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Dynamics of News Reporting and Writing
Foundational Skills for a Digital Age
Third Edition
- Vincent F. Filak - University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, USA
Other Titles in:
Newswriting/reporting
Newswriting/reporting
March 2025 | 376 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Dynamics of News Reporting and Writing: Foundational Skills for a Digital Age shows students how to approach their stories and think on their feet in the evolving media landscape. Recognizing that well-crafted stories are founded on sharp prose, author Vincent F. Filak guides students through the essential elements of newswriting, such as lead writing, structure, and storytelling, in a chapter-by-chapter approach, while also teaching them how to think critically and focus on what matters most to their readers. The Third Edition features expanded writing and grammar exercises, discussions on social and digital media advancements, new coverage of artificial intelligence and generative AI, and additional career-related examples to help students succeed upon entering the field.
List of Boxes
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Chapter 1: Audience-Centric Journalism
Media and Media Users Today
Defining Your Audience
The Rise and Impact of the “Fake News” Phenomenon
What Do We Owe Our Audience?
What Attracts an Audience?
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Chapter 2: Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
How Do We Think?
The Requirements of Critical Thought
What Artificial Intelligence Is and Why It Matters to Journalists
How Critical Thinking Can Improve Your Work
How to Out-Think AI Fake-Outs
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 3: Basics of Writing
A Quick Look at Types of Leads
Identifying Problematic Leads and Finding Potential Fixes
The Inverted Pyramid: Ordering Information After the Lead
Quotes: Letting Your Sources Tell the Story
Attributing Your Information
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 4: Expanded News Writing
Expanding the Inverted Pyramid
Writing With a Narrative Feel
Nonlinear Storytelling
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 5: Social Media
What Is Social Media?
Value of Social Media
Social Media Tools for Your Toolbox
Blogging
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 6: Interviewing
Critically Thinking About Interviewing’s Purpose
Examining the Various Approaches to Interviewing
Understanding the Interviewing Basics
Types of Interviews
Other Purposes for Interviews
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 7: Basic Reporting: News That Finds You
Reporting Basics
Event Coverage
Basic Tips for All Event Stories
Stories Beyond Standard Events
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 8: Beyond Basic Reporting: News You Have to Find
The News Feature: How to Find Stories in Everyday Life
Beat Reporting
Personality Profiles
Working as a Watchdog
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 9: Broadcast-Style Writing and Voicing
Broadcast Style: Different, Yet the Same
Script Writing 101
The Basic Elements of Broadcast Structure
Story Types and Formats
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 10: Collecting Audio and Visuals in the Field
Tools of the Trade
Types of Material You Gather
Capturing Vivid Visuals
Making Your Video Valuable
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 11: Editing Audio and Video
Audio Bites Online
Video Bites Online
Pairing Script and Video
Building a Story From Start to Finish
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 12: Law and the Media
Understanding the First Amendment
Let the Sunshine in: Rules for Transparency and Access
The Basics of Libel
Defenses Against Libel
Invasion of Privacy
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Chapter 13: Ethics
Why Ethics Matter
Basic Approaches to Ethics
Tenets of Journalistic Ethics
The Big Three
Discussion Questions
Work It Out
Write Now!
Best of the Blog
Key Terms
Appendix A: Using FOCII to Build Your Leads
Appendix B: Résumés, Cover Letters and More
Appendix C: A Deeper Dig Into FOIA and State Public Records Laws
Appendix D: Freelancing 101 (and Beyond)
Glossary
Endnotes
Index
Supplements
Instructor Resource Site
Online resources included with this text
The online resources for your text are available via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site, which offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.
For additional information, custom options, or to request a personalized walkthrough of these resources, please contact your sales representative.
Online resources included with this text
The online resources for your text are available via the password-protected Instructor Resource Site, which offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.
For additional information, custom options, or to request a personalized walkthrough of these resources, please contact your sales representative.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter 1_Audience-Centric Journalism
Chapter 2_Critical Thinking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence