Some thoughts to end the year..

Some thoughts to end the year..

By Eleni Kasimou 

Hello there!   

As the year comes to a close, we felt the need to go beyond just a story, a dataset, or a suggestion in this edition. Instead, we’re looking at what’s worked, explore trends that will be gaining traction, and share opinions from people in the field.

Of course, we’ve kept some tried-and-true tools, as always, for experimentation.    

If you’re new here, welcome! Each month, we introduce a variety of tools and stories—supporting journalists that wear many “hats”—investigators, content creators, editors and more. By sharing new tools that support real-world stories and shedding light on insights hidden behind the headlines.  

So, let’s dive in! 

💡Up Your Sleeve 

Want to start in investigative journalism? 

A new guide, Introduction to Investigative Journalism, co-created by The Global Investigative Journalism Network and iMEdD's ideas zone, offers practical information to help journalists build essential investigative skills. Available in English, in Greek and in Turkish -it’s a great resource to get started. 

Screenshot from the GIJN's website

What’s conflict going to look like? 

Global violence surged by 25% this year, exposing 1 in 8 people worldwide to conflict. Palestine emerged as the most dangerous place on the planet. According to ACLED these are not just statistics—dig deeper into the numbers to uncover the stories they tell. Explore the Conflict index   

Newish platform – more tools 

Aidan Raney , OSINT expert, has compiled a fantastic list of tools to enhance the #Bluesky experience. From analyzing account activity and visualizing connections to managing feeds and tracking platform-wide stats, this collection helps any user make the most of the platform. Check out the full list 

🔍 Behind the Headlines - And beyond* 

Vertical Video Takes Over News Homepages 

Newsrooms are experimenting with TikTok-inspired formats—embedding vertical videos in articles and homepages to meet audiences where they are. Could this be the future of mobile storytelling? Check out Hanaa' T. article  

Screenshot from NiemanLab's website

AI Avatars in the Newsroom 

Journalism is testing a new tool: digital avatars are stepping into newsrooms to present stories, explain complex topics, and even speak multiple languages. But are they the future or just another ethical puzzle for journalism? Check out Alberto Puliafito 's take on The Fix Media    

A podcast for news publishers 

For anyone building a sustainable local newsroom, check the Digital Revenue Playbook Podcast. In this episode, Todd Stauffer talks with Ariel Zirulnick , an audience and product consultant, about how product thinking can help build stronger connections with audiences while driving sustainable revenue. Give it a listen     

🌍 Community Spotlight  

What’s ahead for journalism in 2025? 

Nieman Journalism Lab asked some of the smartest people in media to share their predictions for the year ahead. From AI and podcasting to creative tools and news networks, big ideas from experts like Marie Gilot , Joni Deutsch , Heather Chaplin , and Kawandeep Virdee -and plenty more, there’s no shortage of ideas to explore! Explore or bookmark it for later

Building inclusive newsrooms 

Fostering true inclusivity goes beyond hiring—it’s about creating accessible environments where disabled journalists can thrive. Priti Salian ’s latest piece offers actionable steps to improve hiring practices, workplace culture, and accessibility. Find out more   

Books to end the year 

This might seem a bit out of the ordinary—it’s not strictly journalism. But since it’s the holidays, the M+R team has shared their book recommendations. Some fit a journalist’s hat, others a designer’s or a data researcher’s. Take a look -maybe one of these will be the perfect pause from journalism you didn’t know you needed.    


Screenshot from the M&R's website

 

Let’s Chat!  

Despite all the different “hats” we cover, this is starting to feel like a shared resource—a space where ideas, tools, and stories come together for all of us.  

And we really—really!—want Media Hat to be something you find useful, a quick read that gets you clicking through to whatever catches your interest. 

So, got questions? Ideas you’d like us to dig into next? Maybe more thematic editions? Drop us a DM on LinkedIn—we’d love to read it! 

Until next.. year 🙊 

 

 

 

Priti Salian

Journalist I Media Consultant & Trainer: Gender Equality, Disability & Inclusion; Solutions Journalism I Creator, Reframing Disability I ResearcherI Fellow, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism '22| TEDx Speaker

3w

Thanks so much for reading and including my newsletter, Reframing Disability! 

Todd Stauffer

Author: RevenuePlaybook.News - Manage: AAN.org - Direct: GNI Transformation Tech Lab - Own: Changemaker Media Services - Fun: Private Pilot.

3w

Thanks for the shoutout for the Be the Media podcast episode with Ariel Zirulnick!

Joni Deutsch

Senior Vice President of Podcasting (Marketing and Audience Development)

3w

Thanks for including me!

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