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February 2011 News

Council faces calls to axe six-a-year newspaper

Number of issues could be cut under budget proposals

Midlands daily editor steps up to management role

News chief gains new job as part of Newsquest restructure

Regional daily reporter puts rapist behind bars

Journalist uncovered crucial evidence

Editor defends revelations on health complaints

Regional daily publishes allegations against hospitals

Editors form greeting team ahead of Olympics

News chiefs from county prepare to welcome visiting journalists

Access to information likely to get easier – QC

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the profession

Paper’s campaign saves retirement homes from axe

MP praises regional daily after successful drive

Two broadsheet titles merge to form tabloid

Move comes after editor appointed last month

Editor launches rival to former newspaper

New title to be launched after advertising deal won

Former photographer achieves sailing ambition at 71

Gunfire, gales and hard graft’ experienced on voyage

Pickles presses on with curbs on council papers

Four-a-year limit for authorities under revised code

‘Bad taste’ adverts row leads to new paper launch

Unconventional estate agent starts own weekly title

Entries open for new-look Regional Press Awards

Dedicated website set up for UK-wide event

First reporter at plane crash scene dies at 63

Former journalist worked for regional daily for 37 years

PA strikes deal on user-generated photos

The Press Association has agreed a ‘landmark’ deal with citizen journalism service Demotix to distribute user-generated photos. It has signed a deal with Demotix to distribute its photos in the UK and Ireland, which will increase the exposure of its

Editor’s job swap lets apprentice choose splash

News chief trades places to boost paper’s campaign

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.