The guidelines are based on research on controversial issues in the news media by the ERUM project team, a survey conducted amongst journalists and media professionals, as well as a literature review. The survey data include information about journalists’ current and former work practices, ethical standards in reporting, fact-checking procedures, disinformation, and COVID-19 challenges to journalism and media. The ERUM project was a European initiative which addressed the need for the development of students’ key transversal competences in terms of media literacy, evidence-based communication and resilience to dis/misinformation. ERUM aimed to strengthen the capacity of media experts vis-a-vis evidence- and research-based communication.