Fifth edition of Essential Public Affairs for Journalists is launched

The fifth edition of Essential Public Affairs for Journalists (Oxford University Press), an invaluable guide for both journalism students and practising journalists, has been launched. It offers engaging coverage of the workings of both central and local government, and gives stimulating insights into how they are, and could be, covered by journalists.

The author is James Morrison, who is a reader in journalism at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and a freelance journalist and writer. Previously, he was course leader of the NCTJ-accredited newspaper and magazine journalism programmes at City College Brighton and Hove and has been a senior lecturer at Kingston University. James is a senior examiner in public affairs for the NCTJ and a member of its public affairs board.

This latest edition includes the following:

• A detailed analysis of the result of the ‘Brexit’ referendum and its most likely outcomes for the UK, the devolved nations, and their future relationships with the rest of the world
• Comprehensive updates throughout to reflect the impact of the 2015 general election result, the 2016 local and devolved assembly polls, and the post-referendum change of prime minister and Cabinet
• Revised chapter on the National Health Service to explain the latest NHS structures and controversies, and moves towards integrating health and social care in the nations and regions
• New-look chapter on the political parties, to reflect the rise of the Scottish National Party, the decline of the Liberal Democrats and the increasing plurality of party politics at local, regional and European level
• Substantial updates to all other chapters, with enhanced emphasis on the growing disparity between the way services are delivered in England and the devolved nations

Journalist, broadcaster and visiting professor of journalism at Kingston University Samira Ahmed said: ‘James Morrison, an inspiring teacher, communicator and experienced journalist, demonstrates everything you’d want in a guide: careful clear research, diligent analysis of the motivations and workings of public policy and an understanding of how good, honest reporting relies on understanding the systems and rules that govern our local councils, our schools and all aspects of our everyday lives.’

The RRP of the fifth edition of Essential Public Affairs for Journalists is £24.99, but can be bought on the NCTJ’s website for a limited time (until 30 March) for the price of £19.99 excluding postage.