Sixth edition in print. The sixth edition of Writing for the Mass Media is now in print and available for fall adoptions. This edition contains much of the same material and exercises found in previous editions, but there are a few new features: a completely rewritten chapter on writing for the web, updated examples and exercises, a glossary, and a new web site that ties in closely with JPROF.com. Instructors can order exam copies at the book's page on the Allyn and Bacon web site. (Posted July 14, 2005)

Exercises available. Some who are using the sixth edition of Writing for the Mass Media have requested having the exercises in Chapters 2 and 3 in a single-file format. They are now available for downloading from this site: Chapter 2 exercises; Chapter 3 exercises. These files are only for those using the book as a text for their courses. The Grammar and Diagnostic Exams found in Appendix B are also available for downloading.


The book

Through six editions, Writing for the Mass Media remains one of the most clear and efficient introductions to media writing.

This successful text offers a simple organization, clear writing, abundant exercises, and precise examples that give students the information and opportunity to develop their skills as professional writers. Using a workbook-style format, it introduces and explains the major forms of media writing — inverted pyramid for print and Web, dramatic unity for broadcast, copy platforms for advertising, and the various writing structures required for public relations — and covers all major areas of media, including the World Wide Web.


Go to the book's web site at Allyn and Bacon.
Order the book from Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

Features

• Abundant exercise material at the end of each chapter allows students to practice the principles of good writing and offers them the challenge of writing in a media environment.
  
  
• The necessities of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style provide students with foundation material from which to build.
  
  
• Numerous examples of the concepts provide students with models from which to learn.
  
  
• Information on legal aspects and problems of writing for the media gives students a complete picture of writing for publication in the media.
  
  
• A section on graphic presentation of information explains the basic rules and conventions of using graphics in this visually oriented age.
  

Table of contents

Preface.           

1. Sit Down & Write.
         What is Good Writing? 
         Getting Ready to Write
         Basic Techniques
         Writing for the Mass Media 
      Becoming a Professional
         Text and Images
         And Finally . . .
        Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
         Web Sites
         Exercises

2. Basic Tools of Writing. 
         Grammar
         Common Grammar Problems
         Punctuation
         Spelling
         Computer Aids
         Words, Words, Words
         Writing with Clarity
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
         Web Sites
         Exercises
The exercises in this chapter are available in single-file (Word document) formats for instructors who are using the sixth edition as a text in their classes. To download them, click on the links below:
2-1 Writing skills
2-2 Writing skills
2-3 Punctuation  
2-4 Pronouns and verbs
2-5 Verbs
2-6 Clauses
2-7 Punctuation
2-8 Word choice
2-9 Word choice
2-10 Writing problems
2-11 Agreement
2-12 Comma splices and run-on sentences

3. Style and the Stylebook.
       Accuracy
       Clarity
       Brevity
       Journalistic Conventions
       Journalistic Style
       Stylebooks
       The Associated Press Stylebook
       Language Sensitivity
        Conclusion
        Points for Consideration and Discussion
        Further Reading
        Web Sites
        Exercises
The exercises in this chapter are available in single-file (Word document) formats for instructors who are using the sixth edition as a text in their classes. To download them, click on the links below:
3-1 AP style
3-2 AP style
3-3 Using the stylebook
3-4 Using the stylebook
3-5 Using the stylebook
3-6 Using the stylebook
3-7 Using the stylebook
3-8 Using the stylebook
3-9 Using the stylebook
3-10 Using the stylebook
3-11 Using the stylebook
3-12 Using the stylebook
3-13 Using the stylebook
3-14 Using the stylebook
3-15 Using the stylebook
3-16 Using the stylebook
3-17 Using the stylebook
3-18 Writing problems

4. Writing in the Media Environment.
         The News Culture
         Elements of News
         Personal Sources
         Interviewing
         Observation
         Stored Sources of Information
         The Importance of Accuracy
         Deadlines
         Ethical Behavior
         Writing by Example
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
        Web Sites
         Exercises

5. Writing for Print. 
         Characteristics of News Stories
         The Inverted Pyramid
         The Lead Paragraph
         Developing the Story
         Using Quotations
         Other Story Structures
         Types of News Stories
         Editing and Rewriting
         Writing Feature Stories
         Characteristics of Feature Writing
         Parts of a Feature Story
         The Challenge of Writing
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
         Web Sites
         Exercises

6. Writing for the Web.
         Characteristics of the Web
         Demands of the Audience
         Characteristics of Web Writing
         Forms of Writing
         Lateral Reporting
         Wanted for the Web: Writers and Editors
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
        Web Sites
         Exercises

7. Writing for Broadcast.  
         Selection of News
         Characteristics of Writing
         Story Structure
        Broadcast Writing Style
         Broadcast Copy Preparation
        Conclusion
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
         Web Sites
         Exercises

8.  Writing Advertising Copy.     
         A Love—Hate Relationship
         The Field of Advertising
         Beginning the Process: Needs and Appeals
         The Audience
         The Product
        The Advertising Situation
        Copy Platforms
         Writing the Ad
         Elements of a Print Ad
         Writing Advertising for Broadcast
         Other Media
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
        Web Sites
         Exercises

9. Writing for Public Relations.
         The Work of the PR Practitioner
         Characteristics of the PR Practitioner
         Writing News Releases
         Letters
         Company Publications
         Oral Presentations
         Conclusion
         Points for Consideration and Discussion
         Further Reading
         Web Sites
         Exercises

10. Writers & the Law. 
         The First Amendment
         Defamation
         The Plaintiff’s Case
         Affirmative Defenses
         Privacy
         Copyright and Trademark
         Advertising
        Broadcast Regulation
         Conclusion
        Further Reading
         Web Sites

Appendix A: Copy-editing Symbols.   

Appendix B: Grammar and Diagnostic Exams.
The exams in Appendix B are available in single-file (Word document) formats for instructors who are using the sixth edition as a text in their classes. To download them, click on the links below:
Diagnostic exam
Grammar exam

Appendix C: Problem Words and Phrases.   

Appendix D: Advertising Copy Sheets.

Appendix E: Glossary. 

 

Index.