Grow your journalism skills with self-guided tips and tutorials
These training resources were co-created with professional correspondents, young people and media partners around the world.
What is our PRDR method?
Pitch-Report-Draft-Revise is News Decoder’s signature content creation process that helps you create original content for a global audience — our audience.
Form and idea and structure it.
Come up with a 50-100 word summary.
What question does your piece address?
Get out there and speak to experts.
Interview people, visit organisations, do real-life research.
Turn your idea into a story.
Think about the structure, your audience and your output – article, podcast, photography, video.
Work 1-to-1 with an editor.
Address gaps, increase clarity and fine tune your work with the help of a professional!
More resources:
PRDR Publishing Tips: Learn more about News Decoder’s signature content creation process, “Pitch, Report, Draft, Revise” (download pdf)
Top Tips
News Decoder publishes content by experienced journalists, as well as student writers and reporters. Do you have a story idea but don’t know where to start? Follow our weekly tips for guidance on creating a great story — in any medium.
Can you tell a good story? That might get you hired.
Journalism seems old school. But the skills needed to be a good journalist are what many companies want for today’s jobs.
Did we ever tell you about the time …
So many news stories put people to sleep. To wake readers up, tell them a little story about one person’s experience.
Can you hook your reader from the get-go?
To inform people you need to first get their attention. In journalism that’s the job of “the lead.” But crafting it is difficult.
Please don’t let me be misunderstood
A small grammatical error can cause a big misunderstanding. But there are many ways your story can be read in a way you didn’t intend.
Could you be an investigative reporter?
Investigative reporters make good movie characters. In reality, the work isn’t sexy or exciting. But it is important. And more important, even you can do it.
Video Tutorials
Hear from media professionals about all aspects of content creation and information literacy, from finding sources, interviewing and fact-checking to producing trustworthy podcasts, video journalism and opinion articles. Created as a part of the Mobile Stories project (ProMS), co-funded by the European Union.
Climate Journalism Shorts
Climate Journalism Shorts is a video series sharing guidance and tips from professional journalists on how to develop compelling climate-focused media. Hosted by News Decoder’s Stefani Aleksandrova and produced as part of The Writing’s on the Wall climate education project.
What Makes a Good Climate Change Story?
Interviewing for a Climate Change Story
Making a Climate Change Podcast
Podcast Bootcamp
Learn the essential steps to make your own podcast alongside international students in this podcast bootcamp led by journalists from Podium.me and News Decoder’s Nicole DiSante.
Lesson 1: Why Make a Podcast?
Click and expand the boxes below to continue watching the podcast series.
Lesson 2: How to Conduct a Great Interview
Lesson 3: How to Record a Podcast – Technical Skills
Lesson 4. Learn Storytelling Techniques
Lesson 5: Writing a Script
Lesson 6: Consent and Deep Listening
Lesson 7: Why Do You Make Podcasts? An Interview
Be Heard
Now that you’ve gathered inspiration, we want to hear your stories!
Youth under 25 years old from any country are invited to submit an original story to News Decoder. Submissions can be in any form (reported articles, personal reflections, interviews, creative writing) and in any format (written stories, podcasts, photo essays, video — or a multimedia combination).
Please note that submitting a story does not guarantee you’ll be published. News Decoder maintains the highest editorial standards. Be sure your story is balanced, authoritative, compelling and relevant for a global audience.
Get started by completing the pitch form below.
News Decoder Pitch Form
These open-access activities are made possible by the generous support of News Decoder donors around the world. To help sustain and expand these free educational resources, please consider making a donation today. Thank you!