Websites for News Writers

Here are five websites that I would recommend to any student learning the elements of journalistic writing, no matter what field of professional communication they plan to pursue.

The New York Times
We've said in class that one of the tenets of good writing is that good writing is imitation. You can do no better than to imitate The New York Times. It is the best-written and best-edited newspaper in the world. That's just a fact. I am including it on this list not for its content but for the skill and craftsmanship in its pages every day. You can learn to write well by reading the Times every day. Generations of journalists have done just that.

Audience: Anyone who wants to learn how to write.
Link: New York Times

Technician
As students of this university, you should not have to be asked to read NCSU's student newspaper. As students in the communication department now taking a journalism class, it should go without saying that you read it regularly if not every day. Staying abreast of news and issues in your community is just one of those responsibilities that comes with adulthood. As Susan Sontag would say: "Tune in. Be serious. Wake up."
Audience: The NCSU community, alumni and those living in the campus area.
Link: Technician

News & Observer
This is the state's second largest newspaper after The Charlotte Observer. It covers the workings of our state government better than any other publication. At a time of a sweeping changing of the guard in the N.C. General Assembly and the Governor's Mansion, that alone should recommend it. There is another important reason for students in this class to read the N&O: Because you can learn traditional story forms, the focus of this class, from its news and feature pages.

Audience: Engaged citizens of North Carolina.
Link: News & Observer

I Want Media
You could describe the main page of this website as Google News for professional communicators. It aggregates the latest news from every corner of the world of communications, from traditional newspapers to the latest Web ventures. The latest merger or bankruptcy? It's here. The Books section, linked in the left sidebar, is a continually updated rundown of popular and scholarly works related to our field. There is even a jobs board for those looking for work in the communications sector.

Audience: Anyone working in, or who wants to work in, any line of media.
Link: I Want Media

J Prof
This is a site maintained by veteran journalist and journalism professor Jim Stovall, who teaches at University of Tennessee. We'll use some of his materials during the semester. I encourage you to check out his site for other guides and tip sheets on everything from reporting and interviewing to editing and avoiding libel problems. This would be a good place to look for grammar and punctuation reviews.

Audience: Students who want more tips, advice and practice.
Link: J Prof