AddThis SmartLayers

July 2011 News

Newspaper bans bad news from latest edition

Editor ops for positive stories only to beat ‘doom and gloom’

Sisters to race in memory of young journalist

More than £3,000 has already been raised in Richard’s memory

Take Five: Steve Dyson

Former Birmingham and Teesside editor takes our quick quiz

State regulation will harm local press says top media lawyer

PCC is ‘effective regulator’ says legal expert

Newspaper praised for correction over sock saga

Editor says amusing letter makes serious point

Cameron promises “new regulatory regime” for press

Statement casts further doubt over future of PCC

Council sets up web page to ‘put record straight’

Editor hits out at ‘over the top’ move by local authority

‘If your revenue falls, start a new paper’ – Tindle’s message to staff

Entrepreneur in bold message to staff

Regional daily editor in sudden departure

Nottingham deputy steps up as acting news chief

Dyson at Large: Murdoch’s second beating by regional Sunday

Our blogger takes a look at the regional Sunday that Murdoch failed to buy 40 years ago

NoW scandal has ‘sullied the name of journalism’

Sunday tabloid’s staff ‘deserved better’ says columnist

New editor takes charge of seven weeklies

New news chief named at JP titles

Reporter raises hundreds in musical half marathon

Journalist’s 12 hour feat will benefit two charities

Follow-up resolves complaint against regional daily

Councillor complained to the PCC about expenses article

Hands off our Sunday Sun, editor warns Murdoch

Tabloid’s behaviour ‘disgraceful’ and ‘hugely disappointing’

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.