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February 2008 News

Free Press reporter takes double prize at annual awards ceremony

Journalist of the year revealed at Highlands prize-giving

Cliff Richard interview among career highlights for Mail hack

North-west news man finishes work with nostalgic trip down memory lane

Newspaper readers invited to grill Prime Minister

Regional Sunday sets up exclusive Q&A with Gordon Brown

Extra picks up top prize for 'best news service'

Kent journalists gather for annual ceremony which also paid tribute to former competition judge

Sportsmen take things to the extreme!!

Zany thrill seekers in Austria have invented a new extreme sport. Not content with producing some of the best skiers in the world, they are now throwing themselves down mountains with a parachute attached to their backs. Called ‘Speedriding’, the

World's oldest columnist ill in hospital at 101

Messages of goodwill flood in to local newspaper office

Latest cross-media audience analysis in focus at conference

Plus: Trinity Mirror ‘gives something back’, Agricultural writers’ awards – and more regional press news in brief

Reporters hit the TV screen for film festival podcast

Newsroom becomes film studio for the day as festival founder shoots podcast

Sports editor marks 25 years at weekly with FA Cup tie celebration

Spurs legend and TV pundit Clive Allen presents journalist with a commemorative team shirt

Community campaigns to be celebrated during Local Newspaper Week

Editors encouraged to submit the best causes fought on behalf of their readers

Nine-month press fight to name paedophile is finally won

Journalist’s request for open reporting is upheld by senior judge

Clampdown expected on newspaper sex ads as tough new guidance is drawn up

Industry talks with Government bring pledge to stem demand for trafficked women

Argus editor gets tough on insults and obscenities posted online under 'freedom of speech agenda'

Personal insults – most recently about a photo of a young mum attached to a story – have forced the editor’s hand

'Notorious teenage thug' named after press overturns court order

“It’s necessary and important that the public know who this particular young offender is” – reporter

See the winners celebrate at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards

Pictures from yesterday’s event for journalists at Whipsnade Zoo

Standing ovation for journalist honoured by his peers

Cambs Times editor Brian Asplin retires today after 43 years with the paper

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.