Includes bibliographical references (p. 431-436) and index.

The Journalist's Role in Society -- Something to Think About: The Loneliness of the Street-Corner Orator -- What Journalists Do -- Truth Is No Stranger ... -- How News Writing Is Different -- The Community as a Context for the News -- Learning from Experience: Community Knowledge -- Reporting Basic, Informative News Stories -- Writing Basic, Informative News Stories -- Story Portfolio: Basic News Stories -- Framing News Stories -- Branding the News -- Interviewing -- A Poem by R.D. Laing: From "Knots" -- Observation, Curiosity and Note-Taking -- Adding Photos, Graphics and Other Visual Elements -- General Assignment Reporting -- Covering a Beat -- In-Depth Stories -- Journalists' Rights and Responsibilities -- Getting a Job--and Keeping It -- The Life of a Reporter -- Newspaper Jobs -- Common Mistakes and Unnecessary Words -- Commonly Misspelled Words -- A Quick Guide for Covering Emergencies -- Journalists' Creeds, Platforms and Codes of Ethics -- Glossary of Newsroom Terms.

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.