Journalism about journalism?

Question

I am going to be the editor in chief for my high school paper next year, and am looking for a few introductory, inspiring pieces of writing about journalism to kick the class off with... sort of a way to set the mood and stir some passion about writing. Any ideas?

If you have any other favorite pieces of journalism or writing in general, I'd really appreciate some ideas!

Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's a link to a column by the late great Molly Ivins, whose work I greatly enjoyed:

http://www.creators.com/opinion/molly-iv...

If you are in the mood for a piece of long-form journalism, check out Stephen King's account of his kid's softball seaso in Different Seasons (I think). It's a super example of sportswriting from an unexpected source.

Answer 2

There is an anthology of best newspaper writing published every year. You might want to find the shorter articles and make copies for staff members. (No one expects you to do stories that run for thousands and thousands of words at your age.) If necessary, pick out good stories and then go on line to find the originals, and print them out.

Sports Illustrated does a ton of anthologies too, and all of their stories are at sivault.com. A Frank Deford or Gary Smith story would interest anyone.

Answer 3

GOODLUCK ^^

Answer 4

"On the Media" is a radio show on National Public Radio (NPR) and they often discuss many facets of journalism, but they also get into other realms of media.  Click the link below to see what they are discussing this week, then click the "Archive" button to see what they've discussed in the past, then click the "Local Listings" button to see if they're on a radio station near you.

Answer 5

John Pilger has a book called 'Tell Me No Lies' which is great.

I would also recommend anything by Bob Woodward - he was the journalist for the Watergate affair.