The Two W's of Journalism: The Why and What of Public Affairs Reporting (Routledge Communication Series) - Softcover

Merritt, Davis "Buzz"; McCombs, Maxwell E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805847316 ISBN 13: 9780805847314

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

In this timely volume, the authors explore public affairs journalism, a practice that lies at the core of the journalism profession. They go beyond the journalistic instruction for reporting and presenting news to reflect on why journalism works the way it does. Asking current and future journalists the critical questions, "Why do we do it?" and "What are the ways of fulfilling the goals of journalism?" their discussion stimulates the examination of contemporary practice, probing the foundations of public affairs journalism.

With its detailed examination of factors influencing current journalistic practice, The Two W's of Journalism complements and expands on the skills and techniques presented in reporting, editing, and news writing textbooks. The perspectives presented here facilitate understanding of the larger role journalism has in society. As such, the volume is an excellent supplemental text for reporting and writing courses, and for introductory courses on journalism. It will also offer valuable insights to practicing journalists.

About this title

About the Author:

Maruska Svasek is Senior Lecturer at the School of History and Anthropology, Queens University, Belfast, and co-director of the Cultural Dynamics and Emotions Network (CDEN). Her research interests include emotions, migration, material culture and ageing. Recent publications include Moving Subjects, Moving Objects: Transnationalism, Cultural Productions and Emotions (2012), Anthropology, Art and Cultural Production (2007), and Postsocialism: Politics and Emotions in Central and Eastern Europe (2006).

Review:

Providing fresh perspectives on journalism and the coverage of public affairs, Merritt and McCombs offer one of the first books to look at specific reporting challenges involved with civic or public journalism....The combination of Merritt and McCombs brings the rare authority of both a distinguished scholar and newspaper editor, each with a career of professional leadership....Though scholarly, the book is commendably accessible.
—CHOICE

...the book looks at the nature of deliberation, the importance of election coverage and the use and abuse of polls....it is a very challenging read.

—Journalism Studies

This is a unique and valuable blueprint for how journalism can become more useful and relevant in this age of information abundance.
—David Weaver
Indiana University

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0805847316
• ISBN 13: 9780805847314
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 174