A team of journalism tutors from around the country has got together to produce a new guidebook for beginners in journalism.

Well-known experts in their field, Bob Franklin, Martin Hamer, Mark Hanna, Marie Kinsey and John E Richardson have published a definitive textbook, Key Concepts in Journalism Studies.

Published by Sage as part of its Key Concepts series, it takes a close look at theory, recent developments, as well as how to do the job itself.

It is cleverly set out with each topic in alphabetical order, starting with absence (which talks about inferences in news storiesm, and that the absence of information may say as much as its presence), right through to the World Wide Web and Yellow Journalism (characterised by sensational and emotive comment).

The book is clearly aimed at students of journalism, but not necessarily journalism students.

All the media platforms – of print, broadcast and online – are covered in its 350-plus pages, and even contains an entry that covers Journalism Studies itself.

The key concepts described are a starting point to trigger thought and exploration on the topic, and a healthy reading list is a important and welcome part of this guide.

Journalism organisation and institutions are also listed, along with a glossary of technical terms and phrases are included. This means the aspiring journalist will be well versed in the meaning of such points as actuality, copy-taster, corpsing, freelance and piece to camera.

The five academics have drawn on their enormous range of experience in newspaper and broadcast journalism, at national and regional level, as well as their teaching expertise for this book, which will be essential reading for students in journalism, and an invaluable reference tool for their professional careers.

The authors say in their introduction: "We have tried to provide a useful but critical source of information and ideas about journalism studies.

"To get the best from the book, readers, like journalists, must approach this source with appropriate scepticism, an open mind, a genuine spirit of inquiry and the desire to learn."

Key Concepts in Journalism Studies ISBN 0-7619-4482-6 is published by Sage at £15.99.

Bob Franklin is a professor of journalism studies at Cardiff School of Journalism.
Martin Hamer has been a journalist for 22 years, most recently for BBC online.
Mark Hanna is a former regional press man and currently a journalism lecturer at the University of Sheffield.
Marie Kinsey is a lecturer in broadcast journalism, also at the University of Sheffield, having previously worked in newspapers, radio and TV.
John E Richardson is a lecturer in the department of Journalism Studies, also at the University of Sheffield.