Constructive Journalism Toolkit
Which stories can be told in a constructive way?
The same ones you’re already covering.
Applying a Constructive Journalism framework in everyday reporting can help you:
Elevate more moderate viewpoints, not just opposing extremes
Balance expert perspectives with ordinary voices
Fill your story-idea pipeline with the questions your audience is asking
Tell hard stories in a way that still offers hope
“I see Constructive Journalism as a movement in journalism. It’s like a path you want to go down. You might not be able to point out a constructive element in every single story, but as a media outlet, you have a mindset to cover the news in a constructive way.”
— Kristina Lund Jørgensen, Constructive Editor, TV2 FyN
CONSTRUCTIVE STRATEGIES FOR EACH PART OF THE REPORTING PROCESS
This material is adapted from “A Handbook for Constructive Journalism” (2022) by Kristina Lund Jørgensen & Jakob Risbro, produced by the Constructive Institute and International Media Support (IMS). They developed the handbook through implementing Constructive Journalism in the newsroom at TV2 FyN in Denmark.
Revisit earlier coverage to see what worked and what didn't. Step back to consider the wider context of a story. Give your audience a say in which stories are worth your time.
CONSTRUCTIVE INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES >>
Be ready to learn, not battle, while maintaining rigor in your questions. To the 5 W's and an H, add "What now?" Offer interviewees a chance to ask questions of their own.
RESEARCHING IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY >>
Apply a critical lens to finding out why an effort has worked and what's next. Sacrifice a sharp news angle to uncover nuanced perspectives. Clarify your goals in adding more voices.
TELLING CONSTRUCTIVE STORIES >>
Give "inverted pyramid" stories a constructive twist, to end with a forward-looking quote or a note of hope that progress can be made. Try structuring stories with a constructive narrative that follows a journey.
Include voices that represent all sides of a story, voices that point to solutions, and those that might add nuances. Gauge sources' credibility and special interests. Be aware of your own bias.
CHANGING YOUR NEWSROOM’S CULTURE >>
Root the effort in audience perspectives. Educate all staff with a common language of aims and ideas. Develop replicable formats that work for your outlet. Give everyone space to learn, experiment and sometimes fail.
Ideas to inspire you
Check out constructive-reporting models that others have used, alongside topic ideas from audience members.
Dear journalist: Your limitations are real
Resources like this toolkit may only be as useful as the latitude, support and accountability your media organization gives you to work in a constructive way.
What could help? >>
REAL CHANGE STARTS AT THE TOP.
Your opportunity to practice Constructive Journalism opens up when your leadership (1) decides this is your organization’s path forward, and (2) takes on the challenge of implementing it throughout your brand, culture, workflows and performance metrics.
REAL CHANGE TAKES RESOURCES.
Your leaders can’t transform your organization unless financial stakeholders — advertisers, subscribers, philanthropy — get behind the effort and make the work possible.