NRJ Book Review: The Values and Craft of American Journalism: Essays from the Poynter Institute

Abstract

The Values and Craft of American Journalism: Essays from The Poynter Institute, edited by Roy Peter Clark and Cole C. Campbell (Gainesville, Fla.: University Press of Florida, 2005) 202 pages, $24.95.If there ever was a time when journalists need direction, it is now.The Values Craft of American Journalism: Essays from The Poynter Institute provides that direction with a series of essays on important topics journalists: purpose and culture, leadership, community and craft. The book is a re-release in paperback of a 2002 hardback edition by Roy Peter Clark and Cole C. Campbell with an afterword added.The issues facing journalists addressed in the 2002 original publication show no signs of easing and are arguably even more complex. As journalists struggle cover the news and honor their commitment their craft, they are surrounded by external pressures brought on by an industry in crisis. Many journalists turn Poynter frequently for guidance and answers troubling situations. Clark and Campbell offer short writings in this book designed help journalists and educators bridge the gap that often divides them and, as stated in the afterword, inspire journalists strive for new levels of excellence during difficult times.The first group of essays is about purpose and culture. Of particular note educators is the first essay by G. Stuart Adam on the definition of journalism. Adam seeks qualify what journalists really do and how journalism is taught, concluding that, It is time start at the beginning, incorporate an understanding of the creative process more fully into the study of journalism, and equip students with more appropriate capacities of execution and judgment.Clark describes the characteristics of journalism, or what he calls the of journalism, in an attempt determine how teach it more effectively. His characteristics are familiar all journalism educators, but his suggestions about how more effectively teach the language of journalism are worth considering as we struggle today make journalism more relevant society.Addressing the larger role of journalism-reporting the stuff that ma tiers in the broader context of today's society-is the subject of Campbell's essay. He makes the case for the importance of this approach news writing with strong arguments for journalism that goes beyond printing news helping people make sense of their lives and their times. Campbell concludes, that to do that, we must hone our minds and our methods in order probe deeper. His suggestions of ways do that are worth considering.The second group of essays, on media leadership, is perhaps even more relevant today-given recent changes in media ownership-than when the book originally was published in 2002. Clark accurately characterizes current media trends. But he offers hope for the future of an industry in turmoil with a blueprint for leadership. He includes bulleted suggestions for improving community ties, sharing power, embracing change and inspiring a new generation of journalists as ways strengthen the profession and better serve communities. His last point, deserve the First Amendment, should be the mantra all journalists live by.Understanding what makes a good leader and why some succeed and others fail is a topic of interest across society today, but the inherent conflicts between business and journalism make our industry unique and present special challenges leaders in newsrooms. …