Sarah Niblock and David Machin bring us a much needed book that bridges the gap between journalistic theory and practice. The authors respond to a recent and growing recognition in academia and indeed journalism of the importance of reflective practice based on consultation of the sociological literature on journalism and the media industry. There is a distinct lack of up-to-date publications on journalists at work, the most recent ethnographies having been published in the 1980s. This book will provide detailed ethnographies of eight different news production settings. Each chapter follows two news workers through their daily routines, detailing the exact nature of their jobs, the constraints they may encounter, how they cope with those constraints and finally to what extent their work can be understood through reference to the sociological theory and vice versa. Chapters include "News agencies: something to please everyone," "The roving reporter," "Photojournalism" and "The new reporter learning the ropes."
The book is set in context by two opening chapters on the "History of News" and the "Sociology of News gathering." The former holds the premise that it is impossible to understand journalistic practice, the workings of the industry, or news values and the morality of "objectivity" without looking at the way that the news industry has grown up over the past 100 or so years. The emphasis of this chapter is very much on looking forward to the ethnographies which follow. "Sociology of news gathering" similarly details the sociological theory relevant to the ensuing chapters, theories which will be constantly referred back to throughout the course of the book. The section will becomprised of a review of the sociological literature on news agencies, news gathering, news values, the public sphere and tabloidisation.
This book will be an invaluable and much-needed real-life account of reporting in the context of contemporary newsrooms. For students taking practical units in news reporting, sub-editing and even law and ethics, this text will provide the type of concrete examples they will need to consolidate their skills-based training. The ethnographies will provide case-studies against which they can compare their experiences. Most journalism and media courses require their students to complete work-based assignments which are assessed through reflective reports. This book will help students prepare for their placements by gaining a strong sense of the working environment and tasks. It will also help students raise questions about their placements to form the basis of their reports. These reports expect them to synthesise the practice of journalism with the critical accounts of the profession by academics. No other journalism text does this.

The author is a journalism lecturer and practitioner who, in putting this book together, interviewed a number of people working in various parts of the journalism industry. This book provides career descriptions and training advice for entry into the areas of print journalism (newspapers, magazines, news agencies, freelance work and in-house publications). All aspects of the radio and television industries, and the cross-training being done between the two areas are discussed in detail. The author also gives advice to present and future journalists on how to equip themselves with the tools and knowledge that should enable them to face the technological changes of the future.

First published in 1995. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor and Francis, an informa company.

Journalism today is moving faster than ever before. With web 2.0, blogging, huge media conglomerates, 24-hour news-networks, and tight legal frameworks, this introduction investigates the role of journalism in the digital age. With priorities shifting, do journalists still strive for truth or are they solely concerned with "infotainment" - driven by sales and ratings? This captivating guide explains the history of journalism, its everyday workings, and the ethical dilemmas that modern journalists face.

Sarah Niblock and David Machin bring us a much needed book that bridges the gap between journalistic theory and practice. The authors respond to a recent and growing recognition in academia and indeed journalism of the importance of reflective practice based on consultation of the sociological literature on journalism and the media industry. There is a distinct lack of up-to-date publications on journalists at work, the most recent ethnographies having been published in the 1980s. This book will provide detailed ethnographies of eight different news production settings. Each chapter follows two news workers through their daily routines, detailing the exact nature of their jobs, the constraints they may encounter, how they cope with those constraints and finally to what extent their work can be understood through reference to the sociological theory and vice versa. Chapters include "News agencies: something to please everyone," "The roving reporter," "Photojournalism" and "The new reporter learning the ropes."
The book is set in context by two opening chapters on the "History of News" and the "Sociology of News gathering." The former holds the premise that it is impossible to understand journalistic practice, the workings of the industry, or news values and the morality of "objectivity" without looking at the way that the news industry has grown up over the past 100 or so years. The emphasis of this chapter is very much on looking forward to the ethnographies which follow. "Sociology of news gathering" similarly details the sociological theory relevant to the ensuing chapters, theories which will be constantly referred back to throughout the course of the book. The section will becomprised of a review of the sociological literature on news agencies, news gathering, news values, the public sphere and tabloidisation.
This book will be an invaluable and much-needed real-life account of reporting in the context of contemporary newsrooms. For students taking practical units in news reporting, sub-editing and even law and ethics, this text will provide the type of concrete examples they will need to consolidate their skills-based training. The ethnographies will provide case-studies against which they can compare their experiences. Most journalism and media courses require their students to complete work-based assignments which are assessed through reflective reports. This book will help students prepare for their placements by gaining a strong sense of the working environment and tasks. It will also help students raise questions about their placements to form the basis of their reports. These reports expect them to synthesise the practice of journalism with the critical accounts of the profession by academics. No other journalism text does this.

The career of the prolific pop artist Prince has become inextricably intertwined with the history of popular music since the late 1970s. This multi-instrumental icon, who remains one of the highest-grossing live performers in America, has been called a genius for his musicianship, composition and incredible performances. But Prince holds iconic status for more than his music. Best known for his racial blurring and extravagant sexual persona, Prince's music and visual iconography has always chimed with the ambiguity of subjectivity at any given moment. 'Prince' the sign offers a space for fans to evaluate and reconfigure their attitudes towards their own identities, and towards their position as subjects within the socio-cultural sphere. This much-needed interdisciplinary analysis is the first of its kind to examine critically Prince's popular music, performances, sounds, lyrics and the plethora of accompanying visual material such as album covers, posters, fashions, promotional videos and feature films. Specifically, the book explores how and why he has played such a profoundly meaningful and significant role in his fans' lives.

The career of the prolific pop artist Prince has become inextricably intertwined with the history of popular music since the late 1970s. This multi-instrumental icon, who remains one of the highest-grossing live performers in America, has been called a genius for his musicianship, composition and incredible performances. But Prince holds iconic status for more than his music. Best known for his racial blurring and extravagant sexual persona, Prince's music and visual iconography has always chimed with the ambiguity of subjectivity at any given moment. 'Prince' the sign offers a space for fans to evaluate and reconfigure their attitudes towards their own identities, and towards their position as subjects within the socio-cultural sphere. This much-needed interdisciplinary analysis is the first of its kind to examine critically Prince's popular music, performances, sounds, lyrics and the plethora of accompanying visual material such as album covers, posters, fashions, promotional videos and feature films. Specifically, the book explores how and why he has played such a profoundly meaningful and significant role in his fans' lives.

In this critical interrogation of the meaning of media professionalism and the efficacy of training in the digital age, Niblock presents one of the very first texts to scrutinise professional norms and question the scope of the media's power. The book's synthesis of practice and theory makes it ideal for Media and Journalism students.