What is the inverted pyramid format in news writing?

The inverted pyramid puts the most important facts first, followed by supporting details and background, so readers can quickly understand the story.

Why do journalists use Associated Press (AP) style?

AP style provides consistent rules for grammar, punctuation, numbers, titles, and abbreviations across news stories.

What does prior restraint mean in media law?

Prior restraint is government action that prevents publication before information is released; it is generally restricted by First Amendment protections.

Free Course Image Journalism 101 Classes

Free online course Journalism 101 Classes

Duration of the online course: 7 hours and 29 minutes

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Write clearer, faster news stories with this free journalism course—leads, interviews, AP style, ethics, and deadline skills to boost your reporting.

In this free course, learn about

What newswriting is and how it differs from other writing (purpose, audience, objectivity).
How to judge newsworthiness using core news elements (impact, timeliness, proximity, prominence).
How to generate story ideas, including profile ideas without face-to-face interaction.
Interviewing skills: preparing, asking effective questions, and gathering detail for strong profiles.
How to quote sources accurately and fairly, with proper attribution and context.
Grammar and clarity for journalists, including why active voice strengthens news copy.
How to apply Associated Press style for consistency, credibility, and readability.
How to write effective leads that quickly deliver the most important information.
How to organize stories with the inverted pyramid and why it helps readers and editors.
When to start new paragraphs and why short paragraphs improve scanability and comprehension.
Using description to “show” vs “tell” and add vivid, specific reporting details.
How to end and revise stories effectively, including proofreading for accuracy and polish.
How to use story sidebars/visual elements to add context and engagement to enterprise stories.
Covering breaking news and deadlines: speed vs accuracy, and why meeting deadlines matters.

About the free online course

Strong journalism starts with writing that earns trust and attention. This free online course helps you build the practical foundation of modern newswriting, whether you are exploring a media career, creating content for your community, or strengthening professional communication skills. You will learn how journalists decide what matters, how to turn raw information into a focused story, and how to deliver accurate reporting in a format readers can understand quickly.

From the first idea to the final revision, you will develop a repeatable workflow for producing news stories under real-world conditions. The course emphasizes the habits that separate solid reporting from opinionated or promotional writing: clear purpose, verification, careful attribution, and a reader-first structure. You will practice gathering information efficiently, asking better questions in interviews, and choosing quotes that add value rather than noise. Along the way, you will refine your grammar and strengthen clarity by relying on active voice and concise sentences.

You will also learn how professional standards shape credibility. Consistent style and formatting matter in a newsroom, so the course introduces widely used conventions such as Associated Press style and explains why uniform rules reduce confusion and improve accuracy. You will gain confidence writing effective leads, organizing stories with proven structures like the inverted pyramid, and using short paragraphs and purposeful description to keep readers moving through the story.

Because journalism is not only about writing, the course addresses the pressure points that often challenge new reporters: breaking news, deadlines, and rapid decision-making. You will learn practical ways to stay organized, communicate clearly when information is incomplete, and revise carefully before publication. Finally, you will explore responsible journalism through essential ethics and media law principles, including the importance of protecting credibility and understanding legal limits on government restraint. By the end, you will be prepared to report with greater speed, clarity, and integrity.

Course content

Video class: What is Newswriting? 34m
Exercise: What is a key principle in news writing that differentiates it from other forms of writing?
Video class: News Elements: What Makes a Story Newsworthy? 27m
Exercise: Which of the following elements is considered most crucial for determining the newsworthiness of a story according to Journalism 101 principles?
Video class: Journalism 101: How to find story ideas 03m
Exercise: Which method was suggested for finding profile story ideas that does not require face-to-face interaction?
Video class: Journalism 101: Interviewing sources 28m
Exercise: What is one important element that should be included in a profile story to ensure it stands out and provides depth about the person being profiled?

Video class: Journalism 101: Quoting Sources 31m
Video class: Grammar for Journalists 18m
Exercise: What is the main benefit of using active voice over passive voice in journalism writing?
Video class: Associated Press Style 21m
Exercise: What is the primary purpose of following the Associated Press (AP) style in journalism?
Video class: Journalism 101: How to write a lead 33m
Exercise: What is the main purpose of a lead in journalism?
Video class: Journalism 101: How to organize news stories 20m
Exercise: What is one key reason for organizing a news story using the inverted pyramid format?
Video class: Basics of the Inverted Pyramid 10m
Video class: Journalism 101: When to start a new paragraph in newswriting? 03m
Exercise: Why are short paragraphs recommended in news writing?
Video class: How to Use Description to Enhance Journalism Writing 10m
Exercise: What is one of the key differences between 'showing' and 'telling' in journalism writing?
Video class: Journalism 101: How to end your story 08m
Exercise: What is one effective method for ending a news story?
Video class: Journalism 101: Revising your story 07m
Exercise: Why is it important to revise and proofread your news story multiple times before submitting it?
Video class: Journalism 101: story sidebars 02m
Exercise: Which of the following visual elements can be used as a sidebar to enhance an enterprise story and make it more engaging for readers?

Video class: How to Cover Breaking News - Journalism 101 28m
Exercise: What is one of the key challenges young journalists face when covering breaking news?
Video class: Writing on Deadline - Journalism 101 16m
Exercise: Why is it crucial to meet deadlines in journalism?

Video class: Practicing Responsible Journalism: Basic Journalism Ethics 08m
Exercise: What is one of the most important assets journalists must protect to be considered ethical?
Video class: Journalism Ethics 25m
Exercise: What was a significant factor leading to the adoption of journalistic objectivity and ethics in the United States?
Video class: Media Law Primer 1h17m
Exercise: What legal principle prevents the government from stopping the press from publishing certain information before it is released?
Video class: How to Become a Journalist 11m
Exercise: What is considered the most important skill for a journalist to have, even if they plan to work in TV journalism?
Video class: Basic Photojournalism Tips 19m
Exercise: What is considered an unethical practice in photojournalism when editing photos?

Free online courses on Journalism basics

Learn aboutJournalism basics

Explore free online Journalism Basics courses and build essential skills in reporting, interviewing, research, fact-checking, news writing, and media ethics. These beginner-friendly courses let aspiring journalists and content creators learn at their own pace. All courses are free and include a certificate to showcase your new journalism knowledge.