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March 2008 News

The NHS exposed

What’s the real story behind the NHS on your patch? Some horror stories never see the light of day. Balance some of the miracle cures for kids stories by checking out his website: www.nhsexposed.com.

Newspaper house highlights recycling issues

Around 120,000 papers gathered for art project with a message, new business website launched and other news in brief

New lifestyle magazine launch for former newspaper editor

The joys of country living in north Wales and English shires will hit homes and hotels in new project

Former Northcliffe execs to launch new weekly newspaper next week

Cleethorpes Chronicle is just days from inaugural issue

Online budget buster for Archant readers

Chance to see how the Chancellor is taxing readers: Plus – Sun sub visits former university and more news in brief

Journalism workshops gear up for important exams

Nervy trainees can get a boost at tutor sessions

Angry online reader comments set the news agenda

Reaction from politicians prompts follow-up after ‘misinformed’ opinions are posted on Echo website

The 2012 Games aren't just about London, Lord Coe tells media

Figurehead admits that it’s sometimes hard to get the message across…

Defence reporter takes on military training in Arctic Circle

Minus 29C and icy holes greeted Herald journalist embedded alongside 2,500 marines

South Wales journalist quits after 38 years to set up PR firm

Former Echo man to take on new challenge after leaving politics and business role

'Pacey' digital investment predicted for regional press – top exec

Greater connection with readers and advertisers offered by 21st century multimedia

High-value homes targeted for Gloucestershire news and property launch

Weekly Stroud Life emerges from Northcliffe Media stable

Editor pays tribute to 'media-savvy' chief constable

“Never once did he shun our reporters’ calls” – Paul Horrocks, MEN

Newspaper challenge overturns 'invalid' order in toddler death case

Herald wins battle to fully report details of ex-soldier’s murder trial – but has to meet legal costs

Former Lord Chancellor advises trimming down web archives to cut contempt risk

Plus: Bursary for journalism student, reporter in ring with female boxer – and more news in brief

London weekly backs local boxer as he bids to unify titles

Major coverage of big fight put together by journalist while away on paternity leave

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.