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May 2009 News

Row erupts over far-right group's newspaper ads

‘Not for us to cast judgement’ say managers

Google backs regional press over merger rules

Internet giant makes submission to OFT

Editor bids farewell after company shake-up

News chief leaves after three decades in the hot seat

Weekly editor receives top Rotary Club accolade

Newspaper helped raise £30,000 in past year

Reporting trio take to road for motorway marathon

Journalists plan journey to 44 stadiums in one weekend

The frontier between privacy and publicity

Our fortnightly round-up of legal issues facing the profession

One-time screen rivals to compere awards

EDF Energy South West Media prizes to be handed out next month

Echo editor's star turn at Anfield

Plus: Legendary industrial editor dies, petition over protecting sources – and more news in brief

Tributes paid to long-serving lensman

Photographer spent 43 years on one paper

'You're fired' says weekly newspaper boss

Free press editor becomes Sir Alan for the day

Company 'drops compulsory redundancy threat'

Union members refused to take part in selection process

Weekly paper does its bit to beat the jams

Gazette opens car park to the public to combat gridlock

Carnival queen could be a king

A village in south-west England has been suffering a recruitment crisis for its annual carnival. Not enough women applied to be the carnival queen in the village of Stickler, Cornwall, so crossing-dressing men are now being invited to see if

'Ello 'ello 'ello – I've got me eye on YouTube

Devon and Cornwall Police appear to be the first in the UK to use YouTube to catch a criminal. The force has posted CCTV images of a suspect it is seeking for an alleged assault in April 2009. So have

Local reporter beats nationals to writing award

Wandsworth Guardian hack named Journalist of the Year

New site aims to help journalists find case studies

Most regional news agencies sign up to new service

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.