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May 2008 News

Final editions of Kent weekly newspapers hit the presses

Award-winning Bromley and Bexley titles close down

Post plans third live blog for Paul McCartney concert

Live blog experiment hailed a success after 1,600 logged on

Student journalists complete video training on PA course

Transformation programme for Press Association course as it moves from print to multimedia

Manchester memories as MEN makes ready for Moscow

Fans can pick their European dream time while reporters steel themselves for blanket coverage

Euro triathlon gold glory for Mail reporter

Emma-Kate cracks two personal best times as she romps to victory in Lisbon

Press apology over fire death revelation

Man learns of family tragedy through local newspaper, baby death mix-up – and more resolved cases from the PCC

Newsquest staff poised for five-day strike action

34-strong NUJ membership votes overwhelmingly for walkout

Johnston Press to sell shares to manage £700m debt

Latest management statement shows decline in print advertising but digital revenues continue to blossom

Photographer draws in fans with satirical cartoons

Western Gazette snapper hopes to publish his collection in new book

Olympic chance for budding young sports reporter

Newsquest runs once-in-a-lifetime competition, NUJ receives police apology and more news in brief

Journalist goes undercover in kerb crawl probe

Advertiser crime reporter experiences Swindon’s seedier side in special investigation

Setback in leukaemia battle for Examiner reporter

Adrian Sudbury must wait on more marrow tests as leukaemia cells return

New director joins Society of Editors board

Digital chief co-opted to industry body

Top industry award for Weekly News man

Newbury Weekly News man John Robertson awarded Newspaper Society honour

Fostering good relations in your town

Charity Fostering Network has warned that more than 4,200 new foster carers will be needed in England in the next 12 months. It says the increase is vital to stop children being shunted from home to home, sometimes a long

Liverpool Daily Post blogs interactive edition via website

A Day In The Life at Trinity Mirror title as newspaper invites readers to contribute to tomorrow’s paper

Tips on choosing a journalism course

Emma Clark, former marketing and communications manager for the National Council for the Training of Journalists, offers her advice on choosing between journalism courses.
Recently I've attended numerous careers fairs around the country, meeting students of all ages keen to break into journalism - whether that be in newspapers, television, radio or magazines. And of course, all students want to know which journalism course they should go on and whether they need NCTJ qualifications.

A quick look at the trainee job ads on HTFP demonstrates the importance of gaining the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Many adverts require candidates to have, or be awaiting results for, their NCTJ Diploma.

Trying to break into the industry without it makes a tough task almost impossible. With the rise in tuition fees, choosing the right journalism course is even more important than ever and students need to be sure they are learning the vocational skills required by employers, enabling them to hit the ground running when they enter the newsroom.

Employers know that an NCTJ-trained applicant will be able to find and construct stories, understand media law and ethics and be able to take down an accurate shorthand note when required. And contrary to popular belief it is not just the regional press looking for these skills, but nationals, online and broadcast too. Recent Sky Sports News schemes, for example, have been looking for practical skills including a minimum of 100wpm shorthand.

Student journalists can complete their NCTJ training in a number of ways - FE colleges and independent centres offer the Diploma in Journalism as fast-track and academic year courses, while universities offer it as part of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. All of these journalism courses lead to the same NCTJ qualifications and meet the same standard, allowing students to pick the one that's best for them.

It's no secret that the NCTJ has an exacting standard, and this applies not just to the qualifications but also to the course provider. All NCTJ-accredited courses have to work incredibly hard to meet the requirements in the same way that students have to work incredibly hard to achieve the gold standard. This ensures the NCTJ logo acts as a meaningful kitemark for quality journalism training.