A new qualification in multimedia journalism is to be offered by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, following major consultation with the industry.

New modules which can be added to the syllabus of existing journalism courses have been created, which will show trainees how to create audio and video reports, produce blogs, and edit online material.

Trainees will then sit a new exam which reporters with other preliminary qualifications or the NCE may also sit.

The move is in response to changing work practices in the industry, particularly in regional newspapers, which are putting increasing efforts into online, video and audio coverage.

It has been devised by freelance media consultant Andy Bull, former editor of Times Online and editorial director of AOL in the UK, at the request of the NCTJ.

He said: “I have tried to reflect what the industry is doing. Lots of papers now use audio and video clips and have lively websites with lots of reader interaction.

“I looked at best practice and the way this content is written and presented.”

After drawing up a draft proposal for the qualification, Andy got feedback from editorial staff and management at national and regional newspapers as well as at universities where NTCJ qualifications are taught.

A trial exam was also taken by staff at the Newbury Weekly News, Lancashire Evening Post and journalism students at Bournemouth University.

Andy said: “Once it has been tweaked we hope to roll it out from September.

“It will be a voluntary additional prelim qualification, but because multi-media is so central it is possible that it may become compulsory.”

To pass the multimedia qualification, trainees will need to submit coursework consisting of an audio and video package which they have created themselves.

They will then sit an exam which requires them to create an online features package and a still picture slideshow with captions. Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or e-mail [email protected]