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April 2009 News

Summit shows 'shared belief' in local news says NS

Industry body welcomes outcome of Commons get-together

Fire engine chase yields dramatic pictures

Photographer captures drama of gas explosion

Sheriff denies she was 'moved to tears'

Plus: Expenses issues clarified, prisoner interview didn’t take place – and more resolved cases from the PCC

Call for entries to latest O2 awards

Second celebration of North West journalism talent

Ad revenue down at Bel Tel

But website grows as IN&M announces full year results

'Buy local' message spreads to Worcester

News is latest daily title to launch campaign

Student gets daily paper splash in first week

Front page Argus scoop for journalism trainee

Friday Funnies: Evening Telegraph gets shirty

Plus: Police appeal taking the P, a man walks into a bar – and more press funnies

Newspaper campaign praised for drop in accidents

Injuries down by a fifth thanks to weekly’s safety message

Do you know a 'Neet'?

Young people are often demonised as good-for-nothing layabouts and new research is doing little to dispel that reputation. The number of young people classed as ‘Neets’ – not in education, employment nor training – rose to 850,000 in 2008, a

Annual photography competition open for entries

£10,000 top prize on offer to overall winner

Art really is the alternative

The arts and antiques markets underwent something of a revival in the recession-hit first quarter of 2009. Those lucky enough to still have some spare cash are looking for investments away from banks and buildings societies. Every town has some

Rolling back the years

An elderly couple from Somerset are proving the theory that if you look after something it will serve you well for years. Eric and Nancy Kingston bought a rolling pin when they got engaged in 1938 for just 6d. Nancy

Robbie Williams complains over privacy invasion

Plus: Reporter took ‘insufficient care’ with story, deceased man was cleared of charges – and more resolved complaints from the PCC

Scottish politicians watch industry 'with concern'

Plus: editor hosts Question Time, feature writing course – and more news in brief

Hospital radio journalist takes on might of BBC

Broadcasting shortlist for EDF Energy South West Media 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.