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September 2011 News

Northcliffe headcount falls by 530 over past year

Revenues down 10pc at regional publisher

Regional press urged to rethink mobile business model

Readers may substitute newspapers for free mobile sites

Weekly donates part of cover price to sick youngster

Cash to help pay for vital treatment

Lovers complain over seafront proposal story

Labour did not bring us together say couple

Community news site expands a decade on

Website started as online notice board

Take Five: Anne Edwards

Norfolk editor takes our quick quiz

Regional daily’s FoI request reveals gourmet treats for prisoners

Flagship title asked for Royal wedding menu

Journalist’s book set for posthumous release 30 years on

Nephew was on a mission to finish book

Reeves to address digital editors’ gathering

Former editor to share tips on starting online businesses

Pub chat led to creation of hyperlocal site

Three friends turn love for area into news site

Journalism students host webcast news bulletin

A group of journalism students have hosted the country’s first nationally syndicated webcast news bulletin. UKToday is collaboration between five journalism departments at universities around the UK. It is hoped the webcast will grow into a national student produced news

Editor slams bird-brained hoaxer

Reader claimed to have seen rare tern

Media passes for Paralympics on offer

Regional papers may have lost out in the race for press passes for the London Olympics – but applications for the Paralympic Games are now open. Applications for passes can be made through the British Paralympic Association website and the

Fire sweeps through weekly newspaper office

It’s business as usual says editor-in-chief

Newspaper’s revelations prompted payouts to care home residents

Council was forced to admit its errors

Decision due on remaining Daily Record jobs

Union fights on to save seven jobs

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.