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Tips for journalists

Tip: Put audience needs at the core of your newsletters

Knowing what your readers want and when they want it is one thing. It is another to act on that feedback

Posted by Jacob Granger on 21/04/22

Tip: Tools for non-native English speaking journalists

Master reporting in English when it is not your mother tongue

Posted by Jacob Granger on 20/04/22

Tip: Mastering the art of the news explainer

BBC News presenter Ros Atkins spoke in Perugia about how to break down topics for audiences so they understand the complex news stories of the day

Posted by Jacob Granger on 12/04/22

Tip: the Guardian's best practices for live blogging

What do audiences truly want from rolling updates to a fast-moving news story?

Posted by Jacob Granger on 29/03/22

Tip: How to keep your communications secure

Using end-to-end encryption protects both yourself and your sources - these guides give you tips for secure messages, calls and file-sharing

Posted by Catherine Edwards on 28/03/22

Tip: Empower your staff to experiment

Digital media organisations need to be able to react and adapt fast to serve their communities

Posted by Catherine Edwards on 23/03/22

Tip: How to make your Twitter threads stand out

These three steps will help you beat the Twitter algorithm which only shows the first and last two tweets in a thread

Posted by Olivia Crellin on 18/03/22

Tip: Spotting mis- and disinformation from Ukraine

Learn how not to be an unwitting part of spreading propaganda and falsehoods

Posted by Jacob Granger on 17/03/22

Tip: Three ways to appeal to Gen Z readers

People born after 1997 grew up with social media and spend money on content that engages them

Posted by Catherine Edwards on 16/03/22

Tip: Discover the perfect length for your social video

Every social platform has a different sweet spot for how long videos should be. Find out what works best on the likes of Twitter, Youtube and TikTok

Posted by Jacob Granger on 15/03/22

Tip: Resources for reporting on Russia

Use these tools to cover Russian oligarchs, sanctions, disinformation or military movements

Posted by Catherine Edwards on 14/03/22

Tip: Use non-media experience to your advantage

Having a background in call centres, coffee shops or education can provide transferable skills to work as a journalist

Posted by Jacob Granger on 11/03/22

Tip: Coping with bad news

The news agenda is unrelentingly negative at the moment. Take these steps to keep your mental health in check

Posted by Jacob Granger on 08/03/22

Tip: Reporting on Ukraine's history

An Oxford historian provides background for international journalists reporting on Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Posted by Jacob Granger on 02/03/22

Tip: Reporting on the Ukrainian war

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the biggest European war story in 80 years. Make sure to do it justice and get the basics right

Posted by Jacob Granger on 01/03/22

Tip of the day: How to live-blog during a crisis

Live blogs are an important tool when covering unfolding world events and editors need to prioritise what readers can get from them

Posted by Catherine Edwards on 28/02/22

Tip: Use transcription services safely

Understand the precautions you need to take before handing over your interview recording

Posted by Isla Whateley on 24/02/22

Why autistic people can be great journalists

Diagnostic criteria often focus on the things an autistic person cannot do, rather than what they excel at. So, what are the benefits of being an autistic journalist?

Posted by Isla Whateley on 23/02/22

Tip: Learn the basics of YouTube

Bookmark this playlist to catch up with all the rudiments of the video platform

Posted by Jacob Granger on 22/02/22

Tip: Getting paid on time as a freelancer

When payments are delayed and late fees ignored, freelance journalists may struggle with cash flow. Here is how to protect yourself

Posted by Isla Whateley on 18/02/22

Tip: How to pitch to editors

Make sure your next story idea hits the mark

Posted by Jacob Granger on 17/02/22

Tip: Look after your mental health at work

Find opportunities in your day-to-day schedule to keep your mind refreshed, positive and focused

Posted by Jacob Granger on 16/02/22

Tip: How Twitter’s #JournoRequest can help you find stories

The social platform is a great place to discover new voices outside of your bubble

Posted by Isla Whateley on 15/02/22

Tip: How journalists can tackle misinformation

Learn the basics of fact-checking and digital verification

Posted by Isla Whateley on 11/02/22

Tip: Get inspired by journalists on TikTok

Follow these 45 reporters who have found the social media platform an effective place to grow a young following

Posted by Jacob Granger on 10/02/22

Tip: Use native advertising to generate fresh revenue sources

Having sustainable revenue is important so newsrooms can retain their editorial independence

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 09/02/22

Tip: How Twitter Spaces can help your reporting

This audio chat feature can help you create a closer relationship with your followers and sources. Here is how to make the most out of it

Posted by Isla Whateley on 08/02/22

How to report on neurodiversity

Sensitive reporting on conditions like autism, dyslexia and ADHD can promote a wider understanding and help fight stereotypes

Posted by Fern McErlane on 08/02/22

Tip: Build trust with your sources

How to maintain healthy relationships with those who make your stories possible

Posted by Jacob Granger on 07/02/22

Tip: Four sources you should use in health reporting

GPs and authors of medical studies are not the only people you can go to when covering health topics. Other experts can help make your story more interesting

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 03/02/22

Tip: Social media image sizes guide for 2022

Bookmark this useful cheat sheet from Hootsuite with the most up-to-date image size specifications for social media, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and more

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 02/02/22

Tip: How to better report on the climate crisis

Learn how to bring global issues down to a local level and engage your audience with the most important story of our time

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 31/01/22

Tip : Covering sexual violence in a conflict zone 

Talking to a journalist about sexual violence in a warzone is risky for any survivor. Dart Center provides guidelines to help you understand what is at stake

Posted by Hilal Seven on 19/01/22

Tip: Protect yourself and your sources when under surveillance

Keeping you and your sources secure is a fundamental part of journalism. Whether you are covering a war zone or a wedding, here is how to stay cyber-savvy

Posted by Joseph Cummins on 18/01/22

Tip: Build your personal brand online

Having a solid online presence is a must for every journalist. Here is how to market yourself in a clear and consistent way

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 17/01/22

Tip: Seven portfolio websites to boost your journalism career

A professionally looking website that shows your best pieces of work is crucial for every aspiring journalist. Check out these tools for building one

Posted by Hilal Seven on 13/01/22

Tip: Become an Online Advance Search pro

These clever online search tools will help you find accurate and reliable information about people and places 

Posted by Hilal Seven on 10/01/22

Tip: Smash your annual work review

Impress your boss and put yourself in prime position for a promotion

Posted by Jacob Granger on 07/01/22

Tip: Monetise your community

Turn your most loyal readers into an important revenue stream

Posted by Jacob Granger on 06/01/22

Tip: Kickstart branded content revenue in 2022

Sponsored content can be a great revenue source for your newsroom. If you do not know where to start, follow these tips from Meta Branded Content Project

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 05/01/22

Tip: Constructive ways to report on science scepticism

Although vaccine-sceptics or climate-sceptics predate the pandemic, the movements that promote mistrust of experts are becoming more prominent. Improve your coverage to prevent misrepresenting people and stories

Posted by Marcela Kunova on 22/12/21

Tip: Entrepreneurial journalists advise on skills for 2022

ICFJ Knight Fellows reflect on the skills reporters will need next year amid rising press freedom concerns

Posted by Jacob Granger on 21/12/21

Tip: Cultivate a better relationship with your sources

The connection between journalists and those who trust them with their stories needs to be a two-way street

Posted by Jacob Granger on 16/12/21

Tip: Prepare for your next job interview

Land the job you are after by making sure you are as prepared as possible

Posted by Hilal Seven on 15/12/21

Tip: Top tools for tracking the impact of climate change

Find, store and analyse the data behind environmental stories

Posted by Hilal Seven on 14/12/21

Tip: Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa's four steps to solidarity in journalism

The press freedom champion shares insights on holding power to account amid relentless harassment and misinformation on social media

Posted by Hilal Seven on 13/12/21

Tip: Drive audience engagement with quizzes

Quizzes, Q&As and polls are a sure proof way to bring interactivity to your website and keep readers’ attention for longer

Posted by Hilal Seven on 07/12/21

Tip: How to get started as an investigative journalist

When starting your journalism career, it pays off to learn from the best: GIJN rounded up top tips from six young investigative journalists in Nigeria, Peru, India, South Africa and the UK

Posted by Hilal Seven on 06/12/21

Tip: How UK freelance journalists can use ALCS to earn more money from their work

If you have written for any UK-based magazines or journals in the last three years, you could be due a payout

Posted by Hilal Seven on 03/12/21

Tip : Incorporate solutions journalism in your reporting

Telling stories of how communities and businesses respond to crises should not be mistaken for just "good news" journalism. It can help inspire your readers and make them feel empowered 

Posted by Hilal Seven on 01/12/21

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