Associated Press Reporting Handbook [Paperback]

Jerry Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0071372172 | ISBN-13: 978-0071372176 | Edition: 1

From dailies, to specialized monthlies and quarterlies, to online journals, there are now more venues for disseminating information than ever before—all of them in need of qualified reporters. Written for a new generation of journalists, this handbook schools readers in the art and science of reporting as practiced at the world’s largest and oldest news service. Written by an ace reporter with over 20 years on the job, it provides expert guidance and all the tools needed to successfully investigate and report on newsworthy events, locally, nationally, and internationally, including traditional pencil-and-paper technique as well as cutting-edge computer-assisted reporting technologies. Throughout, the book is enriched by insightful tips and anecdotes from veteran AP reporters such as trial writer Linda Deutsch, national writer and Pulitzer winner Charles J. Hanley, special correspondent Mort Rosenblum, space writer Marcia Dunn, and others.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"I suppose when I go to the Hereafter and stand at the Golden Gate, the first person I shall meet will be a correspondent of The Associated Press."­­Mahatma Gandhi

Journalism and reporting have gone through dramatic shifts in our fast-moving, hi-tech information age. Yet, the basics of good reporting­­distinct from the craft of writing­­remain constant. Though reporters are each driven by their own individual brand of curiosity, empathy, or downright pushiness, solid interview techniques, source development, investigative and organizational skills, and keen objectivity are still necessary to recognize, obtain, and effectively communicate a story to a reader, viewer, or listener. The Associated Press Reporting Handbook is designed to provide a new generation of journalists with much-needed guidance in learning these indispensable basics, whether for print, broadcast, online, or other media.

Written by a veteran reporter with the world-renowned Associated Press, this invaluable handbook offers detailed, up-to-date information on all aspects of the reporter's job, from local, national, and international reporting to daily news coverage; from working specialty beats in such areas as politics, entertainment, science, and sports to utilizing a range of investigative tools, including computer-assisted reporting. Also gathered here is first-hand advice and anecdotes from outstanding AP reporters such as trial writer Linda Deutsch, national writer and Pulitzer Prize-winner Martha Mendoza, globe-trotting special correspondent Mort Rosenblum, Washington investigative reporter John Solomon, and others who both entertain and inform with their hard-earned wisdom and insights.

Whether you're a journalism student or a freelance reporter, whether your penchant is the White House, the moon, Hollywood, or Wall Street, The Associated Press Reporting Handbook offers the best guidance to anyone interested in getting the real scoop on working in this fascinating profession.

About the Author

Jerry Schwartz is a national writer and editor for the Associated Press, and a veteran journalist with more than 20 years' experience working in the news service's New York headquarters. He has worked as special assignment editor, directing operations of feature writers across the country. He has covered the courts, including the trial of subway avenger Bernhard Goetz; supervised election-night coverage of state and local elections; and traveled with the Pope. He worked on the AP's special desk established to cover the Persian Gulf War and directed international coverage of the Y2K phenomenon. He has also taught feature writing at New York University and copyediting for the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund. Schwartz lives in Westfield, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (August 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071372172
• ISBN-13: 978-0071372176
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #885,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Behind the Scenes of a Story, May 6, 2004

By 

Jamie R. Wilson (New York, New York) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Associated Press Reporting Handbook (Paperback)

The "Associated Press Reporting Handbook" is not so much a how-to handbook as it is a series of glimpses behind the scenes to see how reporters work and what it takes to create the magic that makes it into print.

Rather than acting as an all-knowing instructor, Jerry Schwartz treats the reader as a fellow journalist who might be able to learn from the other reporters he introduces. The majority of the book reads like a collection of human interest stories in which the subjects are the reporters and specific examples of the stories they produced. Every chapter begins with an AP article and is followed by the story behind the story as told by the journalists themselves. This makes the book both enjoyable and incredibly informative because it gives real world examples of what it takes to be a good journalist, what goes into a great story and many of the factors and circumstances a non-journalist would never even consider.

Schwartz does a good job of covering different types of stories and situations (overseas reporting, investigative journalism, etc) so just about every journalist should be able to find something useful.

Those considering a career in journalism will probably benefit most from this book as will those new journalists just learning the ropes or trying to find their niche. Seasoned pros may enjoy reading the experiences of other journalists and may even pick up some ideas, but I think those who will benefit most from this book will be the rookies.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great for Extreme Journalists, January 11, 2007

By 

K Lee "HLOB" (wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Associated Press Reporting Handbook (Paperback)

This book seemed to be speaking mostly to war correspondents or extreme journalists. Much of the information was not helpful to a small town journalist who is just looking for tips on how to interview and ethics.

Most of the book consisted of examples of great writing. All you have to do is pick up the front page of any large newspaper and you will get high quality examples of journalism. I thought this was completely unnecessary. Not what I expected.