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November 2007 News

My part in the trial: Neil Johnson

Sitting in a grimy ante-room that reeks of stale French tobacco does nothing to help undo that knot that is slowly tightening in your stomach. Appearing as a witness in British court trial would be nerve-wracking enough, but standing in

Journalists relive their trip with a killer as they face French court

Duo were taken to the scene of a wife-killer’s crime

Echo editor quits post

Richard Williams to leave Cardiff job after almost three years

News in brief

Plus: changes to ABC, £2m refurbishment for Archant HQ is topped off and more news in brief

Nikki Sargeson says farewell

HTFP journalist prepares for a move into marketing and communications

Evening News launches dedicated grassroots sport coverage

Business sponsorship paves way for weekly pull-out

Talented reporter loses eight-year battle with cancer, aged 34

Dedicated Essex journalist decided to chronicle his journey in weekly column

Unveiling of new Chronicle masthead marks end of evolutionary redesign

Paper with proud history and strong tradition gets a new look

Journalist with fear of heights plans 95ft high zipwire challenge

Salford Advertiser reporter set to ride 300ft wire

Journalism news in brief

Plus: Newspaper conference looks to the future, and more press news in brief

T&A man takes to stage to become TV legend Basil Fawlty

Deputy sports editor’s first lead role sees him transformed into hot-tempered Torquay hotelier

Journalists sought for project to bring old and new media together

Five-day think tank will see participants working on real briefs for industry partners

Local newspapers face extinction: Ex-editor speaks out on the way forward

A break up of ownership and a move back to local ownership could extend life expectancy – claim

Last call for Express & Star reunion

Good turnout expected as former reporting team track down old colleagues

News in brief

Plus: Re-structure for training group – and more regional press news in brief

Bonus for weekly as World Cup star columnist goes all the way

Paper’s faith in local boy made good pays off with exclusive insight into road to cup final

Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Lead – Chief Media Officer  Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Senior Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communication Planning Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Manager NCTJ Saffron Walden, closes 26 Sep
Press Photographer North News and Pictures Newcastle, closes 13 Sep

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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.