Book excerpt: A comprehensive and practical guide to writing a successful media paper or report, from selecting a topic to submitting the final draft. How to Write about the Media Today is the first book to offer students and media practitioners a comprehensive approach for researching and preparing a report, paper, or presentation on some aspect of today's mass communication. How to Write about the Media Today begins with a discussion of different types of media outlets—from traditional newspapers and television to the Internet—as well as an overview of contemporary directions in media studies. This is followed by a series of step-by-step strategies for selecting topics, conducting research, and writing cogently and engagingly about media-related events and issues. Because each chapter stands on its own, this resource can be read sequentially or consulted topic-by-topic as needed.