AddThis SmartLayers

January 2008 News

Chief sub steps up to take charge at Scottish weekly

City weekly has new editor after retirement of previous boss

Star columnist becomes model in calendar shoot for news fans

Tongue-in-cheek effort for writer who wants to please his audience

Manchester shootings mapped online

Plus: Trainee scoops byline after first day of course; picture editor’s move, and more news in brief

Tragic death signals lift in web traffic to read Herald coverage

Huge increase in traffic as readers looked for the latest on a massive breaking story

Shipman snapper set to relive police station visit

Evening News man recalls confrontation with mass murderer after reporter’s tip-off

Regional press continues to push for information under FOI

See how news stories are being generated through questions to public bodies

New firms 'optimistic' on grabbing attention of young readers

Range of new media channels could be the key for newspapers getting youngsters on board

First online-only contest for Suffolk newspaper uses intervactive mapping

Google Maps technology was used so that voters could see exactly where each entrant lived

Former regional press editor 'relishes' chance to pass on wisdom to students

Lancashire Life Editor Roger Borrell shares knowledge with Preston trainees

Press blogger looking to compile new 'journalese' dictionary

A collection of journalists’ bad habits is being compiled by north-east newsdesk man

Editor's protest as hospital 'sanitises' deaths story for news agency release

Health trust’s handling of publicity following the deaths of two new mums is questioned

Jobs threat as Newsquest title eyes overnight publishing

Bosses in consultation with staff over whether to make the move

Copy sent via txt msg helps newspaper beat deadline

Witness account of Pakistan unrest filed to Midlands paper first via e-mail and then on SMS

Newsquest reaches deal for multimedia content from PA

Agreement encompasses text, photos, video and interactive graphics

Electronic screens to replace billboards at Newsquest sales points

Plus new MD for Bath, some agriculture writing awards – and more news in brief

Freelance journalist's book set to become American TV movie

Fox channel buys option on Decent Exposure, the debut novel by Sunday Mercury’s Phillipa Ashley

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.