Wow! eBook
So You Want to be a Political Journalist
Author(s): Sheila Gunn
- Publisher: Biteback Publishing
- Publication Date: 4 April 2011
- Language: English
- Print length: 304 pages
- ISBN-10: 9781849540858
- ISBN-13: 9781849540858
Book Description
In the wake of 2010’s historic general election politics commands more column inches and air time than ever before. Yet most political journalists failed to foresee the consequences of a coalition government. And they are still struggling to understand and reflect the new political environment in their coverage. While there is plenty of debate about the current state of politics and journalism, aspiring political reporters receive little guidance. Are unscrupulous spin doctors simply spoon-feeding them stories? Do they push their own politically-biased agendas? This book aims to focus on helping to produce competent and confident journalists who report on politics without fear or favour. With chapters on starting out in the trade, where to find the story, how to report it, and how to deal with the political classes, this book is the essential guide for journalism students, trainee journalists and journalists looking to understand the mechanisms of Westminster and Whitehall. Edited by Sheila Gunn, who was a political reporter on The Times and spin doctor to John Major, So You Want To Be A Political Journalist features contributions from a wide range of current and former political journalists from print, broadcast and on-line media. * An essential resource for journalism students and the perfect refresher for seasoned reporters. * Author lectures on political journalism on City University’s prestigious journalism course. * The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) recognizes 63 journalism courses at colleges around Britain. In addition, there are hundreds of further colleges and organisations running media studies courses.
Editorial Reviews
Review
I read it in one sitting. That s probably because it was written, in the main, by practicing journalists. It is accessible and full of great tips which apply to any wannabe reporter just starting out, not only those wanting to practise political reporting. Put simply it is a collection of useful recollections. –Barnie Choudhury, Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln School of Journalism
About the Author
Sheila Gunn lectures on political journalism and public administration at City University. A commentator, broadcaster and reporter, she was a political correspondent on The Times and was personal press adviser to John Major in the previous Conservative government. She lives in London.
