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April 2008 News

New print plant takes on first external newspaper contract

Oxford Journal and the Basingstoke Observer on board at Harmsworth plant

Prime Minister's praise for the regional press

“Local newspapers are right at the heart of Britain’s local communities” – Gordon Brown

Former Norfolk newspaper executive dies aged 90

Alfred Jenner helped shape future of Archant during 44-year career

Press caution on Matthews case urged by judge

Judge fears national publicity could make a fair trial impossible anywhere

Spring sun alert

If we saw a bit of sunshine now and then we might be more aware of it! Despite our often dismal climate we are still at risk of skin cancer and long-term damage through those burning rays. Even cloudy days

Caravan clubs

What is the appeal of driving along the road towing a sardine can on wheels behind you? Try reading this article by Chris Rundle. Useful websites: National Caravan Council; Camping and caravanning UK.

The misinformation age

Is this the information age, or the misinformation age? Would you be able to spot an e-mail or internet scam before falling for its charm? Many people forward chain e-mails which threaten a curse if you don’t. Others can unleash

New direction for career of award-winning business editor

Chris Starkie leave the EDP after five years to shape the future of Norfolk’s economy

Play away…

Councils up and down the country run after-school play schemes and school holiday schemes for the youngsters. But what sort of children go along each night after school – and what do they get up to? Most of the people

Oh baby!

The world’s eyes (well, some eyes in this country, at least) are on Kerry Katona to see how she sheds those extra pregnancy pounds. Many celebrity mums make the rest of the world green with envy at the speed with

Trinity Mirror appoints new multimedia chief

David Higgerson to head up company’s drive to improve regional online service

Newspaper calls on the public to write the headlines

Echo subs go head to head with radio listeners to compose the best headlines

New website boosts Advertiser's offering

Web team in place to boost the stats and continue internet push

Key players in European student journalism team up for debate

Conference theme is ‘European Youth Journalism: where do we go from here?’

MEN crowned best daily newspaper at north-west awards

All the editorial winners from the inaugural How-Do Awards

EDF Energy South West Media Awards shortlist announced

225 entries whittled down to the finalists for big Westcountry event

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.