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January 2011 News

New edition of Scottish media law book published

Publication praised by McNae’s co-editor

Clegg to address regional political journalists

Conference annual lunch to take place later this month

Cash-strapped councils scrap free magazines

Publications can no longer be afforded by authorities

Reporter pulled off court case in gagging order row

Judges ‘protecting people who injure children’

Weekly editor recognised in company awards

Journalist who ‘lives and breathes’ her newspaper is praised

Publisher buys 50pc stake in group-buying website

Deal will see promotion of offers in company’s publications

Publisher backs new multimedia journalism course

University will welcome first students later this year

Training bursaries on offer to budding journalists

Students could get financial help to attend NCTJ courses

Cabinet minister backs newspaper’s openness drive

Campaign wins unsolicited plaudits from top politician

University creates video animation of media base

Students will move to new facility this autumn

Publisher to redevelop old printing plant as offices

Company signs joint venture partnership over city centre site

Former Newsquest editor joins striking journalists

Former Newsquest editor gave his backing to striking journalists.

Mercury ‘trousers’ our top funnies prize

Midlands daily triumphs in our annual poll

Newsquest pay offer extended following strike

Southampton latest centre to benefit from thaw in pay freeze

Sam Weir B.A

I’ve reported from Afghanistan and Zimbabwe among other nations and have a track record of producing quality work in high pressure and hostile environments. I graduated from Auckland University in 2008 with a double major in political science and media. I’ve written features and reports for a number of publications and I’m now looking to make the progression into a staff role in news media (print or television). I’m a hard working and determined journalist with an eye for a story.

Deputy editor to carry out trek in friend’s memory

Journalist hopes to raise £500 after tragic car crash

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.