Writing and Reporting the News

Book excerpt: A comprehensive and accessible introductory text for journalism students. Lanson and Stephens provide thorough instruction on writing and reporting, examples of good and bad writing and extensive opportunities to apply their advice through practical exercises. Based on the authors' careers as journalists and journalism professors--and on the experience of dozens of other reporters--this textbook/workbook gives students a clear, logical introduction to the craft of journalism. The book has three goals: to teach clear, concise and accurate writing; to teach students how to find reliable information about newsworthy events and issues and how to set this information within an understandable and meaningful context; to explain the workings of print, online and broadcast newsrooms and how the gathering and delivery of news are changing in today's increasingly digital and cross-media age.--From publisher description.