Reaching Audiences : A Guide to Media Writing

by Yopp, Jan Johnson; McAdams, Katherine C.; Thornburg, Ryan M.

• ISBN13: 9780205693108
• ISBN10: 0205693105
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-03-24
• Publisher: Pearson

Summary

Reaching Audiences: A Guide to Media Writingprovides a brief yet thorough guide to a range of writing styles for the media. This book stresses the importance of clear, concise, accurate writing in a media world that is increasingly online. The book sets up the writing process and the essential art of editing while reinforcing the importance of the audience in considering the structure of media messages. Illustrative and specific real life examples provide guidance for students in improving their writing. Specific skills related to spelling, grammar, accuracy, word usage, bias, research, interviewing, and other important topics are covered. By recognizing todayrs"s ever-changing media environment, this book is grounded in the basics of good writing essential to communicators in print, online, broadcast, and strategic communication.

Table of Contents

The Components Of Good Writing

Writing for Today's Audiences Reaching Audiences Knowing Audiences The Writing Process Explained

Tools for Writers: Spelling, Grammar, Style, and Math Spelling in the Computer Age Grammar To the Rescue Grammar Problems Up Close Math for Journalists Suggested Readings

Editing, Editing, Editing Watching Style Editing Responsibilities Editing for Online and Other Formats Putting the Rules in Practice

Guidelines for Good Writing Watchwords of Writing Keys to Good Writing Words Sentences Paragraphsndash;Short Paragraphs The Way to Clearer Writing

Constructing The Message

Getting to the Point What's the Point? In the Beginning Comes the Lead News Elements News Values General Rules for Leads Summary Leads Other Lead Formats Writing Leads for Online Media Choosing a Lead Type nbsp;

Beyond the Lead: Writing the Message The Inverted Pyramid Organizing a Story News Peg and Nut Graph Other Organizational Styles Unifying Writing

Producing Online Content The World Goes Online Electronic Media Then and Now Whatrsquo;s Different about Online Content The Components of a News Site Structuring Messages Online Challenges and Opportunities

Beyond Breaking News News versus Feature Obituaries Speech Stories

Gathering Information

Research and Observation Getting Started Government Sources Online Research Observation

Interviewing, Quotes, and Attribution Interviewing as a Challenge Research Before Interviewing Getting the Interview Writing the Questions Conducting an Interview Selecting and Using Quotes More on Attribution

Recognizing Bias and Stereotypes The Bias Habit Considering Specific Groups Overcoming Bias in W

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