CCJ Books

by Tom Rosenstiel, Marion Just, Todd Belt, Atiba Pertilla, Walter Dean, and Dante Chinni

We Interrupt This Newscast: How to Improve Local News and Win Ratings Too uses empirical evidence, social science analysis and actual ratings data to disprove much of the conventional wisdom about what works to win viewers in local TV news.

The work is based on five years of research of 154 stations in 50 markets – more than 33,000 stories, plus survey data of news professionals and workshop interviews with more than 2,000 TV journalists. The findings show that flashing lights, yellow police tape and “hook and hold” structure of most newscasts actually drive viewers away. So does the idea that only certain topics are interesting. Instead, the book shows that by telling stories better, with more balance, deeper sourcing, and more real information, newscasts have a undisputable record of winning in the marketplace. The problem is there just aren't enough of those kinds of stories.

edited by George Kennedy and Daryl Moen

"Journalism tells us most of what we know about the world beyond our own experience by going where its audience cannot or will not," says Kennedy. "It keeps watch on the government and other powerful institutions, exposes wrongdoing and injustice, and shares the endless fascinations of everyday life."

Through stories of real people, the chapters trace the development of free expression through American history and show how the principles of journalism that Americans take for granted are playing a revolutionary role in emerging democracies.

edited by Tom Rosenstiel and Amy Mitchell

Working with academic advisors and a team of long-time journalists, the Project for Excellence in Journalism created a case study curriculum for teaching journalistic process and practice. This unique journalism textbook offers students the opportunity to discuss eight case studies in decision-making — including: Watergate, online journalism, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, and the Columbine school shooting.