Examines the criteria that make stories newsworthy and the different kinds of coverage that these criteria warrant. Notes the fluid rather than fixed nature of news coverage, the importance of audience awareness, and the continued value of the inverted pyramid newswriting style. (RL)

Describes a three-day workshop for science and technology reporters to encourage them to seek a better understanding of scientific and technical aspects of public policy issues and help them understand some problems researchers face when dealing with the mass media. Includes sample articles written and presented at this workshop. (SK)

Notes the apparent lack of attention given to social and behavioral sciences in science communication courses. Urges teachers of science writing to expose their students to some of the problems and challenges inherent in the social sciences. (RL)

Examines the decline in student enrollment in news-editorial studies. Argues against the misconception that jobs in the news-editorial field are hard to find and low paying. (RL)

An examination of "Time" magazine's treatment of four recent presidents indicates that "Time" continues to use the same techniques of biased reporting as were found in a 1965 study and that it continues to favor Republican presidents. (GT)

Discusses, and presents sample materials from, bulletins published by professional newspapers to improve the quality of their employees' writing. Notes that their technique of printing examples of good and bad writing submitted by reporters can be used by journalism teachers to point to common student errors and effective student writing. (GT)

Shows how writing news stories about fairy tale characters enlivens student writing classes. Suggests assignments for creating a fairy tale newspaper with news stories, obituaries, editorials and letters to the editor, advice columns ("Ask Mother Goose"), weddings and social events, sports news, and advertisements. (RL)

Using a "beat list" of school clubs and classes proves helpful in motivating and organizing student newspaper staffs to report school news. (RL)

Describes the use of a computerized editing/typesetting system by the student newspaper staff at Brigham Young University. (GT)

A survey questionnaire was distributed to science writers at metropolitan newspapers in the U.S. Conclusions show science writing at the metropolitan newspaper is a vigorous specialty distinctly different from general reporting. Science writers see science reporting improving both in quality and quantity, with an evaluative, critical approach now…

Explains how the news story surrounding the Watergate events led not only to the resignation of President Nixon but also to one of journalism's greatest triumphs. Presents a Watergate timeline with 25 events. Gives three exercises to accompany the study of the journalism side of the Watergate events and to compare the movie, "All The…

Describes a process of using audio tapes to provide critiques on student's broadcast journalism projects. Discusses how this approach improves communication with students; permits much greater detail in criticizing student work; assists in better preparing students; provides a solid grading basis; and is a great time saver for faculty. (MG)

Maintains that journalism skills courses must also impart to students a sense of the splendid power of language and the artisanship of molding clear ideas with words. Points out that it is up to the teacher of news writing to remind future journalists of their rich language heritage. (SR)

Studies the accuracy of science reporting by comparing original research reports with their treatment in the popular press. Finds that most media reports, in the process of making science lively and acceptable, introduce some errors of omission, emphasis, or fact. Discusses potential effects on the credibility of scientists and scientific…

Presents advice for writing award-winning feature stories for high school newspapers. (SR)