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March 2008 News

Record traffic for Sunderland Echo website

Wide appeal is the secret of success

Mail ripped out front page to carry Shannon news in special late edition

1,500 extra copies printed after go-ahead to bring news of child’s discovery

How lucky is lucky? A press release might tell you… plus a new take on the Mills/McCartney case

More news items that tickled the funny bones of our readers

Newspaper wins exclusive over 'secret' council salary info

Rejected request for information brings its own story for KM Group

Second wave of community websites launched today by Evening Times

Plans for the “second dozen” were accelerated after feedback from readers

Top role up for grabs at journalists' trade union

Search is on for new deputy general secretary as John Fray bows out after nearly ten years in the job

Transatlantic training bursary is worth at least $40,000

Fulbright Alistair Cooke Award in Journalism is open to applicants

Newspaper backed after PR chief's muck-raking accusation

Despite failed FoI requests paper claims ‘moral victory’ in council investigation saga

Press freedom campaign group's fresh call for wider FoI remit

Private contractors should be brought under auspices of information act says lobby body

Press awards offer third world trip and national newspaper byline

Guardian is seeking new voices in journalism to highlight developing world issues

Good behaviour for youngsters – or else!!!

A new £218m scheme to address the causes of juvenile delinquency has been revealed. The project will see children as young as ten receive one-to-one sessions with specialist case workers. They will also have to sign so-called ‘good behaviour’ contracts

Senior police officer blames local press for fear of crime

South London superintendent attacks newspapers for heightening fear of crime among residents

News agency's Shannon photo exclusive brings massive exposure

Agency byline seen around the world on only photo released to media of abduction suspect

Press photography student's storm pic is beamed around the world after making local front page

Desperate scene captured by first-year student on the BA(Hons) Press Photography course in Falmouth

Newspaper's fans forum bombarded after football draw prediction

Champions League draw ‘leaked’ on Echo website 90 minutes before it took place

What qualities do newspaper editors look for?

Key information on becoming a journalist

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.