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December 2009 News

Axed former deputy editor in weekly comeback

New editor-in-chief appointed for Surrey and Sussex titles

Rival publishers do battle over TV licence bid

Latest consortium throws hat in ring for news pilot project

Subbing hub on hold after 'massive' staff opposition

JP halts new plans for weeklies in light of workers’ concerns

Robbers nailed after daily prints CCTV pics

Evening Post appeal sees five men admit robbery and fraud

Former journalist and PR man loses cancer battle

Midlands reporter also spent many years as charity fundraiser

Regional press chaplain dies at Copenhagen summit

Priest cycled to Danish capital to join conference protests

Ruling saves millions in local press ad revenues

Councils must continue using local papers for planning notices

Tindle unveils latest newspaper acquisition

Publisher extends his circulation area in South West

News leads way as awards shortlist unveiled

All the nominations for the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards

Johnston Press extends pay freeze for six months

Company says it hopes to award pay rises by summer

Politicians 'damaging our industry' says Scotsman ed

New plans to allow local councils to advertise online only

Christmas poll: Choose your favourite press funny of 2009

On HoldtheFrontPage today we are running our nominations for the Top Ten Friday Funnies of 2009, featuring the very best in UK press cock-ups, bizarre news judgements, unintentional double entendres and sheer silliness from the past 12 months. Now we

November NCE: What the judges said

Full run-down of examiners’ comments on each of the four papers

Pass rate tops 50pc for November NCE

Number of trainees entering exam up 35pc in 2009

Top trainees scoop 'best in class' prizes

Quartet recognised for performance in latest NCEs

Steve Dyson to launch new regional press blog

Outgoing editor to write for HoldtheFrontPage

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.