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January 2011 News

Scottish titles show continued sales decline

Sunday title is best-performing north of border

No let-up on ‘town hall Pravdas’ say ministers

Government rejects calls from MPs to water-down code

Mirror man turned weekly editor dies aged 83

Journalist worked for many newspapers during 40-year career

News editor named group’s top journalist

Company-wide ceremony honours best staff

Regionals tops for political coverage says Clegg

Deputy premier highlights “trust” in local media

Union calls for halt to cuts after Furbisher quits

NUJ says new editor should be appointed before talks continue

Newspaper boss questions publicly-funded TV

John Fry against long-term subsidy of network

Newsquest staff ‘asked to take unpaid leave’

Move affects titles in certain regions as publisher cuts costs

Publisher signs deal with property website

A property platform run by regional publisher Archant will be powered by property search and information website Zoopla after the companies signed a deal. Archant’s online property channel homes24.co.uk will be operated by Zoopla from March under a partnership which

Editor meets CPS for clarity on contempt laws

News chief fears local press under more pressure than nationals

Editor meets with CPS for clarity on contempt laws

News chief fears local press under more pressure than nationals

News editor named publisher’s top journalist

Company-wide ceremony honours best staff

Colleague’s death inspires reporter’s charity run

30-mile challenge will see journalist visit four football clubs

Weekly launches bid to keep the lights on

Title fears council cuts would make roads more dangerous

Dyson at Large: Mad bull killing and worn-out cows

Our blogger heads way out west for latest review

Regional daily editor in shock departure

Move brings to an end 25 years working for Johnston Press

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.