Writing Broadcast News

Dear Mr. Block, after graduation from the University of California at Berkeley with a degree in political science in 1988, I decided to pursue television journalism. You were my teacher. Of course, you didn’t know it because we’ve never talked or exchanged e-mails. Your book, Writing Broadcast News, taught me how to write and, more important, re-write. I still have a copy at my desk and have recommended it to dozens of people. I tell you this now, because I'm leaving for New York to accept a duPont Award, and I owe you a much overdue thank-you. (Jan. 20, 2009)

- Doug Smith, investigative reporter, WTVT-TV, Tampa

"Mervin Block is an old pro at television newswriting from whom anyone could learn a lot. I know I have. His clinic, criticism, and instruction offer the writer of news a wonderful opportunity for improvement."

"I learned to write for broadcast just by reading a previous edition of this book."

"In this age of text, tweet and 24-hour news channels, good writing is vanishing. That's what makes this book more important now than when first published in 1987. It’s a classic."

"Merv Block's skills were forged by tough Chicago newspaper editors, shaped by the networks and polished during his years as a teacher. In a field that demands instant excellence, he's a paragon."

"When I start my new job at KTVT in Dallas, I will make sure that all of the producers and reporters working with me have read Writing Broadcast News-Shorter, Sharper, Stronger. Thank you for setting high standards in an industry that needs them more than ever."

"Mervin Block is one of the most insightful, thoughtful teachers of writing I have met in my 18 years at Columbia Journalism School. I encourage every writer (and student) in any medium to grab this book and read it carefully to become a better writer."

"Merv Block knows more about newswriting than almost anyone. He knows how to put words together so that the idea comes across clearly. Merv is both a skilled practitioner and an able diagnostician. He knows what medicine to prescribe for an ailing paragraph, what vitamins to recommend for an anemic sentence.

Writing Broadcast News is the most powerful tool a veteran or student newswriter could own. It belongs in the newsroom and the classroom. This book has taught me how to weed out the wordiness and write conversationally. It is required reading for anyone who works in my newsroom. Just absorbing Merv’s 'Dozen Deadly Don’ts' will push you to the next level!"

"Crisp, clear and to the point--with fabulous examples--that’s how Merv writes and how he teaches others to write. Our journalism students love his top tips of the trade and often amusing examples of classic writing mistakes. The journalism faculty love Writing Broadcast News too--it makes teaching so much easier!"