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What I admire about this book is that it is ...
(Dame Ann Leslie, British Journalism Revi)
What I admire about this book is that it is not simply a 'How to' manual – although it covers 'How to' and 'How not to' brilliantly; it is also a wise, witty and extremely entertaining read... Anyone who aspires to be a journalist – in any of the media – should read Randall. If they don't, they will, as I did, waste an awful lot of valuable time.
(Dame Ann Leslie, British Journalism Review)
Easily the best introduction to being a reporter I have ...
(Paul Jones, course leader, Press Associa)
Easily the best introduction to being a reporter I have come across. It provides solid, no-nonsense advice on the skills needed to do the job but is also willing to tackle the bigger issues every journalist must grapple with from time to time. Best of all, it has been written by a true newsman and his enthusiasm for the task in hand is evident on every page.
(Paul Jones, course leader, Press Association Editorial Training)
David Randall shows there is a way to produce honest ...
(Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Free)
David Randall shows there is a way to produce honest and thoughtful journalism.
(Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom)
One of the best books around about plying the trade. ...
(Press Wise Bulletin)
One of the best books around about plying the trade. Packed with handy hints and anecdotes ... An essential, down-to-earth guide to what the job is all about.
(Press Wise Bulletin)
The range of the book is impressive. I particularly liked ...
(Free Press)
The range of the book is impressive. I particularly liked the book for its sharp and gritty approach.
(Free Press)
The best book on journalism I have ever read. ...
(Don Johnston, editorial consultant)
The best book on journalism I have ever read.
(Don Johnston, editorial consultant)
I like its common-sense practicality, its firm belief in honest ...
(Val Williams, The Thomson Foundation)
I like its common-sense practicality, its firm belief in honest reporting, and its commitment to quality... David Randall’s fluent style and his superb range of examples make this book a pleasure to read. Anyone who wants to be a journalist should go through it – again, and again, and again.
(Val Williams, The Thomson Foundation)
Gives some of the best insights into journalism that I've ...
(Mark Davenport, Senior Lecturer in Journ)
Gives some of the best insights into journalism that I've come across.
(Mark Davenport, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, Northumbria University)
The Universal Journalist is a solid introduction to the skills ...
(Sue Featherstone, principal lecturer in )
The Universal Journalist is a solid introduction to the skills needed to be an effective journalist. With lots of handy tips and anecdotes that aptly illustrate the points being made, it is a must-read for all budding student journalists.
(Sue Featherstone, principal lecturer in Journalism, Sheffield Hallam University)
An excellent 'insiders account' of the way journalists work and ...
(Bruce Hanlin, Journalism and Media, Univ)
An excellent 'insiders account' of the way journalists work and the things they need to know.
(Bruce Hanlin, Journalism and Media, University of Huddersfield)
A brilliant book. Probably the best general primer on journalism ...
(David Holmes, Lecturer in Journalism Stu)
A brilliant book. Probably the best general primer on journalism and reporting that has ever been written
(David Holmes, Lecturer in Journalism Studies, University of Sheffield)
The Universal Journalist
Product Description
This is a new edition of the world's leading textbook on journalism. Translated into more than a dozen languages, David Randall's handbook is an invaluable guide to the 'universals' of good journalistic practice for professional and trainee journalists worldwide.
Irrespective of language or culture, good journalists share a common commitment to the search for truth, often in difficult circumstances. David Randall emphasises that good journalism isn't just about universal objectives: it must also involve the acquisition of a range of skills that will empower journalists to operate in an industry where ownership, technology and information are constantly changing. This acclaimed handbook challenges old attitudes, procedures and techniques of journalism where they are seen as cynical and sloppy.
A raft of new anecdotes, wisdom and warnings covering privacy, celebrity culture and the impact of the internet make this edition an essential companion for journalists in the digital age.
About The Author
David Randall is a British journalist who has written for four national newspapers, news editing three of them. He is now news executive and senior writer at the Independent on Sunday, covering major national and international stories. He has lectured in journalism all over the world, and writes a column for Internazionale in Italy.
Acknowledgements
Preface
1 What Makes A Good Reporter?
2 The Limitations of Journalism
3 What Is News?
4 Where Do Good Stories Come From?
5 Research
6 Handling Sources, Not Them Handling You
7 Questioning
8 Reporting Numbers and Statistics
9 Investigative Reporting
10 How To Cover Major Incidents
11 Mistakes, Corrections and Hoaxes
12 Ethics
13 Writing for Newspapers
14 Intros
15 Construction and Description
16 Handling Quotes
17 Different Ways To Tell A Story
18 Comment, Intentional and Otherwise
19 How To Be A Great Reporter
Reading for Journalists
Index
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