Basic Radio Journalism is a new book available from Focal Press, for aspiring journalists. The book, by Paul Chantler and Peter Stewart, is an extensive rewrite of an earlier edition.

Although Basic Radio Journalism is a British text book, the lessons carry well into the Australian Broadcast scene. The only inappropriate sections for Australian readers are about Broadcast Law and the structure of the radio industry, both of which are different in Australia.

But the practical tips for working in radio and the explanations about the structure of radio newsroom work relationships are very valuable. Chapter three contains a series of good job descriptions for job roles within a newsroom.

The book explains well the differences in purpose and style between radio news and news in other media.

The straightforward explanation of required writing skills is just what is needed for aspiring journalists as they begin their careers, and is followed by a good explanation of the essentials of editing and reading a bulletin. The authors are a little ‘crusading’ in their thoughts about how FM radio stations should take news more seriously, but their points are well justified, if a little too idealistic for the modern Australian radio scene.

The practical guidelines for planning and developing stories, keeping a news diary and other logistical elements help to acquaint the new recruit with the daily realities they will have to adopt to organise their work flow.

The extensively rewritten section about digital technology is essential reading for journos who want to get a grip on the technicalities of digital recording and editing. The tips for interviewing and on the road reporting cover all the basics in a simple but complete easy-to-read narrative.

Not sure if you want to be a radio journo? Then Basic Radio Journalism has a checklist for you to work through to see if you would be suited to the career:

· Are you curious about the world around you?

· Do you worry about what you might miss if you go for half a day without seeing or hearing a news bulletin?

· Do you read local papers as well as the national press?

· Do you listen regularly to a radio station?

· Are you a regular internet surfer?

· Do your colleagues regard you as a team player?

· Do you generate most of the best ideas in your team?

· Can you cope with pressure? …

· Do you listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision?

Practical writing tips in chapter 4 include:

write for the eye not the ear; keep it short and simple, write for now; keep adjectives to a minimum; and talk your stories out loud when preparing them.

Basic Radio Journalism is a working manual and practical guide to the tools and techniques necessary to succeed in radio journalism. It covers the core skills of news gathering, writing, interviewing, reporting and reading. The authors are successful journalist consultants in the UK.

The book is available from Focal Press and radioinfo readers are offered a 10% discount if you mention this review when you place direct orders with Elsevier Australia Customer Service Freecall on 1800 263 951.

The ISBN number is 0 240 51926 4