Introduction to Journalism: Essential techniques and background knowledge eBook: Richard Rudin, Trevor Ibbotson: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Review

"I am frequently asked by a variety of people for advice about getting into journalism. In future I shall refer them to this book. Of course it does not assure its readers that they'll find a job in the profession but it's one of the most comprehensive and practical books about the trade. Even for people in the business of journalism I think it's an essential aid. It is beautifully done and extremely thorough." Sir Trevor McDonald, OBE, presenter of the ITV News at Ten "A great starting point for anyone thinking of a career in journalism. The background knowledge is particularly useful in spelling out the huge range of things a journalist has to know - not just beginners either - the section on law is the best summary I've seen of the implications of some fairly obscure recent legislation for journalists." Jim Latham, BJTC "An excellent basic textbook for would-be journalists." Professor Ivor Gaber, The Times Higher Educational Supplement "I am hoping to have a career in journalism and the book has been wonderful - commonly now referred to as 'my bible'! It has balance - it is not a struggle to read or a bore with information and detail that will leave you dumbstruck, but instead covers points well and will not leave any questions or confusion... I sat my exam today [for City and Guilds Radio and Press] and although I found it challenging it would have been impossible without 'the Bible - An Introduction to Journalism'." City & Guilds Student, Kate Richards - Amazon.co.uk "'An Introduction to Journalism' contains a heady mix of the historical; the practical; the legal and the ethical and I cannot recommend it highly enough to aspiring journalists. It is also written in an extremely engaging way, which is not how I remember my academic books. As a former BBC senior editor, I found this book provides both valuable information for newcomers and useful reference material for old hands. The level of detail is impressive, especially given that it's trying to appeal to every type of journalist from the newspaper writer to the web producer. And that is also its strength, in that it allows the reader to view the industry from all sides. With a useful mix of real-life examples of good working practice - including guidance on how to sit and breathe properly before a radio broadcast - and posing serious questions in the practical exercises after each chapter, this is not lightweight stuff. The authors have gained a wealth of experience between them in journalism and they have assembled their knowledge and put it into context, and, in doing so, have displayed an all-too evident passion for the industry both have spent their working lives in." Roy Saatchi, Former BBC Senior Editor "The book can be thoroughly recommended as a first-rate comprehensive textbook for all those students of journalism who take their vocational training and education seriously enough to emulate "best practice'." Desmond Smith, Senior Lecturer in Journalism "An Introduction to Journalism is solid and useful, an expert hand which clasps the student's, and is generously held out to the teacher, too." David Lancaster, in the Journal of European Area Studies

Product Description

Anyone studying journalism, or training for the industry, will benefit from the broad scope of information and guidance packed into this textbook. Those already employed in journalism or related areas will also find it useful as a reference book. Essential techniques employed by journalists working across all media are supplemented with detailed sections on the workings of public administration, law, health and safety, regulation and training.

Each chapter concludes with suggested learning activities and an extensive list of resources for further study and investigation. The approach throughout chapters covering background issues (e.g. law) is 'journalism centred': all topics are related to the interests and concerns of journalists and journalism.

Students of the City and Guilds Diploma in Media Techniques will find the book particularly relevant to their studies as it has been developed to reflect the syllabus of this course.

Exercises, checklists and further reading recommendations are provided to aid learning and maximize success

A unique gathering of information to introduce the major issues and practice of print, broadcast and online journalism

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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

A book about the media by the media 8 Oct 2002

By Jane Stanley

Format:Paperback

An Introduction to Journalism by Richard Rudin and Trevor Ibbotson is an essential book for both aspiring and experienced journalists.

This up to date text illustrates techniques and required skills for potential journalists and details information on training possibilities and providers, including contact information and web site addresses. It also acts as an essential aid for working journalists, with industry regulations and restrictions and useful tips on how to avoid being sued.

Written in large print and using everyday language the book deals with the very in depth and somewhat complicated profession in a way that both seasoned pros and total amateurs can understand. The question and answer format is refreshingly effective and makes locating information a quick and easy task, and the reader is assisted by a detailed index and chaptering system. There are even some pictures to emphasise some of the points further.

The book was written by two experienced professionals who not only publish and broadcast but also lecture and consult on the subject. This means they have been able to include just about everything you could need to know on how to succeed in the field of journalism.

Anyone considering a career in the media, or needing a reference book to assist his or her current career needs look no further. This is the definitive guide and if you only buy one book on the subject then I strongly advise you, this is the one.

Steve Solomon is a student on City & Guilds Media Techniques course at Truro College Open Learning Centre, Cornwall

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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

A must for all Journalism Students 16 Oct 2002

By "cj_smith3"

This book is the definitve textbook for Journalism students at BA (Hons) level. It covers all aspects of the course that one will encounter as a journalism student, from stylistic and technique issues to current affair such as the reporting of politics.

An Introduction to Journalism, helped me enourmously and i would recommend it very highly to all Journalism students, and those interested in the profession as a career.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Adrian Quinn, University of Liverpool 12 July 2006

By Adrian Quinn

John Hartley says that books on journalism by journalists are only interesting once everyone else is dead. This book is very interesting and completely alive with materially that is consistently useful, both practically and intellectually. In Media Studies, the perspective of the reporter or broadcaster, however reflective, is seldom seen as worthwhile as that of the sociologist, historian or cultural studies writer. In short, the opinion of the onlooker is often privileged over that of the practitioner. An Introduction to Journalism comes from Richard Rudin and Trevor Ibbotson's unusual position as practitioner/teachers and what is clear is that the authors are as committed to one (practice) as the other (teaching). Written in a clear and lively style, this is no dull training manual. The book champions the role and importance of best practice in journalism at time when the lowest common denominator, in the press and certainly on television, is a very real threat to credibility in news reporting. What shines through the text is the authors' sensitivity to the culture of journalism and information gathering, its complexities and the ethical considerations that should govern relations between journalists and their sources. It's commendable that Rudin and Ibbotson don't gloss over the more testing aspects of journalism. They work them out with a combination of thought, realism and a combined 50 years' experience as working journalists. The attention given to radio journalism, which is so taken-for-granted, is especially welcome. If you're business is journalism, then An Introduction to Journalism really does the business. A splendid book.