Michael Murray

Thirty years after his death, Edward R. Murrow is still a cult figure in American broadcast journalism, and his company has achieved the distinction of standard bearer in the field of broadcast news. This examination of key CBS broadcasts and the people behind them that helped to establish the network as the prototype for excellence provides a unique perspective on the early era of broadcasting. Included are interviews with major contributors such as former CBS News presidents Fred W. Friendly and Bill Leonard. Going beyond personalities, the specific focus is on major broadcasts, from the early era up to the present-day 60 Minutes, some of which have been overlooked in spite of their formative role in helping CBS to gain its reputation in the field.

This unique volume brings together original essays by well-known mass communication experts--master teachers--who provide practical information on teaching the communication and journalism courses in which they specialize. The authors make recommendations for practical/applied, theoretical, and advanced courses, representing every area of the mass communications curriculum. Its contributors include eminent specialists such as Maurine H. Beasley, who offers advice to teachers of media history; Dan Nimmo (political communication); Roy L. Moore (media law); Jay Black (media ethics); and John De Mott (media management). Chapter authors suggest course outlines, teaching strategies, and methods of testing, and provide reviews of current texts and supplementary materials such as films and other audio-visual aids. Chapter topics in part I, The Introductory Course, include The Beginning Course in Mass Communication, and introductory courses to broadcasting, public relations, the film course, and internship programs. Part II, Applied Coursework, includes chapters on writing news for print and broadcast, reporting, advertising campaigns, audio and video production, and teaching research methods. Part III, which deals with advanced coursework, includes chapters on courses in mass communication law, mass media management, and history, mass media and politics, media criticism, and media ethics. Teaching Mass Communication will prove vitally important to faculty with new preparations for mass communication courses (including senior faculty keeping up with changes), media professionals, and new faculty preparing their teaching assignments.