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June 2011 News

Journalists’ union supports public sector strikes

Members of the National Union of Journalists have shown their support to public sector workers on strike by joining them on the picket line. On his last day in the job, general secretary Jeremy Dear encouraged union members to support the strikes staged

Would-be journalists offered free course places

Would-be journalists in Ireland are being encouarged to apply for a free course at Belfast Metropolitan College. The college is thought to be the only one in Europe where the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ National Diploma is available free

Twitter launches online guide for journalists

Microblogging site Twitter has launched a new online guide for journalists to help them maximise their use of the website. Twitter for Newsrooms aims to provide information so that journalists can find sources and publish stories faster. It claims that Twitter

New industry boss follows in family footsteps

KM Group chief becomes third-generation NS president

Pickles threatens court action over ‘town hall pravdas’

Councils still flouting guidlines by printing own newspapers

Editor in personal plea to save thousands of local jobs

Newspaper fights ‘outrageous’ decision on train contract

Daily’s court challenge sees parents of truants named

Reporter and editor joined forces to overturn Section 39 order

Union launches campaign to ‘save local newspapers’

Campaign arose out of recent stoppage

Journalist’s book inspired by South Coast weekly days

Former regional press reporter used first job as inspiration for novel

Reporter lands newsdesk role after three years

The Scarborough Evening News has appointed a new deputy head of content in the shape of 23-year-old Laura Crothers, pictured left. Joining the Johnston Press-owned title in February 2008 after passing her NCTJ preliminary exams at Darlington College, Laura was quickly made business

New website to focus on London business

A new website about London businesses is to be launched in the first of what is expected to become a global series. LondonLovesBusiness will be launched in September and is the creation of publishing entrepreneurs Graham Sherren and Mike Bokaie,

London strike halted following ‘successful’ talks

Staff who leave in next six months will be replaced

Scotland’s papers ‘simply not good enough’ says website boss

Journailst in bid to ‘save Scottish journalism’

Dyson at Large – Cleaning up on the mess of life

HoldtheFrontPage blogger Steve Dyson reviews the Swindon Advertiser following the resignation of editor Dave King

College launches revamped press photography course

Compacted new course will make it more financially viable

Editor responds to ‘discontent’ over power adverts

Energy ads ‘contradict’ campaign against pylon plans

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.