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November 2007 News

News in brief from the Society of Editors' conference

“Our part of the bargain is to tell the truth” – incoming president Simon Bucks

Sex trafficking pledge after regional press meets ministers

Fears over small ads prompt industry-wide review of guidance for local newspapers

Reporter goes under the spotlight in TV talent focus

News girl gets her big chance as part of the T4 talent weekend

Tindle Newspapers breaks into UK's top ten for circulation

Directors celebrate as Tindle’s latest figure of 1,400,028 boosts their position

Success of youth venture leads editors to employ two people, not one

Overwhelming response to a youth editorial post at the London-based News Shopper

Daily Post scores success for crowd-source initiative

Ground-breaking project gets readers involved with making the news

Fellowship awards for senior UK journalism figures

The Society of Editors has honoured a trio of journalists for their work

Are you Standing Up For Journalism today?

Hundreds of editorial staff plan to make their voices heard in protest at cuts to staffing and resources

Milton Keynes journalist charged over misconduct allegation

Four to face court after “media leak” probe

MI5 chief chooses editors' conference to deliver major news

Delegates were kept in the dark over the identity of the keynote speaker

Former editor in 'rivers of blood' row steps down as election candidate

Backing for Enoch Powell’s thoughts cost Tory his chance to fight next election

Pioneering plans for Wales papers will cost 17 jobs, claims NUJ

Trinity’s Media Wales titles will be integrated into one editorial operation

Protest march and rally marks day of action for NUJ

Journalists took the union’s message directly to the Society of Editors’ conference

Trainee journalist fears talent will quit industry for a better deal

Influential media figures warned over demanding more skills for “relatively poor pay”

Trust: The big issue for journalism

“There’s more trust in the British news media than in politicians”

Coventry strike averted as pressure wins more staff

Union chapel was due to stage industrial action tomorrow

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.