Getting the Whole Story : Reporting and Writing the News (02 Edition)

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.

Cheryl Gibbs is an assistant professor of journalism at Earlham College. Before joining the Earlham faculty in 1993, she was a cops-and-courts reporter, arts writer, features editor, regional editor, city editor, and weekend news editor at two small daily newspapers.

Tom Warhover is an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the executive editor of the Columbia Missourian. Previously, he was a reporter and editor at The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot, a 200,000 circulation daily newspaper.

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