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July 2008 News

Regional lobby man comes under tear gas attack

Journalists caught in crossfire as Israelis disperse demonstration

Former weekly editor dies aged 50

Tributes paid to journalist who remained “a news editor at heart”

Cash-strapped union to sell HQ

NUJ executive confirms plans to put London offices up for sale

Northants evenings set to move to overnight printing

Printing and distribution jobs likely to go with production switched to Peterborough

Regional digital growth sweetens pill for Trinity

Group announces 16pc fall in half-yearly profits

West Country daily is Cameron's holiday read

Tory leader relaxes on beach with copy of Western Morning News

Morning daily comes to aid of blaze-stricken resort

Daily Press campaign urges people to keep faith with seaside town

Dorset newspaper boss to leave job

Echo man’s announcement follows Weymouth editor’s departure

Weekly overturns court gag in dog-walker murder case

South Wales Guardian names juvenile convicted of killing

Future in doubt for weekly newspaper

Harlow Citizen’s fate hangs in balance as Newsquest management reviews title

Press Gazette "may go monthly"

Uncertainty over future of weekly journalism magazine

Top flight first job for journalism graduate

UCLan student lands radio job covering Premiership football and Olympics

New PR role for long-serving newsdesk man

Lancashire Telegraph’s Turner to join Blackpool agency

New qualification board for journalism training body

NCTJ brings together chief examiners for new joint-venture to oversee development of multimedia training

The reporter who'll do anything for a story

Argus reporter puts head on the block and calls for reader suggestions to test him to limit

Walk on the wild side

Many towns and cities now give you the ultimate chance to get scared – or not – on evening walks around some of your favourite haunts. From Jack the Ripper walks in deepest London town to tours of castle, cellars

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.