The Universal Journalist

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.

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
David Randall is a British journalist and newspaper consultant. Formerly assistant editor of the Observer, where his news pages won awards, he has written, edited and lectured on newspapers in Britain, Africa and Eastern Europe. He has been the Home Editor of the Independent and News Executive at the Independent on Sunday. He is the author of the renowned book The Universal Journalist (Pluto, 2016).

Review :
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. 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. David Randall shows there is a way to produce honest and thoughtful journalism. 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. The range of the book is impressive. I particularly liked the book for its sharp and gritty approach. The best book on journalism I have ever read. 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. Gives some of the best insights into journalism that I've come across. 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. An excellent 'insiders account' of the way journalists work and the things they need to know.