30 Days to Be a Better Journalist Challenge
On January 8, 2026 By newsroom Topic: How To
30 Days to Be a Better Journalist
Facts over frenzy. Curiosity over clicks.
| Day | Old Habit | Upgrade | Action Taken | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hot takes | Ask first | Interviewed before writing | More context |
| 2 | Single source | Two sources | Cross-checked claims | Fewer errors |
| 3 | Speed bias | Accuracy bias | Delayed publish | Trust earned |
| 4 | Outrage framing | Neutral framing | Removed loaded language | Clearer story |
| 5 | Twitter first | Primary docs | Read original report | Deeper insight |
| 6 | Quote mining | Full context | Expanded quotes | Fair portrayal |
| 7 | Anonymous bias | Transparent sourcing | Explained anonymity | Credibility up |
| 8 | Confirmation bias | Opposing views | Included dissent | Balanced piece |
| 9 | Headline hype | Truthful headline | Edited for accuracy | Reader trust |
| 10 | Viral chasing | Public value | Asked “who benefits?” | Better focus |
| 11 | Fast opinion | Reported analysis | Separated facts/opinion | Cleaner writing |
| 12 | Pack mentality | Independent judgment | Checked original event | Unique angle |
| 13 | Selective stats | Full data | Linked dataset | Transparency |
| 14 | Drive-by coverage | Follow-up | Updated prior story | Accountability |
| 15 | Source favoritism | Rotation | New expert voices | Richer coverage |
| 16 | Anonymous tweets | Named sources | Removed weak claims | Stronger piece |
| 17 | Opinion leakage | Neutral tone | Rewrote adjectives | Cleaner read |
| 18 | Context skipping | Background section | Added explainer | Reader clarity |
| 19 | Platform bias | Medium awareness | Adjusted framing | Wider reach |
| 20 | Attention metrics | Impact metrics | Tracked reader saves | Meaningful success |
| 21 | Defensive edits | Open corrections | Issued correction | Trust reinforced |
| 22 | Rush interviews | Prepared questions | Researched guest | Better answers |
| 23 | Agenda writing | Evidence writing | Removed assumptions | Fairer piece |
| 24 | Clickbait visuals | Informative visuals | Updated chart | Data clarity |
| 25 | Short memory | Institutional memory | Linked past reporting | Continuity |
| 26 | Speed pride | Quality pride | Published later | Higher standard |
| 27 | Echo chamber | Audience diversity | Read opposing outlet | Perspective gained |
| 28 | Reaction posts | Explainer posts | Wrote context piece | Lasting value |
| 29 | Output only | Reflection | Reviewed past work | Skill growth |
| 30 | Cynical detachment | Public service mindset | Chose truth over traffic | Credibility restored |
