Reporting for the Media » (9th Edition)

John R. Bender is Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Lucinda D. Davenport is Professor of Journalism at Michigan State University.

Michael W. Drager is Associate Professor of Journalism at Shippensburg University.

Fred Fedler is Professor of Journalism at the University of Central Florida.

Now in its ninth edition, Reporting for the Media continues to be an essential resource for journalism students and instructors. A comprehensive introduction to newswriting and reporting, this classic text offers a straightforward guide to crafting effective journalism. Moreover, it grounds students firmly in the basics of reporting—how to become more curious about the world, generate provocative ideas, gather vital information and write incisive stories.

The authors provide students with the skills they need to produce engaging journalism by focusing on such central topics as grammar basics, newswriting style, traditional story structures and styles, interviewing techniques, reporting on speeches and meetings and common ethical dilemmas. The text also explores a variety of advanced topics including broadcast writing, law, ethics and public relations. In every chapter, students encounter vital tools for the creation of versatile journalism; these tools enable them to apply their knowledge to any type of journalism in any medium.

The ninth edition features a new introductory chapter, "Journalism Today," which discusses recent developments in the field, from technology and newsroom convergence to the proliferation of blogs. In addition, all chapters and examples have been updated throughout. The text's lively end-of-chapter exercises have also been updated and continue to encourage students to "learn by doing" through the practical application of skills. An updated list of Common Writing Errors is now featured on the inside back cover; along with a condensed version of the AP stylebook, this resource offers helpful grammar and style assistance to students as they interact with the material. As in previous editions, the book also integrates advice from professional journalists, discussion questions, suggested projects, four useful appendices and end-of-chapter checklists.

The leading text for newswriting and reporting courses, Reporting for the Media, Ninth Edition, offers outstanding and unparalleled training for dynamic journalists.

1. Journalism Today
2. The Basics: Format, Copyediting and AP Style
3. Grammar and Spelling
4. Newswriting Style
5. Language of News
6. Selecting and Reporting the News
7. Basic News Leads
8. Alternative Leads
9. The Body of a News Story
10. Quotations and Attribution
11. Interviews
12. Writing Obituaries
13. Speeches and Meetings
14. Specialized Types of Stories
15. Feature Stories
16. Public Affairs Reporting
17. Advanced Reporting
18. Writing for Broadcast
19. The News Media and PR Practitioners
20. Libel, Privacy and Newsgathering Issues
21. Ethics
22. Becoming a Professional Appendix A. City Directory Appendix B. The Associated Press Stylebook Appendix C. Rules for Forming Possessives Appendix D. Answer Keys