Getting the Whole Story: Reporting and Writing the News [Paperback]

Cheryl J. Gibbs (Author), Tom Warhover (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 8, 2002 | ISBN-10: 1572307951 | ISBN-13: 978-1572307957 | Edition: 1

This comprehensive introductory text combines the "whys" of journalism with the "how-tos." Students are guided toward mastery of the finer points of reporting, beat coverage, and news writing, while also gaining awareness of the important role journalists serve in a democratic society. Rich with pointers, examples, hands-on exercises, and thoughtful discussion questions, and written in an engaging, down to-earth style, the book reflects the authors' extensive experience in both the newsroom and the classroom. Chapters provide step-by-step coverage of every aspect of the reporter's craft: gathering information; conducting interviews; framing stories; writing clear, well-organized articles; and working with editors and photographers. Helping students understand what makes news relevant and useful to the broader community, the book gives particular attention to the values and practices of civic journalism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is an extraordinarily useful text. The authors demonstrate the ability to explain philosophical issues simply and clearly, yet with remarkable depth. They also offer superb coverage of the reflection that good practitioners engage in and the nuts and bolts of craft. I recommend this book unequivocally as a cornerstone text for introductory reporting courses, with or without a civic or public orientation."--Lewis A. Friedland, University of Wisconsin, Madison

"This book provides a great introduction to reporting. The authors show how the principles of civic journalism can be put into practice in the reporter's everyday work, and offer many helpful tips that could only have come from experienced practitioners. The final chapters are exceptional in their coverage of current trends and innovations, including literary journalism and computer-assisted journalism."--Hugh Morgan, Miami University, Oxford, OH

"If you were going to redesign America's troubled practice of journalism from the bottom up, this would be the blueprint. The authors have combined theory and practice in an accessible and pragmatic book that sets journalism students off on the right track for 21st-century needs and circumstances."--Davis "Buzz" Merritt, author of Public Journalism and Public Life

"At last! A basic newswriting textbook that tells students why their work as journalists matters. Cheryl Gibbs and Tom Warhover's beautifully written book features top-notch writing instruction and imaginative exercises. But, more important, it explains how journalism, when done well, can help sustain our sense of community and citizenship. The Whole Story is a groundbreaking accomplishment."--John Pauly, Department of Communication, Saint Louis University

"This engaging introductory text covers the fundamentals of news reporting in a way that inspires as well as instructs aspiring journalists. Getting the Whole Story is striking in its breadth, providing sensible reporting advice that spans from the basic '5 Ws' to consideration of news frames and journalism as a collaborative enterprise. But what really distinguishes this text is its focus on how journalism can make a difference in people's lives. Without being preachy, the authors integrate the values and practices of civic journalism with traditional news-gathering strategies. The result is a practical text that seeks to nurture journalism's highest qualities."--Scott R. Maier, School of Journalism and Communication, University of Oregon

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

[Note: this book has unnumbered "interludes" (or something) after many of the chaps, serial comma not used in book] Introduction Chapter 1: The Journalist's Role in Society Something to Think About: The Loneliness of the Street-Corner Orator Chapter 2: What Journalists Do Truth Is No Stranger . . . Chapter 3: How News Writing Is Different Chapter 4: The Community as a Context for the News Learning from Experience: Community Knowledge Chapter 5: Reporting Basic, Informative News Stories Chapter 6: Writing Basic, Informative News Stories Story Portfolio: Basic News Stories Chapter 7: Framing News Stories Branding the News Chapter 8: Interviewing A Poem by R.D. Laing: From "Knots" Chapter 9: Observation, Curiosity and Note-Taking Chapter 10: Adding Photos, Graphics and Other Visual Elements Chapter 11: General Assignment Reporting Chapter 12: Covering a Beat Chapter 13: In-Depth Stories Chapter 14: Journalists' Rights and Responsibilities Chapter 15: Getting a Job -- and Keeping It The Life of a Reporter Appendix A: Newspaper Jobs Appendix B: Common Mistakes and Unnecessary Words Appendix C: Commonly Misspelled Words Appendix D: A Quick Guide for Covering Emergencies Appendix E: Journalists' Creeds, Platforms and Codes of Ethics Appendix F: Glossary

Product Details

• Paperback: 451 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (August 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572307951
• ISBN-13: 978-1572307957
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,097,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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