Journalism Skills for Beginners: Reporting & Writing 101

Course Description

This intensive 5-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to essential journalism skills for beginners. Participants will learn the fundamentals of news reporting, writing techniques, ethical considerations, and digital media production. Through hands-on exercises and expert guidance, students will develop practical skills to create compelling news stories across various platforms.

Learning Objectives

• Master the basics of news gathering, interviewing, and fact-checking
• Develop clear and concise news writing skills for print and digital media
• Understand journalistic ethics and legal considerations
• Learn to create multimedia content for digital platforms
• Gain practical experience in story development and publication

Course Modules

Day 1: Introduction to Journalism

• What is news? Understanding newsworthiness
• The role of journalism in society
• Basic news story structure
• Introduction to AP style

Day 2: Reporting Techniques

• Sourcing and interviewing skills
• Research methods and fact-checking
• Note-taking and observation techniques
• Covering different types of news events

Day 3: News Writing Skills

• Writing compelling leads and headlines
• Crafting clear and concise news articles
• Editing and proofreading techniques
• Writing for different media platforms

Day 4: Ethics and Media Law

• Journalistic ethics and integrity
• Understanding libel, privacy, and copyright
• Bias awareness and objectivity
• Handling sensitive topics and sources

Day 5: Digital Journalism

• Introduction to multimedia storytelling
• Basic photography and video for journalists
• Social media reporting and engagement
• Creating a digital portfolio

Practical Wins for Participants

• Develop a portfolio of published news articles
• Create a multimedia news package for digital platforms
• Conduct and record a professional interview
• Establish a professional online presence for journalism