Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Newspaper [Paperback]

Jim Pumarlo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2005

Helps editors of small-town newspapers decide how to report on sensitive issues such as suicides, sexual abuse, and accidents.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jim Pumarlo is a veteran newspaper editor in Minnesota.

Product Details

• Paperback: 116 pages
• Publisher: Marion Street Press, Inc. (January 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096651761X
• ISBN-13: 978-0966517613
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #593,686 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The nuts and bolts of community journalism, March 9, 2006

By 

Phyllis E. Alsdurf "journalism professor" (St. Paul, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Newspaper (Paperback)

Don't be deceived by the small size of "Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Newspaper." This Strunk and White of community journalism concisely covers the gamut of ethical dilemmas faced by community journalists and offers concrete advice that will inspire practicing journalists and journalism students alike to live up to the highest standards of their craft. Guiding readers through the process of developing news policies in advance of problematic situations, Jim Pumarlo addresses the responsibility community journalists have to report the bad
news along with the good. The book is packed with real-life examples that illustrate how to deal in a fair and sensitive manner with everything from confidential sources to suspensions of student athletes in a community context where an editor rubs shoulders with his or her critics. Above all, it is written in a tight, straightforward style befitting an award-winning editor
with 28 years of community journalism experience.

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive editor/reporter guidebook., October 10, 2005

By 

James L. Edlund (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in a Small-Town Newspaper (Paperback)

Fact is, from a business point of view, sensitive issues light the fire that compels readership. Readership is the numerical denominator that determines advertising rates and subscription volumes. The media products that know financial success are the ones who tackle the tough issues with thoughtful, honest, trusted resolve. Pumarlo's book gets to the heart of it and delivers a simple and complete guideline.

~James L. Edlund, Daily Newspaper Advertising/Marketing Director, General Manager - Retired.