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November 2008 News

Next generation of blogging

An 11-year-old boy has become Britain’s youngest web editor. Ben Winchester set up hursleyvillage.info – a blog about events and news for children in the Hampshire village where he lives. What local entrepreneurs are lurking on your patch? Is the

Obama drama keeps hacks up late

More regional press Obama coverage including his possible first UK visit as president

Fundraising reporter's dream comes true

Sussex journalist completes trek to Everest Base Camp

Award for editor despite deportation

Former Midlands news chief handed prize in country where he no longer lives

Private Eye praise for community newsletter

Monthly title misses out on Paul Foot Award but wins high regard

Reporter 'resigns' and tells the world about it on YouTube

Birmingham journalist’s goodbye to bosses is posted online

Mental stimulation for moggies

Animal lovers are being told to entertain their pets to prevent them getting lonely. New codes of practice published by the Government are now online for dog, horse and cat owners. Mental stimulation and ensuring they have access to suitable

Game for a laugh

Not every business is suffering because of the credit crunch, it would appear. Sales of video games are booming with punters after a little escapism away from the current gloomy outlook. It is estimated that video games the market will

Prince's Trust targets local press in youth campaign

Newspapers can play role in changing negative perceptions of young people

New identity for PA on 140th birthday

Press Association division now unified along with new website

Stars and stripes masthead marks Obama triumph

Mail steals march on nationals with US election coverage

Gazette hosts pioneering community awards scheme

First ever newspaper awards for young Bangladeshis

Industry gears up for big annual gathering

Changing shape of profession tops conference agenda

Regional daily launches new community news sites

Journal adds to its portfolio of local sites for Northumberland

Hunt is on for new island editor

Bi-monthly newspaper owner looking to develop Gazette

North-West news stalwart dies aged 79

Peter Greenhalgh covered north-west industry for 20 years

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.