An Introduction to Journalism: Essential techniques and background knowledge - Tapa dura

"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

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.