Journalism: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Covering broadcast, print and web, JOURNALISM: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW by James G. Stovall is a pretty informative book on the basics of journalism. Arranged in sections following the 5-Ws(who, what, when, where, why & how), Stovall breaks down the duties that occur in newsrooms across the country from the beat reporters to the editors to the producers. So it's a very good source for beginning students of journalism. The book also contains numerous websites to visit for further info. However, the one problem with the book is the writing exercises that are found throughout. Since there's no sample solution/answers, beginning students really have nothing to compare their work to. This would actually work better in a classroom setting or if the book contained re-written answers as a guide. Even then it would be difficult to judge one's own writing. The classroom would be the best option where beginning journalists can get instant feedback on their writing from professionals in the business. This also brings up another problem. If you've already taken classes in journalism this book will NOT give you any new info concerning the business. Since it's not concentrated into one area(i.e. broadcast), the book can only touch on the basics.