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July 2011 News

Dyson at Large: A daily packed with live news

HoldtheFrontPage blogger reviews the Shropshire Star

Deadline for regional media awards extended

More time to enter EDF Energy London and South of England awards

Former editor bounces back in new training role

Award-winning news chief to head new masters course

Publisher’s revenues down 10pc as 80 more jobs go

Northcliffe Media sees 8pc fall in circulation revenues

Riders hit road in memory of campaigning reporter

Journalist’s legacy lives on three years after his death

Regional publisher under fire from MPs over cuts

Plans will see ten district staff and eight subs depart

Regional daily editor quits after 22 years with company

News chief oversaw move to early-morning printing

KM Group in bid to buy Northcliffe weeklies

Competition watchdogs to carry out 40-day investigation

Editor addresses 8,000-strong protest rally over jobs

Fight to overturn government decision continues

Reporter turned broadcaster dies aged 75

Journalist became main news anchor with island TV station

Regional daily helps set up job creation fund

Newspaper plans ‘Dragon’s Den’ style contest

Work-ex ‘strikebreaker’ sent home claims union

Teenager asked to stay at home amid ‘exploitation’ claims

Peers probe future of investigative journalism

Lords committee to examine impact of downturn

Judge bans media from reporting prison van breakout

Court order was ‘unsustainable’ says Liverpool Echo

Regional editor launches bid to save press watchdog

Watchdog ‘does a good job for industry’ says news chief

Take Five: Ed Asquith

Scarborough Evening News editor takes our quick quiz

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.