ITN publish book ‘Inside Story: How the News Works’

ITN is publishing a children’s book to help boost understanding of everything from fake news and impartiality to the variety of career options within news…

The publication is part of a wide-ranging outreach and media literacy drive. Inside Story: How the News Works, is a 64-page illustrated book targeted at children aged 8-14 years. ITN is a production company that has made the news for British TV for 68 years; starting with ITV News in 1955, Channel 4 News in 1982 and launched 5 News in 1997. ITN also produces the ITV News London offering for the capital. As well as these news shows the company also creates award-winning factual programmes globally.

Rachel Corp, ITN CEO:

“I hope our book will inspire a new generation looking to enter the industry, showcasing the job of a journalist but also all the other exciting roles that many people don’t know about. How the News Works will equip readers with lasting tools to identify trustworthy news, helping them navigate their way in an increasingly complex world. The book will form part of a range of activity designed to improve knowledge and understanding of journalism, whether it’s through our ITN Education team or as part of our ongoing outreach work with our diversity and inclusion teams.”  

Using the expert knowledge of its top journalists, producers, editors and technical teams, the book offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of news and helps to de-mystify journalism for the next generation.

Charlene White is a regular face on the ITV News

Packed with fun activities, quizzes and bite-sized facts, it takes children on a journey through the history of news and into the modern-day newsroom, studio and production gallery, drawing on the day-to-day experiences and expertise of ITN staff. One of those featuring in the pages is ITV News anchor Charlene White who unveils a day in the life of a reporter, as well providing top tips in an Ask Me Anything feature, looking at questions such as ‘What is sportswashing?’ and ‘How do journalists work with the army?’

Charlene White:

“I’m so proud to feature as a reporter and presenter in this book, helping children understand what we do, and how one, day, they can do it too. All news connects and affects us and sparks conversations that can help us understand people who have totally different experiences to ours. That’s why it’s never too early to start paying attention to the news, whether it’s using the headlines to learn to read like I did, or using the newfound skills from the book to find trustworthy news online. I hope this is not only a fun and engaging read, but an inspiring one too.”  

Written by journalist and ITN communications expert Jane Marlow, the book explains everything from what makes a story newsworthy, why impartiality matters and how to spot fake news, through to the challenges of modern-day journalism, including the pros and cons of AI. The book also aims to open the doors to those who would never think a career in journalism was for them, shining a spotlight on the wide range of roles, from vision mixer to programme editor and camera operator.

“ITN is a leading voice in the industry, and the book is part of a range of initiatives which support the role of journalism in society by promoting media literacy. ITN has also taken an active role in ensuring the prominence of public service news online; defending and enhancing media freedom, such as cameras being allowed to film in courts and spearheading an initiative to create a cross-industry working group to assess the impact of AI on journalism.” – ITN

The original ITN News at Ten was an authoritative source of reporting. Here hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald in the 1990s

Commenting on the book, Media Minister, Julia Lopez MP said of it ‘Teaching our kids to be media savvy and to interrogate the world around them is an investment in their safety. We have a responsibility to equip them with the critical thinking skills they need to make informed decisions. I hope this book will inspire younger generations to explore an exciting career in journalism.’

The book will be distributed in schools by the charity Read for Good whose mission is to improve the outcomes for all children in the UK by encouraging and enabling children to develop a life-changing love of reading. This book not only helps them understand the importance of knowing who and what to trust online for their information but shows them a range of exciting future career paths.

 The book is published by Templar books, written by Jane Marlow and Illustrated by Terri Po. It is published on February 1st.

Author Jane Marlow:

“ITN is packed with talent, expertise and people who are passionate about news and who generously gave up their time to contribute to my research process. My task was to bring that to life with sizzling explainers, tasks and tips, plus a ride along with a newsroom team as they break a story and take it to air. I wanted the tone to be energetic, fun and accessible so young readers would be gripped as we tackle some pretty big issues head-on.”