The Newspapers Handbook

This guide to the job of a newspaper reporter offers advice on developing sources of information, interviewing techniques and a range of different types of newspaper writing - such as hard news, features, personal columns, human interest stories and arts reviews. The book looks at how events such as press conference, public meetings, demonstrations, fires and accidents are covered and shows why different reporting styles are appropriate to different kinds of newspaper. It also discusses the impact on the reporter's job of media ownership, censorship and self-censorship, new technology and new working practices. In addition, Henry Clother, David Northmore, and John Turner contribute specialist chapters on court reporting, investigative journalism and local government reporting. This text explores the theoretical, ethical and political dimensions of the journalist's job as well as its practical side. It should appeal to anyone studying or hoping to work in today's newspaper industry.