Overview
An Introduction to News Reporting gives beginning reporters the tools to succeed by introducing them to news beats and the people, issues, sources, and stories associated with them.
The text begins by reviewing the basics of reporting, including conducting interviews, developing sources, finding documents, and gathering information ethically and legally. It continues with a detailed look at the beats students are most likely to cover as beginning reporters: local government, education, business, police and fire, courts, and others.
Features
- Covers the major beats in any news organization and lists sources for each beat, giving students the tools to begin reporting their stories.
- Includes the basics of newswriting so instructors can use the text in courses that combine newswriting and reporting.
- Provides activities at the end of every chapter, giving students a starting point for reporting the beat and guiding instructors in how to teach reporting skills.
- Provides a list of resources and Web sites in every chapter to give students and instructors additional information on a particular beat and a starting point for researching stories.
Synopsis
This text introduces students to the tools reporters use and methods for using them in different communities. After explaining the basics of reporting, Yopp (U. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill) and Haller (Towson U.) describe the beats beginning reporters are most likely to cover, such as local government, education, business and courts. The text supplies examples of the angles and sources used by beat reporters, as well as the resulting articles. Yopp and Haller include tips from experienced reporters, activities to start students reporting and lists of resources. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR