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July 2009 News

MP's concern as political journalist faces axe

Former Lib-Dem leader voices fears over quality

More subs jobs to go in North-East and Yorkshire

Publisher confirms fresh centralised subbing plans

Photography campaign to counter stop and search

Plus: Final tee for sports writer, latest challenge for daring reporter – and more news in brief

Merseyside dailies launch new digital TV studio

Post and Echo take ‘big leap forward’ with online project

Friday Funnies: Paper goes nuclear over swine flu

Plus: Residents buzz off from fire, when chips go mental – and more media funnies

Strike action ballot at another Trinity Mirror title

Middlesbrough NUJ members fight against job cuts plan

Judging line-up for media awards unveiled

Deadline in EDF Energy contest extended by week

PA pilot 'will not replace local media'

Agency still seeking funding for reporting pilot

Second quarter ad revenues slump at Newsquest

But parent company remains upbeat about outlook

Council newspaper plans come under fresh scrutiny

Authority’s ‘crazy proposal’ goes before special meeting

Newspaper goody bags spark graffiti spree

Graffiti daubed after publisher sold papers and paint

The case of the disappearing story comments

Earlier this year, HoldtheFrontPage ran a piece about a weekly paper in Kent which had published a story about a mum-of-three complaining that the local shops had run out of custard. It provoked a lively debate, both on HTFP and

Developer buys up newspapers' old home

‘Landmark’ complex promised for former offices

Welsh daily signs up to sponsor local club

Swans to carry Evening Post logo on players’ kit

Loosen your belt while tightening it

As people tighten their belts, certain luxuries go out the window. New stats reveal that one in four diners will visit a restaurant only if it is offering some form of discount. So what are restaurants and bars doing on

Graduating but not working

A typically depressing statistic from the recession which is gripping the UK throughout 2009 is the lack of jobs for university graduates. According to research, there are almost 50 university leavers fighting it out for every job – up from

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.