Practical Journalism
How to Write News
- Helen Sissons - Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Journalism
The book draws on interviews with dozens of working journalists. They share their thoughts on the profession and we watch them work - selecting stories, carrying out interviews and writing scripts.
There are chapters on interviewing, research techniques and news writing. Further chapters cover working in broadcasting and online. Media law and ethics are also included.
Most journalists believe they work ethically although few have set rules and others admit to being pressured to behave underhandedly. This book looks at how journalists can work more ethically and provides a guide for beginners.
The book is easy to read. Each chapter concludes with activities and a list of further reading. A glossary of terms is included at the end of the book.
'A strength througout the book is the case studies in which practising journalists discuss aspects of their work in such a way that the case studies become learning by example. Certainly this is a textbook, but it is not aimed just at students; it is brilliant for anyone whose ambition is news reporting' - Writing Magazine
'A fascinating mix of gutsy personal stories, unrelenting ambition and invaluable lessons from seasoned journalists in the field' - John McIntyre, Former BBC War Correspondent
'I wish I'd had a book like this when I started' -Mike McCarthy, Bureau Chief, Sky News, Manchester
'The chapters of Practical Journalism:
How to Write News are colourful quilts
of assertions, examples, anecdotes and
case studies that bring to life the practice
of good news writing and offer insights
into the profession of journalism. Each
ends with review question, exercises
and further reading... has much to offer to media and journalism students as well as
working professionals, especially
those in transition from one media
specialisation to another' - Media International Australia
"Beginning journalists who seek straightforward advice on how to write in the digital age need Practical Journalism: How to Write News - and any college-level holding strong in journalism also will find it a strong reference. It covers the foundations of writing for different mediums, surveys the skills needed to achieve a broad range of talents, and uses interviews with dozens of working journalists to lend insights and tips on the profession. Many college-teachers will also find Practical Journalism and important assignment suitable for study and discussion."
An excellent book for a News Writing course. As its title suggests, it is very practical and user-friendly for students. The review questions and exercises at the end of the chapter make this an ideal textbook for students as they can learn independently of the lecturer.
