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March 2012 News

Former executive editor joins media sales company

The former executive editor of a north-west weekly newspaper is to take on a new role as commercial partnerships editor with a media sales company. Jane Clare, former executive editor of the Wirral News, joins the Amra team from Trinity

Editors-in-chief appointed as Trinity shake-up continues

New regional roles for senior newsmen

Chief reporter steps up to editor at Devon weekly

Promotion for journalist after editor-in-chief moves on

Journalism blog removed following libel claim

A popular journalism blog has been taken down after facing libel action from a PR agency representing pop star Tulisa Contostavlos. Fleet Street Blues has gone offline following an article about PR ethics in which it claimed the X-factor star’s PR

New era as South East weekly goes compact

Smaller is better for Trinity Mirror title

Editor hails big step forward as new apps launched

Regional daily embraces digital age

North West daily’s shocking police photo goes national

Picture was published in public interest

Who won the lolly in Dyson’s headline quiz?

Blogger reveals winner of £10 challenge

Athletics writer wins newspaper’s annual charity run

Proceeds could top £60,000 for hospital

McGeoghan to leave MEN in Trinity Mirror shake-up

Rob Irvine to take over flagship title

New chairman for Newspaper Conference

The Newspaper Conference – made up of London-based represenatives of regional newspapers – has a new chairman in the shape of Graeme Demianyk. Graeme, London editor of the Western Morning News since 2010, takes over from Nick Lester, political correspondent

Daily newspaper help tots appeal reach £1 million

Editor praises staff for their part

Reporter tops £5,000 target in sports stadium challenge

Team raised funds for local hospice

Journalists’ church offers £3k grant to student

Recipient will form links with Guild

Two regional managing directors axed by Trinity Mirror

Changes announced in North-East and Teesside

Thurlbeck lifts lid on tabloid tales in sister’s new mag

New bi-monthly will have print run of 10,000

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.