An Introduction to News Reporting: A Beginning Journalist's Guide

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. Useful online sources are also included.

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.