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November 2008 News

TVs are going green

Television sets are on the verge of becoming a whole lot more environmentally friendly. Traditional liquid crystal display (LCD) screens could be replaced by a new ‘true blue’ material, currently being developed in South Korea. Take a trip to your

Union threatens strike action over job cuts

Newsquest North East chapel vows to fight any compulsory redundancies

Journalists get chance to learn multi-platform skills

BBC and UCLan in bid to equip journalists for digital age

Media debate to become annual event

Successful first event sparks Press Club pledge to host regular debate

Associate editor loses battle with cancer

Old school journalist who fought for community issues dies aged 61

MEN to broadcast c-charge debate on local tv outlet

Yes and No camps prepare to square up on Channel M

Meyer in warning over privacy law threat

Outgoing PCC boss calls for ‘creative thinking’ on self-regulation

Journalists' church packed for Chipp memorial

Man who influenced thousands of journalists remembered at special service

Co-pilot of tragic Archant boss loses fight for life

Former RAF pilot succumbs to injuries after crash last month

Plenty of parcels for brave troops

Huge numbers of gift parcels are being sent to service personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq as Christmas approaches. Since December last year to has been free for soldiers’ families to send gifts and in October the number of post bags

Shunning organic for cheaper alternatives

Organic food sales are on the slide with shoppers opting for cheaper, so-called less healthy alternatives, according to a new survey. Market research company Mintel says consumers are now starting to question the health benefits of the foods against paying

Local press 'legend' dies aged 70

Guardian Series writer rejoined paper he started his career with

Newspaper under fire for police tribunal stance

Scathing editorial over constable’s tribunal sparks reader backlash

BBC video decision: Inquiry verdicts in detail

Why the BBC Trust and Ofcom threw out the plans

BBC video decision: All the industry reaction

Regional press chiefs hail success of campaign

BBC Trust rejects local video plan

Victory for regional press lobby in video row

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.