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Denbighshire Free Press reporter Phoebe Smith has achieved 100wpm at shorthand in just six months – from scratch.
She had no shorthand experience at all until joining the NWN Media-owned title back in May. But after just six months of once a week classes on the company’s in-house training scheme she gained her certificate.
Free Press editor Nic Outterside said: “This is a fabulous feat by any aspiring journalist.”


Journalism training business Cleland Thom and CTJTS Ltd is being re-branded and re-structured.
The firm’s training courses and other media services have been re-named Potential.GB.com and are sited at www.potential.GB.com. Distance Learning Courses are now called CTJT, and are sited at www.ctjt.biz
Cleland said: “Since our launch in 2002 we have grown significantly and its is now necessary to split our business into two divisions.”


Northcliffe Media has appointed Mike Rowley to the newly-created post of director of digital publishing.
He previously worked with the newspaper companion sites at Associated Northcliffe Digital and takes up his post with immediate effect. In his new role Mike will head up digital operations for the ‘This Is’ network of more than 40 local websites. AND will continue to manage display advertising and commercial partnerships on behalf of NM for the ‘This Is’ network as well as provide operational services support.


Skegness Standard reporter Patrick O’Kane raised around £350 for Marie Curie Cancer Care by completing the Great North Run.
Patrick, (23), ran the race from Newcastle to South Shields in 2:08:01, beating his previous best time by four minutes. He said: “It was a great feeling to complete the race again and to finish it in my quickest time was brilliant.”


Kent Messenger Group has launched a new online rewards program in association with Submission Technology.
KMCashback rewards it’s readers with ‘cashback’ when they interact online with more than 800 participating advertisers including national brands such as Comet, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis and NEXT.