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June 2011 News

Former editor steps back up as deputy quits

Office move sparks editorial reshuffle

Harvey sounds note of caution over local TV

Newspaper Society president Georgina Harvey has sounded a fresh note of caution over the government’s plans for a network of Local TV stations, some of which could be owned by newspaper publishers. Ms Harvey, who is also managing director of

Shropshire journalists ballot for strike action

Staff want gurantee of no compulsory editorial job losses

Second London title faces council propaganda claims

Blogger says paper contains no criticism of council

Journalist James faces ‘biggest challenge ever’

Cambridge journalist will take on mighty feat in memory of dad

Media should fight teacher anonymity – Satchwell

SoE boss in warning to education minister

Up to 90 journalists’ jobs to go at Scottish titles

Major restructure announced by publisher Trinity Mirror

Midlands journalists face compulsory job cuts

Points system set to be used to decide who goes

Ex-editor pens book on Hitler’s links with Liverpool

Dictator ‘did not support Everton’ reveals former news chief

Publisher to take online offering ‘beyond news’

New colour-coded sites launched by Northcliffe

South Coast title’s fish campaign gains pace

News team dropped off 6,000 cut-out fish at Number Ten

Former Surrey reporter marks her century

Longevity due to ‘enquiring mind of journalist’

Newspaper denies breaking rules on ‘town hall Pravdas’

Councillor claims newspaper aiding council propaganda

Teachers set for anonymity on pupil ‘crimes’

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the profession

Johnston Press closes three newspaper offices

Reporters will be based out-of-town

The regional editor who revealed the existence of the deep-fried Mars Bar

I always thought the deep-fried Mars Bar originated from Glasgow, but one regional newspaper editor claims otherwise. Find out who it was who first revealed the existence of the craze then taking hold among schoolchildren in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, in this week’s Take

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.