Journalism
Text Review
Reviewed by Leigha Tracey
Text
book Review: Writing for the Mass Media
By James Glen Stovall
Recommendation
Writing
for the Mass Media, by James Stovall is a standard writing textbook.
It would be best served as a curriculum guide for students that
already have a strong grasp of writing techniques and some skill
in stylistic writing. The structure of the text is easy to follow
and each chapter is sufficiently discussed. It is not an in-depth
study of writing; rather it is an overview.
I
did appreciate the inclusion of a chapter on grammar rules, which
we all need from time to time. In addition, there is a chapter
on writing for the web. Although this chapter did a rather poor
and rudimentary review of writing for the web, at least it was
acknowledged. The text did attempt to address the different mediums
in writing for the mass media. These include writing for print,
web, broadcast, advertising copy, and public relations. Including
each medium is a credit to this text. It is important for journalism
students to recognize the different areas of writing in which
they may find themselves.
Another
feature of this text is a list of suggested discussion questions.
These questions appear at the end of each chapter. They are thought
provoking and could make for some lively and introspective class
conversations. Overall, I think that this is a worthy text to
use as a supplement to something more hands-on and engaging. Having
an interactive medium to use along with this text would be a good
idea. It may also be beneficial to keep on hand to use as a basis
for individual unit studies on mass media mediums. It by no means
should be used as the sole source of information.
Student Readability
Those
that have developed writing skills through conventional K-12 can
easily understand the chapters. Each chapter is introduced with
a theme and sections are readily marked. The index offers page
correlation’s to sub topics in each chapter. In addition,
there are examples given and in some cases side boxes with relevant
information. Each chapter outlines topics in such a manner that
the themes and tasks are easily identifiable. This book does not
employ the use of engaging graphics. The graphics used are reminiscent
of those used in technical writing manuals. They are used to guide
the reader through the topics in a logical manner. They are not
used to engage the reader. Writing for the Mass Media is not printed
in color and therefore has the feeling of reading a textbook in
the traditional sense.
Assessment
As
stated previously, Writing for the Mass Media is an well-organized
text. At the end of each chapter there are several notable features.
These features include a list of points for consideration and
discussion, recommended readings and a set of exercises. The text
has perforated pages, so the exercises, readings and discussion
questions can easily be removed for copying.
The assessment tools provided in this text are the best features
of the book. The exercises include guided writing assignments,
quizzes and worksheets. In my opinion, the exercises are purposeful
and are, as a whole, a good indicator of a student’s skill
and comprehension.
Secondary
Information
Writing
for the mass Media is not long on sidebars or quick fact boxes.
Although they are used sparingly, the information provided in
the sidebars are purposeful. For example, in Chapter 2 there is
a useful glossary of grammar terms (p. 21). In Chapter 4: writing
for the Media Environment there are several interesting sidebars.
There is a list of the ten basic references each writer should
know (p.125) and a short list of helpful interviewing tips (p.
120). In Chapter 8 there is an easy to understand breakdown of
a television storyboard (p. 316). Similarly, in Chapter 9 there
are several useful examples of letters and press releases.
In
addition to fact boxes and sidebars there are articles and quotations
scattered throughout the book. These are used to emphasize the
readings. A few I found particularly worthy of mention was James
Madison on freedom of the Press in Chapter 10 (p.378), and Writing
for the Ear by Debbie Elliot in Chapter 7 (p. 267). Basically,
the use of secondary information in this text is strictly utilitarian.
Chapter
1: Sit Down & Write
Theme:
The theme of this chapter is the discipline of writing. Writing
is a developed skill that requires commitment. At the moment writing
takes place complete focus and attention must be on what you are
doing. Writing for the Mass Media is unique. The style is clear,
concise, simple and to the point. Good writing is defined as writing
that outlines pictures of ideas that the reader can see.
Getting
ready to write. Contrary to the writing performed in K-12,
media writing is designed for a larger audience. There is little
room for self-expression. The writer must convey important information
to the reader in an unbiased format regardless of how they think
or feel about the topic. Media writers must develop a sense of
integrity bout what they do. In addition, media writing is collaborative.
There will always be an editor, room to grow, and fathoms to learn.
Know
the tools of the trade. Writers must not only know the language
and precise meanings of words they must also be genuinely interested
in it. Today’s writers must be computer literate and have
the ability to use their time and equipment efficiently. In addition,
writers should understand the integration of text and graphics.
Write it down. This is the basic truth of writing, writing words
down on paper or on the computer screen. People can talk, discuss,
wonder, agonize, and dream about what to write, but no one becomes
a writer without having the ability to put ideas into words. Writing
demands concentration, commitment and risk.
Rewrite.
Good writers have the discipline to reread, edit and rewrite.
A professional writer has the ability to edit himself or herself
and take feedback and criticism from others.
Techniques
for Good Writing
1. Write simply
2. Use simple words
3. Use simple sentences
4. Don’t use one word more than is necessary
5. Eliminate jargon, cliches and "bureaucrates"
6. Use familiar words
7. Vary sentence type and length
8. Use transitions
Chapter
2: Basic Tools for Writing
Theme:
Writing is impossible unless you know how to use the tools of
writing. During the last half of the 20th century the study of
grammar and punctuation fell out of favor. The result is a loss
of interest and understanding in the deeply interesting subject
of language itself. It is absolutely necessary to know grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and word meanings in order to write. These
skills give a writer the ability to know their possibilities and
limitations.
Tools:
1. Grammar (includes a glossary of grammar terms): sentences,
sentence fragments, parts of speech, agreement, active and passive
voice, dangling participles, and that and which.
2. Punctuation: commas, semicolons, period, apostrophe, run-on
sentences, and subject and verbs.
3. Spelling
4. Computer Aids: spell checker and grammar checker.
Words.
Language is a combination of systems. Those systems are lexicon,
grammar, semantics, and phonology. Lexicon deals with words that
from the building blocks of the language. Language evolves with
society and new words are created. Standard dictionaries outline
the rules of lexicon in shaping our language. Grammar is the combination
of tools we use to organize our language. Semantics is concerned
with the meaning that users assign to words. Phonology is the
system by which language is spoken. Language has far fewer sounds
than words. Phonology allows a language to develop a system of
being spoken.
Writing
with clarity. Good grammar, precise word usage and correct
spelling are a means to an end. The end is communicating with
the reader or viewer.
Chapter
4: Writing in the Media Environment
Theme:
Media writing is a shared experience. Our interests extend far
beyond those of our immediate group of acquaintances. One way
that we establish holistic relationships is through sharing the
same current information. Those who write for the news must grasp
the importance of this task. A writer of mass media has two jobs.
The first is gathering information; the second is putting that
information into a form appropriate for the medium he or she is
serving.
The
news culture. A media writer must understand and practice
the professional standards and demands of the news culture. The
demands are the need for accurate information, presenting information
efficiently, understanding processes, and individuals and corporate
integrity.
News
Values
1. Impact
2. Timeliness
3. Prominence
4. Proximity
5. Conflict
6. The bizarre or unusual
7. Currency
Interviewing
(includes interviewing tips).
Types
of questions:
