Journalist's Handbook
An ongoing project of the New England Press
Association
Further contributions may be sent to the
handbook's editors:
John Lenger, journalism instructor at Harvard's Extension
School
John_Lenger@Harvard.edu
Helen F. Smith,
executive director, New England Scholastic Press Association
phsmith@igc.org
Table of Contents
Reporting and Writing
Basics of news and feature
leads >>
Building sources on a new (or
well-worn) beat >>
Everything you always wanted to know
about interviews but were afraid to ask >>
When
problems arise in an interview >>
Finding links can help localize
state and national stories >>
Digging
through the documents >>
Crimes, cops, courts and fires >>
The donut factor: Police and
reporters working with each other >>
Beyond the formula:
Fire victims’ harrowing tales can be more compelling than just
the facts >>
The role of the press in
protecting children >>
Writing obituaries: A celebration
of life, not death >>
Five
guidelines for writing obituaries >>
A hidden reporting
opportunity: Municipal finance >>
How to
get rid of extra words >>
Plan ahead by preparing for the worst
>>
Copyediting >>
Photography
Great photos are made, not
discovered by accident, photographers say >>
When shooting
digitally, keep it simple >>
Photographers say: Let the
image speak >>
When it comes to the
law, press photographers are in the same shoes as the general
public >>
Double duty: Reporters with digital
cameras >>
Would you run this photo? And
how do you decide? >>
Photos as reflections of
tragedy >>
Feature
and Specialty Writing
10 expert tips
for the enterprising beat reporter >>
Covering health
care because it matters to readers >>
Covering religion
requires commitment and sensitivity >>
Community reporters mean business >>
New Americans: Community,
consumers and coverage >>
Sportswriting
Covering local sports is a
real workout >>
Best sportswriters are
outstanding in the field >>
For sports pages, keep eyes
on the surprise >>
Newsroom Culture and Ethics
Small papers mean big challenges >>
Building community means
serving readers >>
Facing an ethical
dilemma? You’re not alone >>
A sense of
community >>
That’s
why they call it news >>
Bad news and good
judgment: Food for thought >>
Newspaper quality results from
training, feedback, communication >>
The dream
confronts reality >>
Internet Journalism
Advice
for newspaper websites: Focus on context and immediacy >>
Blog facts, fictions and
opportunities >>
Convergence offers new
approach to the business of packaging news >>
Opinion
Writing
Editorial writing >>
Design,
Typography and Layout
Typographic tips for the
reporter >>
Yes, you can
redesign your newspaper >>