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February 2008 News

Headlines that speak for themselves – and other press funnies

A spring collection of cuttings that made us say “eh?”

Media company presents editorial excellence awards to staff

Award scheme came about as a result of Iliffe’s recent expansion through acquisition

Former Evening Post reporter pens debut novel

Campaign to save cemetery inspired freelance journalist to write first book

New magazine titles for newspaper publisher

Archant launches two new lifestyle glossies for the capital

Return to Sender campaign launched after post office blow hits London

New battle as latest round of planned cuts is revealed

Argus boss in video grilling of Tory chief

New format “a first” for editor as he gets to grips with the Paxman technique

Editor takes staff on the road for morning news conference

Business club gets the inside track on what makes Fenland paper tick

Argus resolves Santa ban confusion after press follow-ups compound original error

Local school did not ban Santa – plus other resolved complaints from the PCC

Reporter's wrangle with ambulance service over incitement accusation

Herald health correspondent in spat with Trust chiefs after his comments were removed from public website

Reporter retires after nearly half a century with the same paper

Derbyshire Times newsman hangs up his notepad after becoming paper’s longest-serving reporter

Why spam filters are bad for writers

Imagine if your postman very kindly went through your mail each morning, fished out all the junk and shredded it…

Former press photographer and wedding snapper dies aged 67

Ken Upton worked for more than 30 years in regional press

"Posh and Becks" targeted by vandals – and the world knows about it

Belfast Telegraph story goes global as Northern Ireland’s new royal couple board up their home

Small upturn in sales a year on from broadsheet switch

The gamble paid off – Echo editor believes they were right to switch to tabloid

Reporter fights judge's baby banning order to lift lid on amazing tale

Story of dead day-old baby almost goes untold after judge makes incorrect reporting restriction

10,000-circulation Midlands launch for Trinity Mirror's regionals division

New free weekly newspaper for Daventry will be “very local”

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.