We are so glad you are sharpening your skills and broadening your horizons, and towards that end we are amassing a list of different guides and resources that you can look to in order to sharpen and hone your abilities.
If you are aware of a resource that should be on this list but is not, or have any questions, please let us know what they are.
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1. Spirit of Truth and Collaboration
- Above all, tell the truth - We do not always know the truth, and it is easy to see something and think you can draw conclusions. Make sure you double check your assumptions and represent the results of your research accurately. If you are drawing your own conclusions, be sure to let folks know that.
- Collaboration - Creative collaboration as opposed to competition, is a principle we take very seriously. When we have an awards ceremony at the end of the year, we will be watching especially closely to identify those who have embodied creative collaboration in their investigations and initiatives.
2. Understanding Journalism Basics
- “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel - A foundational text that outlines the principles of journalism, including truth-telling, loyalty to citizens, and maintaining independence.
- “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser - This book provides essential writing tips that are crucial for journalists, focusing on clarity and simplicity in writing.
- Poynter Institute’s Online Courses - Offers a variety of free and paid courses on journalism fundamentals, ethics, and reporting techniques.
- Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics - A comprehensive guide to ethical journalism practices.
3. Developing Research Skills
- The Associated Press Stylebook - Essential for understanding how to properly cite sources and maintain consistency in writing.
- Muck Rack’s Media Database - Helps journalists find contact information for journalists and media outlets relevant to their work.
- Library of Congress Research Guides - Provides access to a wealth of primary sources and research materials useful for investigative journalism.
- Indeed Important Investigator Skills: Development Tips and Examples - the basics of investigator skills, list some of the most important skills, explore how to develop those skills, and mention some investigator career paths for your consideration.
4. Mastering Digital Tools
- Canva for Journalists - A user-friendly design tool that helps create visually appealing graphics for articles or social media posts.
- Hootsuite or Buffer - Social media management tools that allow you to schedule posts across multiple platforms efficiently.
5. Building a Personal Brand
- LinkedIn Learning Courses on Personal Branding - Offers various courses focused on building a professional online presence tailored for journalists.
- Personal Branding Blog by Dan Schawbel - Insights into how to effectively market yourself as a journalist in the digital age.
- Wix or Squarespace - These platforms allow you to build a professional website showcasing your work easily.
- Networking Tips from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) - Strategies on how to connect with other professionals in the field through events and social media platforms.
6. Staying Informed about Industry Trends
- Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) - Provides analysis on current trends affecting journalism today along with critiques of media practices.
- Nieman Lab at Harvard University – Focuses on innovation in digital journalism, offering insights into emerging trends and technologies in the field.
- Reuters Institute Digital News Report 2023 – An annual report providing data-driven insights into global news consumption trends and behaviors among audiences worldwide. Available at: Reuters Institute website.
7. Reporters Privilege and Your Rights
- Committee to Protect Journalists: A Guide to Legal Rights in the US - The following advice and recommendations are intended to give the reader a high-level understanding of the rights of a journalist when confronted by law enforcement officers while covering a protest or other political event.
- Free Speech Center: Reporter's Privilege - A guide to the concept of Reporter's Privilege and it's applications.
- Reporter's Committee for Freedom of the Press: Reporter's Handbook - A guide to navigating different aspects of guarding your rights as a reporter.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation: Reporter's Privilege - From one of the toothiest groups fighting for our rights. Brilliant.
- Yale Law School: A Reporter by Any Other Name: Qualifying for Reporter’s Privilege in the Digital Age - What makes a reporter a reporter?
As you move forward in your investigations, reporting, and other creative endeavors, we have set up a support email for questions.
Please email our media support, and we will do our best to answer your questions or connect you with organizations, links or people who can.
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