MediaWriting: Print, Broadcast, and Public Relations

Front Cover

MediaWriting is an introductory, hands-on textbook for students preparing to write in the current multimedia environment. Rather than just talk about the differences among the styles of print, broadcast, and public relations, MediaWriting sythensizes and integrates them, while weaving in basic principles of Internet writing and social media reporting.

Complete with real-world examples, practical writing exercises, and tips and information for entering into the profession, MediaWriting continues to give students the tools they need to become a successful media writer. The new edition has been extensively rewritten to reflect the dynamic nature of the profession, paying significant attention to how the Internet and social media have become essential communication tools for print and broadcast journalists, and public relations professionals.

Further updates and features include:

  • Increased attention to computer-assisted reporting, the preparation of online copy, and social media applications
  • Two new chapters on lead writing and new new media
  • A separate chapter focused solely on ethics
  • Explanatory "how to" boxes that help students understand and retain main themes
  • Illustrative "It Happened to Me" vignettes from the authors’ professional experiences
  • Discussion questions and exercises at the end of every chapter
  • Suggested readings that highlight biographies, books, and websites that expand the scope and definition of professionalism

In addition to new multimedia elements, the fourth edition’s companion website features enhanced resources for both students and instructors, including chapter overviews, writing tips, a test bank, sample critiques, and a sample syllabus.

 

Contents

Introduction to Media Writing
Communication Theory and News Values
In the Beginning is the Lead
Legal Considerations in Media Writing
Ethical Considerations in Writing and Reporting
Discussion Questions
Chapter Exercises
Suggestions for Further Reading
Prefer Active Voice
Principles of Meaningful Language
Create Word Pictures 2 Use Analogies
Use the Right Word 4 Use Precise Descriptions 5 Use Strong Verbs
Replace Clichés with Original Words
Basic News Stories
Gathering Information from People
Writing Interview Questions

Notes
Basics of Writing and Editing
Principles of Standard Usage 1 Use Technically Accurate Language 2 Use the Appropriate Level of Formality
Avoid Grammatical Myths
Avoid Bulky Sentences 82
Make Sure Nouns and Pronouns Agree 7 Place Words Properly
Be Moderate with Adjectives and Adverbs
Avoid Empty Phrases
Keep Elements Parallel
Keep Punctuation Simple
Stick with the Stylebook Principles of Simple Language 1 Think Before You Write Then Write Logically
Write Naturally 3 Eliminate Unnecessary Words and Phrases 4 Avoid Redundancies
Prefer Simple Words 6 Use Contractions Carefully
Avoid Creating New Words 8 Avoid Foreign Constructions 9 Avoid Unwanted Rhyme and Alliteration
Use Short Sentences 11 Vary Sentence Structure
Conducting the Interview
Research in Communication
Math and Media Writers
Using Quotations and Sources in News Stories
Alternative Story Types
Preparing Broadcast Copy
Reporting for Radio and Television
Writing and Reporting in the New New Media
Writing News Releases
Writing for Organizational Media
Advocacy and Speechwriting
Advertising Copywriting
Communication the Future and
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2013)

W. Richard Whitaker is Professor Emeritus of Journalism and Broadcasting at Buffalo State College (SUNY).

Janet E. Ramsey is Distinguished Service Professor and Dean Emerita at Buffalo State (SUNY).

Ronald D. Smith is Professor of Public Communication and former Chair of the Communication Department at Buffalo State (SUNY).

Bibliographic information