2nd Edition
Living Journalism Principles and Practices for an Essential Profession
In this readable, practical textbook Rich Martin explores the core principles and practices that beginning journalists need to produce work that informs and enlightens citizens hungry for accurate and trustworthy news.
The textbook’s 16 concise chapters impart real-world examples demonstrating how the best journalists exemplify the key principles, as well as cautionary stories illustrating journalistic mistakes and missteps. It also contains exercises, checklists, tips and additional resources that students can use in class and independent study, making the book an ideal newsroom and classroom resource that can be returned to again and again for new insights.
For journalism to survive and flourish in the 21st century, it needs young practitioners who understand its importance to society, believe in and are committed to its core values, and can put those values into action. This new edition of Living Journalism is an excellent updated introduction to journalism for students, teachers and young professionals.
1. You’ve got to be a little crazy 2. Stay curious 3. Get it right 4. Admit your mistakes – and learn from them 5. Ask good questions 6. Listen carefully, and pay attention 7. Be skeptical 8. Get close to your story 9. Know your place 10. Prepare for the unexpected 11. Shine a light 12. Be a watchdog 13. Do the right thing 14. Remember your humanity 15. Stand your ground 16. Commit journalism
Biography
Rich Martin was a newspaper journalist for 32 years, including 29 years at The Roanoke Times in Virginia. The newspaper was a three-time Pulitzer finalist for projects he edited. He is an associate professor emeritus in the Department of Journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he taught for 12 years and served as Director of Journalism Graduate Studies and Journalism Department Head. Living Journalism: Principles & Practices for an Essential Profession (1st edition) was published in 2011. He and his wife now live in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
"Young journalists ... who are serious about making a difference and exemplifying the best professional standards will find ... inspiration from Martin’s ideas, a great deal of encouragement from his hopeful tone. Martin writes in an accessible ... style that makes readers feel as if the messages are directed specifically at them."
Review of Living Journalism (1st edition), Lee Hood, Loyola University Chicago, Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, Summer 2012