Writing News for Broadcast

Ed Bliss wrote for Ed Murrow and for Walter Cronkite - both of them broadcast news legends. Later, he served as dean of American University's School of Communications. Bliss has written a short, simple book that explains the basics of broadcast newswriting. He uses as examples stories written by well-known broadcasters. He covers common mistakes and how to avoid them. This is a fine book for beginners, and a useful reminder for experienced pros.

Although there are many fine books on the craft of broadcast newswriting (the works of Mervin Block come to mind) there are none that surpass this book. Whether you are a beginning student or a long-time veteran of the field, this book has something to offer you. Bliss and Hoyt teach you the basics and the fine points of the craft, but they give you something more, namely an understanding of the significance of this work and why aspiring to the highest standards of professionalism is important. Their wise guidance is supplemented by numerous examples of outstanding work. Bliss worked with Murrow and Cronkite, just to drop a couple of names. This is your chance to learn from the best.--William C. Hall