The importance of “context” in reporting on violence

Journalism/Works

Carl Sessions Stepp, a professor at the University of Maryland’s Phillip Merrill College of Journalism, discusses media coverage of the violence and peaceful demonstrations for social justice in Baltimore, and shares his thoughts on how journalists should prepare in advance for such assignments. The former newspaper reporter and editor has been a consultant for news organizations around the country. He specializes in writing and editing, journalism history, and newsroom organization and change. He has written two books, “Writing as Craft and Magic ” and “Editing for Today's Newsroom,” and is senior contributing editor of American Journalism Review.