Tuesday , March 19 2024

35 Credible Websites for Information on Journalism and Media Practice Around the World

Researchers, students, media practitioners and others in communication and related disciplines are always searching for relevant online resources for contemporary information on issues concerning theory and practice of communication and the media. Several sources are available on and off line both a few are very reliable, having world-wide recognition and endorsement by practitioners in the field and scholars in educational institutions. Some of these reliable online resources were set up by professional journalism groups or communication-based research organized with the main aim of providing up-to-date information on issues in communication and media practice.

Despite the dynamic nature of modern journalism due to rapidly changing technology, the core tenets of truthfulness, accuracy, and objectivity remain at the heart of the profession. There is every need for useful online resources which will help journalism students, journalists and others interested in the media profession to access information about communication and media organizations, training institutes, and other resource providers for data that could be used to either navigate a career part or make informed decisions on issues of media and communication in the society. This compilation of relevant online resources focuses on professional organizations, education, and training projects for both up coming and working journalists, information on new media and technology, and research on media issues. With the amount of quality material made freely available by these online resources, it is easier for freelancers to research and write independently using relevant data that will make their write-ups very rich. This list of the field to the most credible sites on the web should prove useful for reference librarians, students, and scholars, as well as practicing journalists.

Here’s a list of top online resources for research and contemporary information on communication and media issues.

1. International Center for Journalists

ICFJ is an organization that builds the expertise and storytelling skills of reporters worldwide. They provide rich information with which journalists enhance news coverage and connect more deeply with their audiences. Based on this, ICFJ increases the flows of reliable, trustworthy news – a cornerstone of healthy democracies. Website: https://www.icfj.org/

2. International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ)

This is the group behind investigations concerning the Panama Papers and critiques of World Bank policies and practices. The group was launched as a project of the Center for Public Integrity, ICIJ is global network of more than 190 journalists in more than 65 countries who collaborate on in-depth investigative stories. They provide very rich information useful in communication and media research. Website: https://www.icij.org.

3. Investigative Reporters and Editors

This group was created as a forum for journalists to share story ideas, newsgathering, and news sources. The tip sheets in its resource center boast to having more than 3,500 guides for covering specific beats and stories. They have diverse resources for students and professionals. Website: https://www.ire.org.

4. Pew Research Center: Journalism and Media

This is a very popular resource for information on different topics and issues in the area of communication and media studies, both theory and practice. Here media students, scholars and other users will find articles on social media and journalism and trends in news media, as well as interactive content on a variety of topics, but especially concerned with media habits. Website: https://www.journalism.org.

5. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

This group is composed of a number of well-known journalists from both public and corporate media. It is a nonprofit organization that provides free access to information on the rights of journalists and other topics in diverse media and journalism areas. You will get useful information from this site on how the Freedom of Information Act operates, among others. Website:: https://www.rcfp.org.

6. African Media Initiative (AMI)

The African Media Initiative (AMI) is a pan-African organisation that seeks to strengthen the continent’s private and independent media sector from an owner and operator perspective to promote democratic governance, social development, and economic growth. It provides diverse and reliable information that could help students, researchers and journalists pursue a rich career path premised on empirically certified data. Website: www.africanmediainitiative.org/

7. Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC)

The Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC)is an international, non-profit, non-government organization that serves as a regional research hub for media and communication issues. It gathers and disseminates knowledge through its various capacity building training programs. Website: www.amic.org.sg/

8. Center for Digital Democracy

This platform is a very rich resource center for media education content and advocacy for digital privacy and online consumer protection. The Center for Digital Democracy is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that advocates for citizens, consumers and other stakeholders on digital privacy and consumer protections online. Since its founding in 2001 (and prior to that through its predecessor organization, the Center for Media Education), CDD has been at the forefront of research, public education, and advocacy protecting consumers in the digital age. Website: www.democraticmedia.org.

9. Center for International Media Assistance

CIMA focuses on building a foundation of knowledge for media development donors, implementers, and civil society actors on best practices and solutions for improving media systems. The organization’s interest is on four cross-cutting issue areas in media development: effectiveness, sustainability, innovation, and funding. According to CIMA, these areas encompass efforts to improve the capacity and quality of the media sector. The organization’s activities are conducting research, producing written analysis, convening experts, and developing networks of thought leaders. What you get from this online resource platform is very rich content on communication and media issues. Website: www.cima.ned.org/media-development/sustainability

10. Center for Sustainable Journalism, Kennesaw State University

The Center for Sustainable Journalism focuses on discovering innovative ways to produce financially sustainable, high quality and ethically sound journalism via applied research, collaborations and advancing innovative projects. It publishes multiple projects with information that could be very useful to you while writing on any topic in the area of journalism and media studies. Website: www.sustainablejournalism.org

11. Independent Media Center

The IMC is another very popular resource website for users seeking information on journalism and media practice across the globe. It is a network of collectively run media outlets for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate stories that reflect the truth. IMC was established by various independent and alternative media organizations and activists in 1999 for the purpose of providing grassroots coverage of the WTO protests in Seattle. The center acted as a clearinghouse of information for journalists, and provided up-to-the-minute reports, photos, audio and video footage through its website. The center has since transformed into a huge reliable website for information on journalism and media activities in different parts of the world. Website: www.indymedia.org.

12. International Federation of Journalists

The IFJ is the world’s largest organisation of journalists, representing 600,000 media professionals from 187 trade unions and associations in more than 140 countries. Established in 1926, the IFJ is known for speaking for journalists within the United Nations system and within the international trade union movement. Its platform provides reliable information about collective action that supports journalists’ unions in their fight for fair pay, decent working conditions and in defence of their labour rights; promotes international action to defend press freedom and social justice through strong, free and independent trade unions of journalists; Fights for gender equality in all its structures, policies and programmes; opposes discrimination of all kinds and condemns the use of media as propaganda or to promote intolerance and conflict; advocates for freedom of political and cultural expression, among others. Website: www.ifj.org.

13. International Journalists’ Network

This is another very popular online resource platform for information on journalism. IJNet is a relevant resource for aspiring and professional journalists worldwide who want to strengthen their skills, advance their careers and prepare for the daily challenges they face in the often-embattled and ever-evolving role of truth-teller. Its website is known to be very credible as a one-stop shop for journalism news and opportunities, aggregating fellowships, grants, awards and more from around the world. Website: www.ijnet.org.

14. International Press Institute

International Press Institute was founded in 1950 as a global organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of press freedom and the improvement of journalism practices. It has a membership of over 120 countries. IPI’s website has very rich content on journalism and media issues across the world. Website: http://www.freemedia.at/.

15. Internews Network

Internews is an international nonprofit organization that empowers people worldwide with the trustworthy, high-quality news and information they need to make informed decisions, participate in their communities, and hold power to account. It is another very popular resource for communication and media studies practitioners, especially when seeking information on global issues in the news. Website: www.internews.org.

16. Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA)

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is an organization that advocates for media freedom and freedom of expression in southern Africa. The organization’s programmes have grown to involve a global outreach especially through its media violations monitoring programme. As a result, MISA’s work and agenda have also been taken up by many civic organisations in the region, thereby creating consciousness of the linkages between media freedom, freedom of expression and broader human rights and democratic campaigns. MISA is a rich resource center for information on media and journalism practice not just in South Afrcia, but other parts of the world. Website: http://new.misa.org/.

17. Reporters sans frontiers (Reporters Without Borders)

This is the organization that produces the annual World Press Freedom Index, ranking 180 countries by freedom afforded to journalists. It is a Paris-based nongovernmental organization which has been a world leader in promoting and defending freedom of information since 1985. On the website, users can search its actions by geographic region, country, and publication type. Website: https://rsf.org.

18. World Association of Community Broadcasters

For those looking for information on community radio broadcasting across the world, here’s an important resource center to always visit. Founded in 1983, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) is the international umbrella organization of community radio broadcasters. This is an international non-governmental organization serving the community radio movement, with almost 4000 members and associates in 150 countries. Its goal is to support and contribute to the development of community and participatory radio along with the principals of solidarity and international cooperation. The organization’s platform is a reliable and credible website for information on community radio broadcasting across the world and other media practice issues. Website: www.amarc.org.

19. International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICR)

The International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) is an independent, nonprofit investigative news organization that which primarily promotes transparency and accountability through robust and objective investigative reporting. The organization was founded in 2010 with a mission is to promote good governance and entrench democratic values by reporting, exposing, and combating corruption. ICIR produces and disseminates investigative reports through its platform to the world. You can get reliable rich data on this platform. Website: https://www.icirnigeria.org/.

20. American Press Institute

The American Press Institute has a very rich online resource for diverse information on media practice and other communication issues. The group has been pursuing its mission of sustaining “a free press in the public interest” since its establishment in 1946. A non-advocacy, nonprofit organization, its website offers up fact-checking resources and in-depth research reports, as well as news metrics for publishers. Website: https://www.americanpressinstitute.org

21. Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

The CPJ focuses on promotion of press freedom globally and provides very relevant information for achieving this goal. The group reports on violence against journalists in repressive countries and takes action to stop repression. The focus of the resources available is on assistance and security for journalists. Website: https://www.cpj.org.

22. Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)

The SPJ provides plenty of free content on the site has worked to educate and advocate for current and future journalists. This is one of the most reliable online resources for information on media and journalism. It serves as a fully searchable career center, including data on freedom of information and ethics. Website: https://www.spj.org.

23. International Reporting Project (IRP)

This is another reliable and credible website for information on theory and practice of journalism and media issues. This programme was created to help journalists report on international issues that are under covered in the news media. In addition to useful information on media and journalism issues, the IRP provides fellowships and travel grants and hosts events. This is an interesting resource for current news on topics that may not be receiving full coverage in the mainstream press. Website: http://internation-alreportingproject.org.

24. Knight Foundation

The Knight Foundation provides rich information on its website for users especially on projects, read articles about the news industry, and how to apply for funds for project’s that advance the “goal of promoting informed and engaged communities to support a healthy democracy.” The foundation offers funding for projects. Website: http://www.knightfoundation.org.

25. Maynard Institute

This platform has diverse information that will be useful to you anytime, any day. The basic interest of this training institute is in promoting “accurate and nuanced” coverage of people of all cultures, particularly people of color. It funds reporting, editing, and management training programs. The institute also creates original content that works “to promote accurate portrayal of people of color in the media.” Website: http://mije.org.

26. National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)

This is an important resource center for students wishing to develop a thriving career in journalism. The goals of NAHJ include providing support for Hispanic journalists, promoting accurate treatment of Hispanics in the media, and furthering employment opportunities. Students can apply to scholarships and fellowships through the website, which also offers information on NAHJ’s regional conferences and events, as well as a career center. The platform also has relevant news articles you could cite in your research work. Website: http://nahj.org.

27. Poynter Institute

This is another useful educational platform for those interested in communication and media issues. The institute teaches a variety of journalism classes online, in newsrooms, and on its campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. Its online presence features articles about journalism ethics, fact-checking, and training, as well as commentary on current news media practices. Website: http://www.poynter.org.

28. Mashable

Launched in 2005, this digital media website is the go-to place for all things in tech, digital culture, and entertainment media. Website: http://mashable.com.

29. Media Shift

This platform describes itself as the “premier destination for insight and analysis at the intersection of media and technology.” MediaShift is an excellent source for stories about traditional media adapting to the networked world. Website: http://mediashift.org.

30. Online News Association (ONA)

This nonprofit is an association of digital journalists. It offers unique content very relevant to journalists and researchers in media and journalism studies. On its resources page, for instance, ONA offers a “Build Your Own Ethics Code” tool for digital journalists, as well as a career center. Website: http://journalists.org.

31. Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

This is a project of the Columbia Journalism School. The Dart Center focuses on the reporting of violence and conflict, as well as providing information on the study of trauma with relevant links to very useful information on various subjects. Website: http://dartcenter.org.

32. Journalist’s Resource

This project is based at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy at Harvard. It aims to bring research studies to the fore for journalists. Its searchable database of academic and government research contains more than 1,500 studies from a variety of fields, including economics, government, and international developments. Website: http://journalistsresource.org.

33. Journalist’s Toolbox

This is another very relevant resource which is resented by the Society of Profession Journalists. The site provides several links which lead to relevant information on media issues. A range of topics is covered, from video editing tools to campaign finance money trackers. Website: http://www.journaliststoolbox.org.

34. Nieman Reports

This is a very rich resource every journalist, communication and media scholar would love to be in touch with. It is the website and publication of Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism. It is home to the Nieman Watchdog Project, detailing journalistic efforts to hold politicians and power brokers to account. Individual magazine issues dating back to 1947 are archived and freely available, including the most current issue. Website: http://niemanreports.org.

35. Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)

The PCIJ is a popular resource platform especially for investigative reporting issues. It is a non-profit media organization specializing in investigative journalism. Established in 1989, the PCIJ has its base in Quezon City, Philippines. The organization funds investigative projects for both the print and broadcast media. Website: https://pcij.org/homepage.

About Chinenye Nwabueze

Nwabueze is a writer with passion for cutting-edge news

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