Tools for Citizens

Sunday May 11, 2008

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CCJ Books

The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect

Completely updated and revised
"The most important book on the relationship of journalism and democracy published in the last fifty years." – Roy Peter Clark, The Poynter Institute

We Interrupt This Newscast: How to Improve Local News and Win Ratings, Too

Just Released
A landmark study on what people watch and why. The most exhaustive study ever of local TV news - what helps ratings, what drives viewers away, and what editorial approaches and story-telling techniques most influence viewership.

Links of the Week

Global Investigative Journalism Conference
Highlights from the 2007 GIJC annual conference

EXTRA! EXTRA!
IRE's guide to some of journalism's best recent investigative work

FEATURED TOOL

The One-Minute (OK, Maybe Five-Minute) Editor

by Steve Buttry, Director of Tailored Programs - American Press Institute (API)

Aug 20, 2007 - Tips for editors and managers for working effectively with reporters when you don't have time to sit down for coaching sessions or brainstorming.

Nine Steps to Citizen Journalism Online
Knight International Journalism Fellow Stephen Franklin offers advice on how to become a responsible, interesting, and effective citizen journalist.
How to Talk to the News Media
The elements of journalism work both ways, and citizens have an important role in the relationship.
How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Tips for writing "letters to the editor," which when effective are short comments that make one simple point. Examples of effective letters to the editor accompany this tool.
SF Chronicle's Two Cents Project
The Two Cents Project is the San Francisco Chronicle's way of capturing diverse voices and interacting with readers.
What Citizens Should Expect from the Press
After five years of research, CCJ identified six core standards citizens should expect their news organizations to consistently meet.
How People Learn from the Press
CCJ's Chairmen examine the concept of the "Interlocking Public," which posits that media should recognize through diverse content that everyone is "interested and even expert in something."
Help with Federal FOIA
A website with a fill-in-the-blanks FOIA form.
What Some News Organizations Promise
Sampling of mission statements, values, and pledges made by various news organizations.
Getting Stories on Local TV News
Thoughts for any organization or individual trying to get local television news coverage of their activities.
Finding the Right Person to Contact at a News Organization
Finding the right person to contact at a news organization is important for anyone who wants to be heard.

CCJ has collected some of journalism's best ideas, strategies and techniques to help journalists and citizens alike.

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