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August 2011 News

Dyson at Large: Another great, family-owned newspaper

HoldtheFrontPage blogger reviews the Newbury Weekly News

Weekly apologises over inaccurate article

A local newspaper printed an apology following a complaint to the Press Complaints Commission from a former district councillor. Michael Shone, who previously served on Chichester District Council, complained that two articles in Johnston Press weekly title the Chichester Observer had

Possible local TV locations are identified

People in 65 locations will have their say on local TV

Murderer says ‘sorry’ through local paper

Man who killed planning officer writes apology to newspaper

Newspaper prints extra edition as riots spread

Daily prints additional 10,000 copies to cover riots

Managing director of newspaper group resigns

Graham Mead will leave the Kent Messenger Group next month

Seminar will enhance digital journalism skills

Trainers can expand their knowledge on digital journalism

Weekly newspapers generate 24-hour riots coverage

News team work through the night to cover London riots

Compulsory redundancies announced at Welsh titles

Journalists will be jobless within weeks

March of solidarity for striking journalists

Indefinite strike is now in fourth week

Former regional press reporter pens Amy Winehouse biog

Journalist was finishing book when news of singer’s death broke

Journalism course failed to meet NCTJ’s standards

Two courses at NoSweat will not be re-accredited

Phone hacking scandal prompts survey on industry’s future

Online forum gives people chance to debate future of journalism

Newspaper in payout for critic’s untrue gall

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the profession

‘We’re staying’ lottery winners tell local newspaper

Euromillions couple speak exclusively to Scottish weekly title

Exeter daily becomes latest Northcliffe title to go weekly

Devon newspaper to follow in footsteps of sister title

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.