Boris Johnson, the war in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic all feature in a new edition of the “go-to public affairs handbook” for journalists.

The eighth edition of Essential Public Affairs for Journalists is authored by James Morrison and published by Oxford University Press in partnership with the NCTJ.

The guide covers everything aspiring and working journalists need to know about UK governance on a local and national level – including its laws, structures and institutions, and how they impact the media.

First published in 2009, the latest edition has been updated to include the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the cost-of-living crisis, and policy changes of recent successive governments from Boris Johnson to Rishi Sunak.

Credit: Oxford University Press

James, a freelance journalist who previously led the NCTJ-accredited journalism programmes at Kingston University, is NCTJ senior examiner in public affairs, a member of its public affairs board and an associate professor in journalism at the University of Stirling.

He said: “With the UK still reeling from years of political turmoil, it’s more important than ever that journalism students and entry-level reporters stay abreast of public affairs.”

“Between now and next time, there will have been a general election and (if polls can be believed) a probable change of government.

“Who knows what shape the weird and wonderful world of British politics will be in by then.”

Helen Swann, senior portfolio manager of OUP’s Higher Education Department, added: “We are extremely pleased to publish the new edition of Essential Public Affairs for Journalists in conjunction with the NCTJ.

“James has captured the events of the past couple of years in his trademark engaging style, and we hope the book will help journalism students navigate the fast-moving and turbulent environment of public affairs.”

Essential Public Affairs for Journalists will be published on Friday 21 July.