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March 2011 News

Publisher in partial U-turn on print jobs axe

Some posts saved following consultation process

‘Town hall pravda’ clampdown set to become law

Government limits on council newspapers clear Parliament

Island broadsheet to switch to tabloid

Reader demand forced change of format says editor

New edition of Scottish media law book published

Publication praised by McNae’s co-editor

Journalism student stands in local elections

20-year-old flies banner for Labour in ‘safe’ Tory seat

Handcuffed photographer wins police apology

Force admits it failed to respect freedom of the press

Free Press scoops Miliband wedding announcement

Labour leader chooses local weekly to reveal marriage plans

Community newswire to be axed due to cuts

Service enables people to get stories in national and regional press

News editor in marathon effort for water charity

Journalist aims to raise £1,500 for good cause

Access-row council reporter interviews himself

Council ducks offer to inspect journalist’s notes

Paper launches £1m appeal for children’s ward

Title has set two-year target for biggest campaign

Scotsman to host leaders’ election debate

Party bosses to hold four-way discussion at newspaper’s offices

Tindle to launch another new community newspaper

South London the base for entrepreneur’s latest venture

Newspaper helps launch apprentice contest

Project with college allows new jobs to be created

Telegraph up for double at North-West awards

Record entry for regional media contest

Libel reform – what’s in it for the regional press?

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

The i Paper Talent Scheme DMG Media London, closes 20 Dec
Senior Insight and Evaluation Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Marketing Manager – Marketing, Campaigns and Internal Communications Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Editor Agence France Presse Hong Kong, closes 31 Dec
Senior PR Executive Strand PR Barkway, Hertfordshire, closes 19 Dec
Editor Prolific North Flexible Working, Hybrid Working, Manchester, closes 29 Nov
Corporate Investigations Researcher / Senior Researcher RLM Advisory Fully Remote, closes 4 Dec

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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.