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March 2009 News

Latest ABC figures for the regional press

Audit Bureau of Circulations figures for the regional press are published twice a year in February and August. The most recent figures were published on 25 August 2010 and were comprehensively covered on HoldtheFrontPage. Here’s our index of stories. JANUARY

Journalists vow to fight for Welsh media

Public debate shows vibrant future for journalism

Judge sums up as court reporter bids farewell

Herald’s longest-serving journalist bows out

Newspaper petitions Number 10 over train contract

Plus: Record entry for equine journalism awards, new role for crime reporter – and more news in brief

02 launches new set of regional press awards

Prizes up for grabs for North West journalists

Union protest after editor crosses picket line

Chapel ‘disappointed’ by news chief’s decision

Fictional newsroom forms backdrop to love story

Second novel for former regional press journalist

Archant announces U-turn on monthly magazines

County titles to remain once-a-month publications

Herald job cuts saga draws to close

Editor apologises for ‘period of uncertainty’

Pay freeze imposed at North West titles

Staff told there will no salary review until 2010

Final editions roll off the press in Ipswich

Archant switches print operations to Norwich plant

Praise for press campaign nearly ten years on

Journal helped win public inquiry on blood imports

See some of the shortlisted entries in the FirstScot Rail Press Photography Awards 2008

Feast your eyes Scotland’s best press photography

Bankers ban journalist from asking questions

City editor shut out from banking briefing

New sports journalism course launched

Distance learning course for would-be sports hacks

Scotsman photographer aims to make it five

Ian Rutherford shortlisted again in Scottish awards

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.