The Universal Journalist - 9780745326559

A pillar of many a journalism course, mainly for its techniques born of experience, detail and engaging style, this is suitable for both professionals and journalists in training. Reporter, columnist and editor Randall has updated this edition with new anecdotes and examples and a chapter on how to be a great reporter, but retains the core of his project, which is to explain the opportunities and limitations of journalism. He defines "news," describes the sources of good stories, and (thankfully) gives the basics of research. He describes handling sources, questioning, reporting numbers and statistics, conducting investigative reporting, covering major incidents, dealing with mistakes and corrections, working ethically, and writing for newspapers. He takes on mechanics by explaining how to write intros, develop construction and description, handle quotes, find different ways to tell a story, and make comments, intentional and otherwise. This should be re-read by the media monthly. Distributed in the US by the U. of Michigan Press. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)