Picture this: You’re sitting in your cozy nook, sipping on a warm cup of coffee, and scrolling through your newsfeed, inevitably admiring the impeccable writing and storytelling skills oozing out of every story you read. It hits you – wouldn’t it be incredible to be that gifted storyteller, unearthing well-hidden truths and sharing them with the world? If you’ve ever felt the call of journalism tugging at your heartstrings, then dear reader, this blog post is for you.
Welcome to the digital age, where opportunities to learn and refine your craft are just a few clicks away! It’s never been easier to embark on this journalistic journey, and it’s our mission to make your path as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the exciting world of online journalism courses, designed to help you harness the power of words and storytelling like never before. We’ll explore the various types of courses available, weigh their pros and cons, and guide you towards making the best decision for your career aspirations. Let the adventure begin!
Journalism Courses – Table of Contents
- Dan Rather on Journalism & Finding the Truth in the News
- How to be a Journalist – The Complete Guide to Journalism
- Journalism 101 – Introduction to News Writing
- Interviewing: Professional Journalism Techniques
- Journalism 101
- Digital Journalism 101 : get published in online media
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost for you, we may earn a commission if you click the link and purchase.
Dan Rather on Journalism & Finding the Truth in the News
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.7 out of 5
Step into the world of journalism with renowned news anchor Dan Rather as your guide. With over 60 years of experience in the news industry, including 20 years as the CBS Nightly News anchor, Dan brings invaluable foundations for aspiring journalists and news enthusiasts alike. In this engaging online course, you will learn how to write captivating pieces, tell a good story, and remain calm and collected on camera – vital skills for anyone interested in the power of the news or wishing to contribute to serious journalism. You’ll gain practical, hands-on exercises and benefit from rare insights offered by this American legend.
Explore the role of the free press in democracy and how technology and corporate interests have impacted news delivery over the years. By examining the differences between networks pursuing factual reporting versus those seeking out ratings, you will be able to discern between the two in what you consume and create. Dan will also share his first-hand experiences with some of the most significant stories covering the past 60 years, while providing guidance on conducting effective interviews, good writing, and staying informed. This course is perfect for those who strive to both understand and participate in journalism while ensuring its crucial role in today’s society.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understand the changing landscape of journalism and prepare for a successful career.
- Critically evaluate media consumption to identify credible sources and uncover the truth.
- Develop skills in hunting, breaking, and reporting impactful stories.
- Write with the elegance of a top journalist and create engaging, flowing narratives.
- Understand the role and impact of technology in journalism and media consumption.
- Differentiate between real reporting and ratings-driven content.
- Master the art of conducting effective interviews and incorporating them into storytelling.
- Improve on-camera presentation and off-camera communication techniques.
How to be a Journalist – The Complete Guide to Journalism
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.6 out of 5
If you’ve ever wanted to be a journalist, but didn’t know where to start or thought you needed a college degree first, you’re in luck! “How to be a Journalist – The Complete Guide” is a comprehensive online course created by Tony Bosworth, an experienced international editor and journalist. Forget about spending thousands on a degree; this course equips you with all the skills needed to become a professional journalist. As a bonus, you’ll also learn how to earn a living writing great journalism.
The course, filled with video lectures, assignments, and quizzes, covers a wide range of topics such as identifying news, crafting engaging stories, interviewing techniques, media law, and even how to pitch your stories to editors. Tony’s extensive experience and inside knowledge of the industry are perfect for anyone, regardless of age or experience level, to turn their passion for writing and storytelling into a fulfilling journalism career. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for this course today and take the first step toward becoming a real journalist!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Crafting well-written news stories and compelling features
- Conducting effective interviews and getting people to talk
- Understanding and navigating media law
- Writing accurate headlines and using quotes correctly
- Planning and setting up interviews
- Specialist reporting and court reporting
- Pitching stories to editors and understanding the importance of word count
- Ensuring accuracy and adhering to style guides
Journalism 101 – Introduction to News Writing
Platform:
Skillshare
Rating:
4.2 out of 5
In this engaging and informative course, students will learn the essentials of news writing across various media formats. The primary focus lies in newspaper journalism, but the course also delves into other news platforms such as television, radio, magazines, and the internet. By the end of this course, students will be well-equipped to tackle various news articles, including hard news, features, columns, reviews, interviews, and even social media content.
Developing journalistic writing skills is essential for competency and speed in this fast-paced field. In this course, students will be introduced to the classic inverted pyramid style of writing, enabling them to excel in different types of media. Additionally, they will learn the foundations of journalistic style, the art of discerning the facts, crafting a captivating lede, and meeting strict deadlines. As the course wraps up, students will complete a project to demonstrate their newfound understanding of diverse news story structures and how to analyze them thoroughly.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding various forms of news writing.
- Differentiating between types of news articles.
- Structuring a news story in the inverted pyramid style.
- Mastering the basics of journalistic style.
- Deciphering and presenting factual information.
- Crafting engaging and informative ledes.
- Meeting deadlines and prioritizing timeliness.
- Analyzing and dissecting news story structures.
Interviewing: Professional Journalism Techniques
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.8 out of 5
So, it seems like you’ve come across an online course that focuses on interviews and their significance in journalism. This course will not only help you understand interviews as a journalistic copy form found in various media platforms, but also as a critical investigation method used by journalists. As interviews are crucial for any journalist’s toolkit, this course will teach you the proper techniques and methods to conduct one.
Throughout the course, you’ll dive into the roles and functions of both the interviewer and interviewee (or interlocutor), learn various types of questions and when to use them, and explore essential tactics like subjectivism, politeness versus aggression, closeness versus distance, and cooperation versus competition. Mastering these aspects will ultimately help you enhance your interviewing skills. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on and explore the world of journalistic interviews!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Mastering essential interview techniques for journalism
- Understanding the roles and functions of interviewers and interviewees (interlocutors)
- Planning and structuring an effective interview
- Learning different types of questions and their appropriate usage
- Managing subjectivity in interviews
- Balancing politeness and aggression during interviews
- Navigating closeness and distance with interviewees
- Utilizing cooperation and competition strategies in interviews
Journalism 101
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.2 out of 5
Hey there, I just stumbled upon this fascinating online course on journalism and I think it’s perfect for independent journalists and bloggers aiming to up their reporting game. The course is all about teaching you how to create amazing hard stories, soft stories, political pieces, and even well-crafted criticisms. Sounds like an engaging way to improve your presenting skills, doesn’t it?
But wait, there’s more! The course also guides you on connecting the dots across time, space, and people to make your stories come alive. I’m definitely looking forward to checking it out, and I hope there are more courses like this in the pipeline. So, if you’ve been itching to brush up on your journalism skills, look no further – give this course a shot and let your writing shine brighter than ever.
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Enhancing storytelling techniques
- Crafting hard-hitting stories
- Developing soft stories
- Reporting on political topics
- Writing effective criticisms
- Connecting dots across time and space
- Engaging with diverse audiences
- Building a foundation for continued learning
Digital Journalism 101 : get published in online media
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.1 out of 5
Are you looking to get published in high authority publications and need help navigating the competitive landscape? “The Perfect Pitch” might be just the course for you! This online course focuses on helping you find, format, and pitch stories to increase your chances of breaking into top-tier publications. With insights provided by a 15-year industry veteran who has been published in The Guardian, BBC, Wired, Independent, Buzzfeed, and Aeon, you’ll gain valuable insider knowledge on how to pitch and publish at a high authority level.
In “The Perfect Pitch,” you’ll discover the real business of high authority publications, learn the three pillars of crafting the perfect pitch (Community, Story, and Angle), and explore various formats that top publications use to share stories. Plus, you’ll find out how to mine online resources like Reddit for unique angles, leverage social media for networking with editors, and master the art of pay negotiation to turn a one-time gig into a long-term job. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your writing career by enrolling in this comprehensive and valuable course!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding the business of high authority publications.
- Mastering the 3 pillars of the perfect pitch: Community, Story, and Angle.
- Familiarizing with key story formats for high authority publications.
- Tapping into online resources like Reddit for unique story angles.
- Utilizing social media to connect with editors and expand your network.
- Negotiating pay effectively for your work.
- Turning a one-time gig into a long-term job in the industry.
- Developing a strategic approach to pitching and publishing in high authority publications.
In conclusion, whether you’re an aspiring journalist or a seasoned professional, online journalism courses can help you hone your skills and stay up-to-date in this ever-evolving field. From learning the basics of storytelling and ethics, to mastering multimedia journalism and writing for a digital audience, these courses will arm you with valuable insights, resources, and fresh perspectives. So, why not invest some time exploring what’s available and find a course (or several) that speaks to your career goals and aspirations?
Remember, like any other profession, journalism is a trade that continues to evolve in the face of emerging technologies and new communication methods. Embrace the journey of lifelong learning, and don’t hesitate to pursue your journalistic passion through the vast array of online courses that cater to different interests, pathways, and skill levels. You never know—you just might become the next influential voice shaping public opinion and making a lasting impact through your storytelling prowess.