Essential Public Affairs for Journalists

by Morrison, James

• ISBN13: 9780199663859
• ISBN10: 0199663858
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-04-06
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Essential Public Affairs for Journalists is an invaluable guide for journalism students and those already in the industry. It introduces readers to the constitutional framework and the governing institutions of the UK; covers the NHS, the Treasury, industry, utilities, social welfare, and home affairs; explores Britain's role in the EU and the wider world of international relations; before turning to focus on local government issues which introduce a wealth of subjects for aspiring and practicing journalists.

The third edition has been updated with a full explanation of the large-scale programmes of reforms introduced by the coalition since the 2010 election, and includes up-to-date and relevant news stories and issues. It provides clear and engaging explanations of major recent and ongoing political events including the Libor-fixing scandal, eurozone sovereign debt crisis, the 2012 Budget, and the background to the setting up of the Leveson Inquiry, and includes new sections focusing on key topical issues and debates related to particular policy areas. A fully revised glossary includes previously specialist terms that have entered the public discourse. The contents have been developed to ensure the best possible fit with the NCTJ essential public affairs syllabus, and there is clearly signposted advice on the practicalities of reporting.

Features

* Designed to map on to NCTJ-accredited courses, it contains all the information necessary for students to pass the NCTJ essential public affairs exam and practical assessment.
* The only textbook to combine coverage of central and local government specifically geared towards journalism students.
* Supplemented with regular updates on the accompanying Online Resource Centre, to ensure that students are always aware of the latest developments in this rapidly moving field.
* Includes practically orientated pedagogic features based on real-life pieces of journalism, together with examples of issues on which journalists routinely report.

The text is supported by an Online Resource Centre:

Online Resource Centre

- Regular updates
- New developments in central and local government are succinctly summarised
- News feeds and links to real life articles from different news sites via RSS
- Audio podcasts on reporting public affairs in practice
- Tables
- Web links

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. The British Constitution and Monarchy
2. Parliamentary Democracy in the UK
3. Prime Minister, Cabinet, and the Government
4. The Electoral System
5. Political Parties, Party Funding, and Lobbying
6. The National Health Service (NHS)
7. The Treasury, Industry and the Utilities
8. Social Welfare and Home Affairs
9. The European Union (EU)
10. International Relations
11. Origins and Structure of Local Government
12. Financing Local Government
13. Local Government Decision-Making
14. Local Government Accountability and Elections
15. Local Authorities and Education
16. Planning Policy and Environmental Protection
17. Local Authorities and Housing Policy
18. Children's Services and Adult Social Care
19. Transport, Environment, and 'Quality of Life' Issues
20. Freedom of Information
Glossary