats to be downloaded, adapted, and used.
Free Journalism Learning Materials
DOWNLOAD AND ADAPT MORE THAN 150 ASSORTED TRAINING RESOURCESLanguage and style – basics
Learn how to write clear, impactful sentences for better understanding and discover why choosing the right language is essential for your readers.
What is takes to be a journalist
Journalists should be accurate, first with news, trusted, easy to understand, straight, aware, disciplined and realistic.
Clichés, journalese, and jargon
Journalists need to recognise and then avoid using journalese, jargon, and clichés. Their writing must be clear, easy to understand, and informative.
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.
Impartiality in journalism
For journalists, being impartial means presenting information without demonstrating favouritism towards any specific viewpoint or party.
Integrity and journalism
Without integrity your journalism is untrustworthy and suspect. Integrity is essential if a journalist wants to investigate issues, shine a light in dark places, and to dig where others don't.
Managing a news website’s front page
The journalist in charge of a news website is like a shopkeeper who sets out their stall. If the items are badly displayed the customer might miss them, if they are not fresh people won't buy them.
Detecting AI-generated images
How can journalists identifying fake photographs with so many dramatic images being shared at speed on social media.
Specialisms in journalism
Specialist reporting means going beyond general news coverage in order to develop deep expertise, insight and trust in a particular subject area.
Investigating corruption
A journalist investigating corruption faces many risks and challenges. Investigative journalist Don Ray shares his experience.
Dealing with suspects as news sources
Sources are one of the most valuable resources for a journalist. They need to be handled with care in order to build trust and gain knowledge.
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.
When a ‘big story’ breaks
Big stories happen out of the blue. And when they do newsrooms have to spring into action immediately.
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.
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.
Funding the news – a guide to sustainability
Sustainable business models for media managers launching outlets in tough economic climates. Explore resilient strategies for long-term growth and stability.
Collaborative journalism explained
Newsroom collaboration empowers diverse media outlets to produce original, in-depth investigative reports, broadening the reach and impact of modern journalism.
Informed consent – scenario
In this scenario a reporter covering a disaster films a grief-stricken woman before discovering the facts about the ordeal she has witnessed.
Trespass and journalism – scenario
In this scenario we look at a situation where a journalist is faced with breaking the law in order to gather essential information for informing the public debate.
Testing boundaries – scenario
In this scenario we look at a situation where an editor faces breaking protocol because of the strength of a story.
The MHM public service journalism curriculum
The following curriculum is designed for journalists who want to improve their skills, and for journalism trainers to adapt and use.
Designing a media training plan
A well-designed media training plan could make the difference between the success and the failure of a media business.
Wanted, your media know-how
Have you got any journalism expertise that you are willing to share with others? If so, please get in touch.
Tool: News story checklist
The follow is a structured checklist tool for journalists to consider in order to ensure they produce strong news stories.
Tool: Delivering trauma training
Discussing trauma can trigger emotional responses in participants, so it is vital to lead training sessions with a mix of professional advice and empathy.
Tool : Training timetable planner
This sample training timetable helps trainers download and adapt MHM lesson outlines for their own specific needs. Ideal for customising your teaching plans.
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The content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.