Synopses & Reviews
In this timely volume, the authors explore public affairs journalism, a practice that lies at the core of the journalism profession. They go beyond the journalistic instruction for reporting and presenting news to reflect on why journalism works the way it does. Asking current and future journalists the critical questions, Why do we do it? and What are the ways of fulfilling the goals of journalism? their discussion stimulates the examination of contemporary practice, probing the foundations of public affairs journalism.
With its detailed examination of factors influencing current journalistic practice, The Two W's of Journalism complements and expands on the skills and techniques presented in reporting, editing, and news writing textbooks. The perspectives presented here facilitate understanding of the larger role journalism has in society. As such, the volume is an excellent supplemental text for reporting and writing courses, and for introductory courses on journalism. It will also offer valuable insights to practicing journalists.
Synopsis
In the information-rich 21st century, the journalist's task of providing news has become more and more complex. Technological advances allow access to an increasing amount of information, making more difficult the task of deciding what to pass along and how it should be framed. In particular, this circumstance has huge implications for the news media's unquestioned agenda-setting function in society. In this timely volume, authors Davis "Buzz" Merritt and Maxwell McCombs explore public affairs journalism, a practice that lies at the core of the journalism profession. They go beyond the journalistic instruction for reporting and presenting news to reflect on