Wednesday February 08, 2012

CCJ Books

The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect

Completely updated and revised
"The most important book on the relationship of journalism and democracy published in the last fifty years." – Roy Peter Clark, The Poynter Institute
We Interrupt This Newscast: How to Improve Local News and Win Ratings, Too

Just Released
A landmark study on what people watch and why. The most exhaustive study ever of local TV news -- what helps ratings, what drives viewers away, and what editorial approaches and story-telling techniques most influence viewership.

A Guide to Using Crime Numbers

Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), July 29, 2006

 

  1. When using stats tell your audience "reported" crime has increased or decreased.

  2. Question explanations given for changes in crime rates. There may be more than one the reason you are given may be spin.

  3. Put crime figures in a proper historical perspective. Don't just look year to year, but at longer trends.

  4. Don't overwhelm your audience with stats. Too many can be boring and/or confusing.

  5. Humanize. Details draw readers into a story. Use a compelling personal story to highlight an issue.

  6. Examine local demographic and economic factors. Local factors like an increase in unemployment or the average age of residents can be a factor in crime. Check to see if a link may exist.

IRE's website, http://www.ire.org/, is also an excellent resource.