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January 2011 News

Pay offer scuppered strike bid, union reps admit

Newsquest chapels explain reasons for not joining stoppage

Journalists hold charity events to raise £10,000

Funds will be doubled under publisher’s scheme

TV rivals team up for regional media awards gala

Presenters announced for EDF Energy East of England Awards

New role for editor in shake-up at Yorkshire titles

Weekly news chief to get additional responsibilities

Journalist raises £9,000 with 31 runs in a year

Cystic fibrosis sufferer’s races support research on condition

Weekly launches campaign to celebrate its town

Paper will highlight positive stories over coming year

Did weekly paper inspire comedian’s name change?

BBC drama suggests title was behind choice of surname

Journalists call off strike ahead of title’s relaunch

Changes to Sunday title played part in decision by union members

Newspapers’ open justice bid fails

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the media

Strikes begin but NUJ hopes of mass walkout dashed

Only a handful of centres join 48-hour stoppage

New Year heralds further strike action at Newsquest

Chapels set to join co-ordinated protest

Matthew Brown

Matt Brown has been working in the production industry for 9 years. Producing tv shows, commercials and documentaries. He has been a consultant for media development and best use of film and video for various corporations as well as creating targeted video content to develop and improve sales for many different products.

Man jailed for attack on deputy editor

Journalist praises CCTV and emergency response after conviction

Sunday newspaper confirms relaunch as magazine

New-look Scottish title will go on sale this weekend

Media awards launch new categories in 10th year

Journalists in Midlands invited to submit entries

Journalism students’ blog reaches 100,000 hits

Site reports on events from university and further afield

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.