If you’re looking for ways to inject journalism into all parts of your life, we recommend making your way through these books about journalism.
Airhead: The Imperfect Art of Making News
It would be impossible to recommend books about journalism and not mention BBC Newsnight broadcaster Emily Maitlis’ book.
With exclusive insights into her ground-breaking interviews with Prince Andrew, Donald Trump, the Dalai Lama and so many more, Maitlis tells both the glamorous and less glamorous parts of broadcasting.
It is a great insight into how to be an excellent interviewer, broadcaster and open-minded journalist.
Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews
Written by former BBC Newsnight interviews producer Sam McAlister, Scoops is a backstage pass to some of the most fascinating interviews the UK has seen.
McAlister’s memoir tells all about her experiences in broadcasting and how she used her skills to book high-profile interviewees like Prince Andrew.
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Kim Fletcher’s comprehensive guide to reporting, media law and career progression is a big help to journalists at all times of their careers.
As former editor of the Independent on Sunday and former editorial director of the Telegraph, Fletcher has a wealth of experience behind his advice which makes this book an essential.
McNae’s Essential Law for Journalism
It would be impossible to talk about books every journalist needs without talking about McNae’s.
It explains complex media law succinctly and with real-life examples meaning NCTJ trainees across the country turn to this book with any questions they have.
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All Out War: The Full Story of How Brexit Sank Britain’s Political Class
The Sunday Times political editor Tim Shipman wrote this book to explain the ins and outs of the EU referendum in 2016.
Shipman uses the case study of David Cameron’s time as Prime Minister to explain how and why UK political leaders make important decisions like Brexit.
Gotta Get Theroux This: My Life and Strange times in Television
If you’re looking for a career in broadcast and documentary making, there’s no better journalist to learn from than Louis Theroux.
In this book, he tells stories from his long-standing career at the BBC, interviewing taboo, unusual and outlawed groups.
There are a lot of important lessons to learn from his unlikely start to a career in television.
Ctrl Alt Delete: How Politics and the Media Crashed Our Democracy
Former communications officer for the Labour Party and journalist Tom Baldwin wrote this book to describe the tumultuous relationship between modern media and politics.
He uses this book to explain how the digitalisation of the industry has led to a general mistrust for the press and what impact that has had on British politics.
Now you know what books every journalist should read are, find out about the best journalism podcasts.
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