Review
What I admire about this book is that it is not simply a 'How to' manual – although it covers 'How to' and 'How not to' brilliantly; it is also a wise, witty and extremely entertaining read... Anyone who aspires to be a journalist – in any of the media – should read Randall. If they don't, they will, as I did, waste an awful lot of valuable time. -- Dame Ann Leslie, British Journalism Review
Easily the best introduction to being a reporter I have come across. It provides solid, no-nonsense advice on the skills needed to do the job but is also willing to tackle the bigger issues every journalist must grapple with from time to time. Best of all, it has been written by a true newsman and his enthusiasm for the task in hand is evident on every page. -- Paul Jones, course leader, Press Association Editorial Training
David Randall shows there is a way to produce honest and thoughtful journalism. -- Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom
One of the best books around about plying the trade. Packed with handy hints and anecdotes ... An essential, down-to-earth guide to what the job is all about. -- Press Wise Bulletin
The range of the book is impressive. I particularly liked the book for its sharp and gritty approach. -- Granville Williams, Free Press
The best book on journalism I have ever read. -- Don Johnston, editorial consultant
I like its common-sense practicality, its firm belief in honest reporting, and its commitment to quality... David Randall's fluent style and his superb range of examples make this book a pleasure to read. Anyone who wants to be a journalist should go through it – again, and again, and again. -- Val Williams, The Thomson Foundation
Gives some of the best insights into journalism that I've come across. -- Mark Davenport, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, Northumbria University
The Universal Journalist is a solid introduction to the skills needed to be an effective journalist. With lots of handy tips and anecdotes that aptly illustrate the points being made, it is a must-read for all budding student journalists. -- Sue Featherstone, principal lecturer in Journalism, Sheffield Hallam University
An excellent 'insiders account' of the way journalists work and the things they need to know. -- Bruce Hanlin, Department of Journalism and Media, University of Huddersfield
About the Author
David Randall is a British journalist and newspaper consultant. Formerly assistant editor of the Observer, where his news pages won awards, he has written, edited and lectured on newspapers in Britain, Africa and Eastern Europe. He has been the Home Editor of the Independent and News Executive at the Independent on Sunday. He is the author of the renowned book The Universal Journalist (Pluto, 2016).
