This book is a practical, hands-on guide to the world of journalism, particularly for the beginner. It contains step-by-step instructions on writing for the news media, and practical advice and suggestions on all facets of reporting. It covers the basic skills involved in finding information, interviewing, writing news and feature material, research and investigation, basic subbing, layout and design, the essentials of grammar, the law, and ethical and professional behaviour. The book uses numerous examples to demonstrate its points. It relies almost exclusively on the excellent work of student reporters to show what young people can achieve, despite not having the resources of large news organisations behind them. The book also highlights the efforts of some of the hundreds of students who have worked with the author over many years to produce fine examples of writing and reporting in the very best traditions of journalism.

Table of Contents

1. Writing news; 2. Writing news for radio and television; 3. Writing for the reader; 4. Grammar; 5. Spelling and punctuation; 6. Subbing; 7. Reporting; 8. The law; 9. Knowing your rights; 10. Defamation; 11. Research and finding things; 12. Facts and figures, lies, damned lies, statistics and polls; 13. Questions and interviews; 14. Making your own newspaper; 15. Dangers, dilemmas, do's & don't's; 16. News selection and news value.

About the Author

Bruce Grundy is the Adjunct Professor of Journalism in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Queensland.