Welcome to Vista Radio’s essential introduction to journalism and storytelling.
This course is designed for both newsroom and non-news staff who want to understand how journalism at Vista Radio is practiced, produced and supported every day.
It provides the grounding needed to report, write and collaborate with confidence, whether you’re behind the mic, in the field, or supporting the news team from another department.
Our ability to serve our audience begins with protecting our journalistic integrity. Our listeners and readers rely on us to tell the truth, verify facts and present information fairly. That trust is fragile. Once you compromise your integrity, you cannot restore it, as once you flush it, you cannot unflush it.
This course will help you understand why safeguarding that integrity is essential to your role and to Vista’s reputation.
Through a series of focused modules, explore the fundamentals that shape trusted local news:
- Ethics and sourcing: how to verify facts, protect credibility and maintain fairness.
- Writing and editing: clear, accurate and compelling storytelling in CP broadcast and print style.
- Covering local news first: identifying stories that matter most to your audience and community.
- Interviewing and attribution: capturing sound, quotes and context that bring stories to life.
- Community engagement: building strong relationships with listeners, readers and local partners.
- Breaking news and newsroom workflow: working quickly, safely and collaboratively when big stories happen.
Each lesson includes real-world examples, newsroom scenarios, quick-reference checklists and short quizzes to reinforce learning.
The content draws from Vista’s internal newsroom guide, written and refined by our News Directors and the Director of News, ensuring consistency with how Vista newsrooms operate nationwide.
The course builds toward a final assessment and certification, which recognizes your understanding of journalistic standards, editorial integrity and professional practice.
Completion of the program confirms that you’re ready to uphold Vista’s commitment to accurate, community-driven reporting — the hallmark of trusted local journalism.