The Ten Rules of Reporting

Journalism is changing.

The demand for information about the world we live in has never been greater. But those charged with obtaining it are under constant pressure. Newspapers are closing, traditional news outlets are cutting jobs and losing money. Fake news and disinformation are spreading across social media.

Despite that, the best reporters continue to do what they always have – provide fair, accurate and reliable coverage of issues that matter most to us. And increasingly they are being joined by a new army of citizen journalists determined to fill gaps in local coverage.

In this new world, one thing everyone needs to know is how to report well.

Whether you’re starting out in community journalism or working at a major news organisation; whether you’re working on traditional or new platforms; whether you want to learn the basics of good reporting or remind yourself of what the best reporting can and should be, The Ten Rules of Reporting is your essential guide to quality journalism.

Alan Sunderland has been a journalist for more than 40 years, covering almost every beat and news-type. He was most recently the editorial director of the ABC, in charge of reporting standards and ethics. In this book, Alan distills decades of experience into a one-stop handbook that will guide you through the dangers of fake news and spin, teach you how to get the facts and earn the public’s trust, and make you a better reporter.

Published in partnership with the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas.

'This is an excellent short primer on how to do journalism. Get it. Read it. Use it.' Matthew Ricketson, author of Writing Feature Stories and Who Needs the ABC?

'An excellent and timely addition to the importance of why we need – and how to get – clear and reliable reporting amid the tsunami of information.' Jeffrey Dvorkin, author of Trusting the News in a Digital Age

'[S]uch a great reference book ... it’s so good to have a book that explains things in plain English, and one that is so very current.' Tony Rasmussen, Senior Lecturer in Radio, Australian Film Television and Radio School

'... a hugely useful and highly relevant summary of best practice public interest reporting. And it's a great read too.' Shona Martyn, Chief Executive, Walkley Foundation for Journalism