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Journalism Intro Course

Build the core skills every journalist needs on this two-day practical introduction course.

Covering research, news writing, interviews, fact-checking and avoiding legal pitfalls.

Build the core skills every journalist needs on this two-day practical introduction course. Covering research, news writing, interviews, fact-checking and avoiding legal pitfalls.

83 Reviews
9.6/10 Satisfaction
100% Recommend
See reviews
Journalism Intro training course

Journalism Intro Course

All Journalism courses

Build the core skills every journalist needs on this two-day practical introduction course.

You'll learn how journalism is changing, how to find and develop news stories, how to research using online and traditional sources, how to write news stories and understand the difference between news and feature writing, how to conduct effective interviews including difficult ones, how to check facts and avoid legal pitfalls, and how to write accurately and compellingly under pressure.

Suitable for aspiring journalists and those moving into a journalism role.

View course outline

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Course outline

1

Introduction to journalism

Different facets of today's journalism

How journalism is changing

2

Research

The internet as a research tool

Traditional sources for journalists

What makes news and how to find it

3

News reporting

The difference between news and feature writing

The essentials of news reporting

Researching news subjects

Writing a good news story

Working to journalism deadlines

News desk organisation

4

Feature writing

What makes a good feature?

Understanding your audience

Finding subjects for features

Structuring your feature

Writing excellent introductions

Developing a feature

Selling your feature

Rewriting for different audiences

5

Interviewing

Preparing for an interview

Choosing who to interview

Face-to-face interviews

Telephone interviews

Interview techniques

The difficult interview

Extracting information

Spotting hidden agendas

The press conference

6

Sub-editing

How to sub your work

On-screen subbing

Writing headlines

Effective use of quotes

7

Writing for a digital audience

The difference between print and online reading habits

Writing for readers who skim

Making your copy searchable

Embedding multimedia content in your features

8

Ethics and legal issues

A guide to the basics of media law

Who is this course for?

For aspiring journalists, PR professionals and communications graduates who want to build the core skills needed to work in journalism. No prior experience required.

83 Reviews
9.6/10 Satisfaction
100% Recommend

Detailed and in-depth knowledge without it being overwhelming. Great balance of exercises to insights

Leonie – 11 December 2024

Thanks Piers for an extremely informative two days and for being so approachable!

Kerry – 11 December 2024

The variety of tasks was really helpful for the work I am going to be doing. I found the feedback really useful and practical. I think I ha…

Benjamin – 11 November 2024

Tailored course to attendees, flexible with times and activities

Katie – 11 November 2024

Great conversations, loved the small group setting, the tasks were engaging and useful, lot of constructive, actionable feedback

Flora – 1 May 2024

Instilling belief through sincere encouragement.

Phillip – 22 February 2024

Rosie was great, very friendly and understanding.

Konstancja – 22 February 2024

Very knowledgeable about their subject and clearly passionate about what they were teaching.

James – 22 February 2024

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Who attends?

Getting better at your job icon

Getting better at your job

You need a skill for the role you already have, or your employer is investing in the team.

Changing career icon

Changing career

You're moving into a new field and need the practical skills it asks for.

Just graduated icon

Just graduated

You know the theory. A practical course and a certificate of attendance show employers you can do the work.

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