The new era of Google, Twitter and Facebook has fundamentally shifted the journalist's relationship with the audience. User-generated content is both a source for professional journalists and and a direct competitor for a reader's attention. To navigate these new realities, it is imperative for journalism students to master skills in cross-platform writing, and understand the implications on their communication decisions. This second edition of Understanding Journalism tackles these changes head-on. It integrates media and cultural theory with the step-by-step development of writing skills to give students the techniques and the savvy they need to succeed. Bigger and better, this new edition includes: * a brand new chapter on who journalists are in the social media age * reorganization of journalism skills chapters to bring writing and editing to the fore * full coverage and examples on Twitter, social media, SMS formats * in-depth exploration of the ethical issues raised by new media platforms * all new exercises, case scenarios and further readings It is the essential guide for all students of journalism.