New Book Launch – “Stories behind the Scoops”

“Stories behind the Scoops”, a book written by reporters from various media, is now published. The new book launch ceremony was held on 8 July 2011 (Friday) in the Cosmos Bookstore, Wanchai. The book consists of 28 stories behind the scoops, all written by the original reporter(s) of the scoops.

These 28 news cases includes the sales of 39 Conduit Road, the Sichuan Earthquakes, the death of Tsui Po-ko and other policemen, nationalities of Under Secretaries, supermarket retail prices, expired bakery, fish smuggling from Mainland China, the stepping down of Tung Chee-Hwa, the SARS, Anthony Leung’s “Lexusgate” scandal, Gary Cheng’s abuse of power as a LEGCO member, legal dispute relating to ChinaChem, the death of Deng Xiaoping, etc.

In each of the cases, authors outlined how they discovered and handled hints to the scoop, and their reflections after the scoop was published. This book is a precious news history record manifesting the professionalism needed for a reporter, and uncovering the story behind a scoop. 

“Stories behind the Scoops” is the third book co-published by the Journalism Education Foundation (JEF) and the School of Journalism and Communication. Two previous publications are “One Person, One Story” 《一人一故事——新聞人的心聲細語》and “Sichuan Earthquake: Reflections of Hong Kong Journalists” 《四川地震——香港記者反思錄》.

Ms. May Chan, Chairman of the JEF, said that many enthusiastic reporters are devoted to serving the community instead of running after self-interest and reputation, and that we may learn from their working attitudes.

Prof. Clement So, Director of the School of Journalism and Communication and also one of the editors of the book, hoped that through the sharing of these previous reporting experiences in the book, the public may know more about the operation of a news agency and the ultimate concern of journalists.

The book is divided into five parts, namely, politics, economics, consumptions, society and behind the scenes. There are 35 articles. It is honored that Mr. Andrew Li, the former Chief Justice, Mr. Joseph Yam, the former Chief Executive of Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Prof. Joseph Sung, the Vice-Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, wrote the forewords for the book.

Readers can always refer to the extended reading website (http://books.jef.org.hk) for the original news story of the scoop.

The book is colour-printed and is priced at $80 in major bookstores. All income from the book will be used for educational purpose by the JEF. Students, alumni and staff enjoy discount price for the book. Students can purchase the book at a 40% off discount ($50) and staff can purchase the book at a 25% off discount ($60). Books can be purchased directly at our General Office (Room 202, Humanities Building, New Asia College). Alumni can also order the book at a discount price of $65 (including postage) by submitting the form (http://alumni.com.cuhk.edu.hk/2011/2011book_order.pdf).

For enquiries, please contact the School of Journalism and Communication at 3943-7680. 

The book launch, 8 July 2011

The New Book “Stories behind the Scoops”