Broadcast News (with InfoTrac) (Wadsworth Series in Broadcast and Production) [Paperback]

Mitchell Stephens (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0534595707 | ISBN-13: 978-0534595708 | Publication Date: July 16, 2004 | Edition: 4

Broadcast News has been by far the most widely used radio and television journalism textbook in America, according to a study conducted at Syracuse University. The New York Times has called it: "The best-selling textbook in its field since publication in 1981." There are good reasons for this. Broadcast News uses many, many more examples -- including its well known "weak" vs. "better" examples -- than any other journalism textbook. Almost all its examples are actual, real-world examples taken from television and radio stations -- small and large -- throughout the United States. The discussions and explanations in Broadcast News are unusually clear and well organized; the exercises are effective and well tested. And this book practices what it preaches: clear, engaging writing. And this new edition has been completely updated, with numerous new discussions that will familiarize students with the latest technologies and issues in television and radio newsrooms. This widely used text works well for virtually any level radio/television journalism class. Instructors find it appealing because of its clear instruction, lively writing, abundant examples, and thorough coverage, as well as its accurate and up-to-date discussions. The reviewer-praised homework assignments and the examples of "weak" vs. "better" sample sentences get students working and thinking critically about their writing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Broadcast News text has always been my top choice because of the numerous examples of 'Weak' vs. 'Better.' I have also used the practice assignments which I like because everyone is then working on the same story so it makes for a better discussion … It's just a good way to get started with basic broadcast writing."

"Compared to some of the other broadcast textbooks I have come across, I find Stephen's Section I on 'Writing' is quite thorough and well presented."

About the Author

Mitchell Stephens, a professor of journalism at New York University, is the author of A History of News and the rise of the image the fall of the word. He is co-author of another textbook, Writing and Reporting the News and was one of the editors of Covering Catastrophe: Broadcast Journalists Report September 11. Prof. Stephens has written on journalism and media for the New York Times, Washington Post , Los Angeles Times, Columbia Journalism Review and many other publications. He has been a commentator for Marketplace and On the Media on public radio and has worked for NBC News.

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 4 edition (July 16, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534595707
• ISBN-13: 978-0534595708
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #233,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's OK, August 1, 2010

By 

Jessica "Jessica Newhouse Grad" (Jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Broadcast News (with InfoTrac) (Wadsworth Series in Broadcast and Production) (Paperback)

This book is good for people who know absolutely nothing about broadcast news. Some of the examples seem a little obvious, and the structure of the book isn't the easiest to get through. Some people in my class said they just skimmed it and didn't need to read too carefully to get the main points. Overall, it does not seem to be worth the crazy price.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pointless book, December 13, 2008

By 

Jonathan R. Tietz - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Broadcast News (with InfoTrac) (Wadsworth Series in Broadcast and Production) (Paperback)

I'm not sure why anyone requires this book. I never opened it and aced all the quizzes on it. It's such common sense!

Don't buy it unless you have a learning disability, or have never, ever, watched a news program.