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December 2009 News

Winners of student shorthand competition revealed

New book on its way to Teeline champions

Crime correspondent achieves unusual double

Photographer ditched camera to become wordsmith

Book editor guides ex-MP round city for BBC show

Trinity man shows Portillo delights of all things Scouse

Long-serving journalist and columnist dies aged 75

Plus: New rule in photo competition and more news in brief

Editorial director joins NCTJ board

Plus: Gathering to defend street photography and more news in brief

MBE for 'fantastic role model' reporter and trainer

Also, honour for long-serving Northern Ireland court reporter

Journalists invited to New Year reunion

Former Scots hacks encouraged to meet up with old friends

Business journalism loses 'man of great integrity'

Keen traveller was awarded honorary citizenship of US state

Campaigning news editor crowned publisher's best

‘First class journalist’ among winners at Archant awards

Business editor and columnist loses cancer battle

Journalist chronicled fight with disease in weekly column

Court raps UK for threat to journalists' sources

Ruling could ease worry over forced disclosure of contacts

Publisher announces third bid for TV news project

Trinity Mirror completes submissions for regional news scheme

Council's plans to cease local press notices

Newsletter could be registered as newspaper with more editions

MEN reverses part paid-for distribution tactics

City daily will be given away only twice a week

Regional daily carries pages from rival title

Festive mix-up at printing plant could become ‘collectors’ item’

Press publishers join ITN bid for news pilot project

Newsquest and JP backed by Melvyn Bragg in battle for news scheme

Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Lead – Chief Media Officer  Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Senior Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communication Planning Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Manager NCTJ Saffron Walden, closes 26 Sep
Press Photographer North News and Pictures Newcastle, closes 13 Sep
PR Consultant Aberfield Communications Leeds, closes 6 Sep

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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.