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December 2011 News

Review of 2011: Editors head for exit door as recovery falters

We conclude our look back over the past year in the regional press

Award-winning former weekly editor dies aged 57

Retired newsman taken ill on Boxing Day

New editorial development manager for Trinity Mirror

Group-wide role for Liverpool newspaper executive

Review of 2011: Those we have lost

Tributes to journalists who passed away this year

North East weekly newspaper goes out of business

Mercury shuts down after five years

Review of 2011: Journalists who made a difference

The people and papers who have impressed this year

Editor: We were wrong to name assault victim

PCC complaint over care home incident withdrawn

Former regional women’s editor dies aged 77

Career spanned over four decades

Patients to benefit from weekly’s campaign success

Readers helped reach appeal target

Take Five: Chris Gill

Bedfordshire news chief answers the questions

Shortlist published for East of England Media Awards

Archant leads field in race for nominations

Journalism student in training for epic challenge

A journalism student will get on her bike to cycle 700km next summer for a children’s charity. Olivia Michaud, 19, who is studying at the University of Sheffield, will cycle across the Himalayas in India in June to raise money for charity Childreach International,

Former Daily Post sub-editor dies aged 83

North West journalist who was an inspiration

Royals help weekly meet Christmas campaign target

Toy appeal hits target of 15,000 with help from Buck House

Award for journalist banned by council

Recognition for reporter of almost three decades

Entries open for Scottish Press Awards

Prizes for top photographers and reporters

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.