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Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

Request Exam Copy Companion Site

Print Price: $149.99

Format:
Paperback
304 pp.
2 tables, 220 screen shots, 8" x 10"

ISBN-13:
9780195424577

Copyright Year:
2009

Imprint: OUP Canada


Computer-Assisted Reporting

A Comprehensive Primer

Fred Vallance-Jones and David McKie

Computer-Assisted Reporting: A Comprehensive Primer is a foundational guide to CAR, and the only one written from a Canadian perspective. Ideal for journalism students as well as practicing reporters in print and broadcasting, the text provides indispensable instruction and helpful tips for using the major classes of CAR software. Each chapter teaches a range of software skills using the same types of data that journalists encounter. Engaging examples are drawn from actual CAR generated articles and newsroom stories. To ensure accessibility, the text avoids acronyms and complicated computer terminology, and is richly illustrated with informative screen shots. Computer-assisted reporting has become an essential skill for all journalists, a fact that this text acknowledges by combining the best elements of traditional information gathering with modern computerized techniques

Readership : A core text for 2nd to 4th year CAR courses offered at universities and colleges.

Acknowledgments
1. Introduction to Computer-Assisted Reporting
2. Internet Research Strategies
3. Introduction to Spreadsheets
4. Taking Spreadsheets to the Next Level
5. Making the Move to Database Reporting
6. Advanced Database Techniques
7. Mapping Your Way to the Story
8. Finding and Getting Data
9. Organizing and Writing the CAR Story
10. Advanced Techniques
References
Index

Companion Website

Fred Vallance-Jones is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Fred is an award-winning journalist who writes a regular column on CAR in the CAJ's Media Magazine. David McKie is an award-winning journalist who is a member of the CBC's investigative unit. He teaches CAR and research techniques at Carleton University's school of journalism.

Digging Deeper - Robert Cribb, Dean Jobb, David McKie and Fred Vallance-Jones
Behind the Headlines - Cecil Rosner
Investigative Reporting in Canada - Dr. Maxine Ruvinsky
Making Sense in the Social Sciences - Margot Northey, Lorne Tepperman and Patrizia Albanese

Special Features

  • Relevant. Software skills are explained using the same types of data Canadian journalists actually encounter in the workplace, ensuring the text is relatable and practical.
  • Comprehensive. The text includes indispensable instruction and numerous helpful tips for the use of each of the major classes of CAR software, giving students a complete overview of the field.
  • Real-world examples. Actual CAR generated articles and real newsroom stories are used as examples so that students understand the numerous ways CAR can be utilized in the workplace.
  • Current. New, cutting-edge information on social networking software has been included to provide students with the most current features of CAR.
  • Richly illustrated. Screen shots are used throughout the text to illustrate important steps or skills for visual learners.
  • Accessible. To ensure readability and clarity, the authors avoid acronyms and complicated computer terminology.
  • Extensive ancillaries. A companion website offers examples, exercises, and tip sheets that will highlight key concepts and skills for students and give them additional opportunities to practice CAR.