Getting the Whole Story: Reporting and Writing the News(The Guilford Communication Series)

This comprehensive introductory text combines the whys of journalism with the how-tos. Students are guided toward mastery of the finer points of reporting, beat coverage, and news writing, while also gaining awareness of the important role journalists serve in a democratic society. Rich with pointers, examples, hands-on exercises, and thoughtful discussion questions, and written in an engaging, down-to-earth style, the book reflects the authors' extensive experience in both the newsroom and the classroom. Chapters provide step-by-step coverage of every aspect of the reporter's craft: gathering information; conducting interviews; framing stories; writing clear, well-organized articles; and working with editors and photographers. Helping students understand what makes news relevant and useful to the broader community, the book gives particular attention to the values and practices of civic journalism.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1: The Journalist's Role in Society Something to Think About: The Loneliness of the Street-Corner Orator Chapter 2: What Journalists Do Truth Is No Stranger . . . Chapter 3: How News Writing Is Different Chapter 4: The Community as a Context for the News Learning from Experience: Community Knowledge Chapter 5: Reporting Basic, Informative News Stories Chapter 6: Writing Basic, Informative News Stories Story Portfolio: Basic News Stories Chapter 7: Framing News Stories Branding the News Chapter 8: Interviewing A Poem by R.D. Laing: From Knots Chapter 9: Observation, Curiosity and Note-Taking Chapter 10: Adding Photos, Graphics and Other Visual Elements Chapter 11: General Assignment Reporting Chapter 12: Covering a Beat Chapter 13: In-Depth Stories Chapter 14: Journalists' Rights and Responsibilities Chapter 15: Getting a Job -- and Keeping It The Life of a Reporter Appendix A: Newspaper Jobs Appendix B: Common Mistakes and Unnecessary Words Appendix C: Commonly Misspelled Words Appendix D: A Quick Guide for Covering Emergencies Appendix E: Journalists' Creeds, Platforms and Codes of Ethics Appendix F: Glossary

About the Author :
Cheryl Gibbs is an assistant professor of journalism at Earlham College. Before joining the Earlham faculty in 1993, she was a cops-and-courts reporter, arts writer, features editor, regional editor, city editor, and weekend news editor at two small daily newspapers. Tom Warhover is an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the executive editor of the Columbia Missourian. Previously, he was a reporter and editor at The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot, a 200,000 circulation daily newspaper.

Review :
'This is an extraordinarily useful text. The authors demonstrate the ability to explain philosophical issues simply and clearly, yet with remarkable depth. They also offer superb coverage of the reflection that good practitioners engage in and the nuts and bolts of craft. I recommend this book unequivocally as a cornerstone text for introductory reporting courses, with or without a civic or public orientation.' - Lewis A. Friedland, University of Wisconsin, Madison 'If you were going to redesign America's troubled practice of journalism from the bottom up, this would be the blueprint.' - Davis Buzz Merritt, author of Public Journalism and Public Life 'Cheryl Gibbs and Tom Warhover's beautifully written book features top-notch writing instruction and imaginative exercises. But, more important, it explains how journalism, when done well, can help sustain our sense of community and citizenship... A groundbreaking accomplishment.' - John Pauly, Saint Louis University 'Getting the Whole Story is striking in its breadth, providing sensible reporting advice that spans from the basic '5 Ws' to consideration of news frames and journalism as a collaborative enterprise. But what really distinguishes this text is its focus on how journalism can make a difference in people's lives.... The result is a practical text that seeks to nurture journalism's highest qualities.' - Scott R. Maier, University of Oregon 'A great introduction to reporting... The final chapters are exceptional in their coverage of current trends and innovations.' - Hugh Morgan, Miami University