We spent 25 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top selections for this wiki. Becoming a good reporter requires a lot of hard work, a decent amount of skill, and tons of studying. If you want to be the best you can, you’re going to need an excellent journalism textbook. These selections will help teach you essential concepts, like how to conduct an interview, and ways to avoid getting into legal trouble. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work.
8. Principles of American Journalism: An Introduction
Principles of American Journalism: An Introduction explains what makes reporting in the United States different from anywhere else in the world. Students will gain a solid foundation that will help them to understand how the media relates to other institutions.
- Addresses the economics of the field
- A good introduction to the topic
- Somewhat repetitive
| Brand | imusti |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 15.2 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
7. Journalism Today
Journalism Today emphasizes the importance of the internet when it comes to being a modern journalist. It’s a must-have for students and covers a wide variety of subject matter, including organizing a staff and how to make school newspapers.
- Many suggestions for stories
- Written by leading experts
- Contains some outdated information
| Brand | Journalism Today |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds |
| Rating | 3.8 / 5.0 |
6. Mobile and Social Media Journalism: A Practical Guide
Mobile and Social Media Journalism: A Practical Guide addresses how technology, like smartphones, has changed the way news organizations distribute content. Students and teachers will learn how to stay up-to-date by understanding the latest trends.
- Offers practical activities to try
- Outlines a class for educators
- Not available in hardcover
| Brand | Mobile and Social Media |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 11.4 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
5. The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Law of Journalism and Mass Communication uses hypothetical situations and real court cases. It is intended to get students thinking about important legal concepts, like the First Amendment, and manages to be both extremely clear and comprehensive.
- Access to a website with resources
- Study terms are highlighted in blue
- A timeline of landmark events
| Brand | CQ Press |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5.0 |
4. Investigative Reporting
Investigative Reporting is a step-by-step guide to crafting a story from an original idea all the way to publication. It teaches readers skills like how to go about finding human sources and what goes into filing a public records request.
- Explains how to analyze data
- Entire section on fact checking
- Has interviews with professionals
| Brand | Investigative Reporting |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 14.1 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
3. A Very Short Introduction
A Very Short Introduction looks at how technology has affected the ways in which important events are reported. This insightful read explores various aspects of news in the digital age and compares it to how things were handled in the past.
- Blogging is discussed
- Published by oxford university press
- For anyone who writes nonfiction
| Brand | imusti |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 5 ounces |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
2. Writing and Reporting News: A Coaching Method
Writing and Reporting News: A Coaching Method explains the techniques that professionals use to develop their skills in the field. This selection will help students learn all the basics of writing journalistic articles and interviews.
- Uses real-world examples
- Chapter on ethics
- Full-color photographs
| Brand | Writing and Reporting N |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |
1. The Associated Press Stylebook
The Associated Press Stylebook will teach you all about one of the most critical tasks for any journalist — writing. This guide walks you through the entire format of the AP style, addressing everything from grammar to punctuation.
- Less than twenty dollars
- Very helpful index
- Discusses media law
| Brand | The Associated Press St |
|---|---|
| Model | pending |
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
| Rating | 4.0 / 5.0 |