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January 2008 News

Newspaper watchdog wants to meet the public

The Press Complaints Commission is holding a free open day next month

Kent media to gather for annual awards ceremony

Prestigious scheme celebrates two decades of recognising journalists’ achievements

Pressure group claims inquest proposal could impose secrecy

A campaign group is claiming that the Home Secretary will have “extraordinary powers” to order that inquests should be held in secret

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Newspaper at centre of bomb hoax plot after journalist received explosive warning

Man who plotted terror campaign against supermarket sent letter to district office

Birmingham Mail launches it own website to extend newspaper's brand

Launch is the latest stage of a major overhaul of the websites of Trinity Mirror’s regional titles

End of an era as Scottish newspaper leaves home of seven decades

Herald staff bid farewell to offices in former mill

New football magazine looking for financial support

Sports freelancer’s new project is off the ground but needs a boost

Law update: Readers' letters and follow-ups 'could be privileged'

The traditional letters page could attract special defence in libel cases

Sports editor bows out after over 30 years in local newspapers

Gazette and Reporter man blows final whistle on long sports reporting career

Former reporter and columnist dies after cancer fight

Southport Visiter’s Nancé Greaves started with paper aged just 17 and covered life in the town through column

This is not a story

Sports journalism under microscope at media industry forum

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose to be guest panellist at digital news event

Reporter's farewell bash raises cash for monument

Veteran of 42 years chooses cash instead of gifts for retirement – and gives it all away

Is newsroom integration working? Major players to debate issues

Plus PPA handbook is published, oatcake protest from The sentinel – and more news in brief

Observer appeal beats charity target by £3,500

Chichester Observer helps dreams come true for seriously and terminally-ill children

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.