Tools for Political Reporting

Sunday October 12, 2008

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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.

FEATURED TOOL

Reporting the Truth May Cost Florida Paper $18 Million

by John C Abell

Mar 07, 2008 - Florida’s Pensacola News Journal is fighting an $18 million jury award won by a man who alleged that its reference to an unflattering but true incident in his past violated the legal concept of 'false light.'

Why reporters get it wrong
When you get it wrong -- spectacularly wrong -- what do you do? Spill your guts, of course. Politico's top two Politicos -- John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei -- show how it's done as they explain what went wrong with New Hampshire Primary reporting.
As The Nose Grows
Candidates say a lot of things. Sometimes what they say isn't exactly accurate, and that's where journalists come in. One newspaper's fact-finding mission is taking its cue from its readers.
Covering the Whole Campaign
Tips for going deeper than the top stories, races, and candidates in your political reporting.
New Citizen Journalism Sites Add to '08 Presidential Campaign Coverage
Two new citizen journalism site will offer coverage of the 2008 presidential election.
Making the Political Meaningful
Give readers and viewers insights into why your political reporting is - or should be - important to them.
How Networks "Make the Call" on Election Night
CBS News Public Eye Editor Vaughn Ververs explains "one of the most misunderstood parts of Election Night coverage" - how the networks "call" election results before all of the votes have been counted.
Cashing in on Campaign Finance
NewsLab.org tip-sheet for covering money and politics.
Digging for Sources
Looking beyond the usual names on your list.
Escaping the Campaign Bubble
Getting your head outside of the campaign and checking in with reality.
Broaden Your Source Base
Finding the voices that are overlooked for compelling political stories.

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Reporting the Truth May Cost Florida Paper $18 Million

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