Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.