AddThis SmartLayers

February 2012 News

Newspaper offers to pay your mortgage for a year

A regional newspaper in the Midlands has teamed up with a building society in a competition which will see one reader receiving enough money to pay for their mortgage for a year. The Sentinel, based in Stoke, has teamed up with the Hanley Economic Building

Symphony in grey for News readers

You have to feel slightly sorry for Worcester News photographer Paul Jackson over the paper’s use of his stunning picture of a sunset over the Malvern Hills. The caption even boasted: ‘Symphony in orange.’ A shame it came out

Former deputy editor died from asbestos exposure

Journalist had worked for building firm

Victory for regional daily in heart centre battle

Success for Suffolk title’s campaign

Group editor to leave company after 17 years

Newspaperman will leave in April

We’ve banned sex ads, tweets editor

Weekly joins rival in scrapping adult service adverts

Law column: Court decisions go in favour of press

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

Hunt hails ‘consensus’ on tougher media regulation

Culture secretary voices preference for non-statutory system

EDF Energy South West Media Awards set to launch

Countdown begins for regional media awards

Regional press journalist turned TV newsman dies

Co-presenter’s tribute to long-standing colleague

Entries open for Regional Press Awards

Energy company becomes main event sponsor

Valentine’s Day press releases raise newsroom smiles

Hospital issues ‘Card? Present? Condom?’ news release

Ex-editor Fowler joins corporate comms giant

New role for former news chief

South Coast title to help 100 young people to find work

Weekly has launched apprenticeship scheme

Strikes called off at Essex newspapers

Further talks have been held over pay

Website boss joins Archant in reverse publishing venture

Regional publisher backs magazine launch

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.