AddThis SmartLayers

July 2011 News

‘Old school’ former regional journalist dies aged 77

Journalist worked for Birmingham Post and Mail for 40 years

Debate over journalists’ use of press releases

A proposal to label news stories based on press releases as “advertorials” has been defeated in a debate on ‘churnalism’ orgaised by the Media Standards Trust. Filmmaker Chris Atkins, who has hoaxed the press with fake press releases to highlight

Weekly council newspaper to face fresh scrutiny

Weekly newsletter accused of breaking Government rules

South Yorkshire journalists vote to strike

Ballot sees a 100pc ‘yes’ vote for strike action

Regional publishers announce senior appointments

Northcliffe moves trigger change at top in Newcastle

‘Don’t tar us all with same brush’ – regional editor in plea to PM

Former SoE president sends letter to Cameron

Compulsory redundancies confirmed at Daily Record

Union seeking further reductions in number of job losses

Reporter’s court challenge sees teenager named

Defendant was just weeks away from 18th birthday

Investigative journalism internship on offer

A three month paid internship is up for grabs

‘Boycott News of the World’ says regional daily editor

PCC in call for remit to be extended

Offices to close in Newsquest centralisation plan

Plans will see staff moved to one building

Midlands daily fights on over Bombardier job losses

Government must review decision says editor

Cancer claims charitable former press photographer

Tributes to journalist who raised thousands for charity

Libel committee debates importance of ‘reputation’

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the profession

Selby train crash photographer dies aged 42

Tributes to much-loved Wakefield Express photographer

‘Maddie alive’ voted winner in dream headline contest

Regional newspaper marks freedom of city award

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.