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October 2011 News

Manchester Evening News MD to stand down

Former GMG exec was kept on by new owners

New PR role for former HTFP publisher

Toy retailer appoints comms supremo

Litter bugs are busted with help of weekly title

Readers have been identifying culprits

Journalist’s book proves popular with reporters

Baisc media law guide is aimed at trainees

Boost for open justice in new rules on reporting restrictions

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

SoE launches wide-ranging survey on future of industry

HTFP readers urged to have their say

Perch quits as Leicester Mercury editor

Second high-profile departure from regional group

Journalist wins legal battle after refusing to reveal sources

Newspaper’s lawyers fought legal battle

Fleet Street editor who started out on Welsh daily dies aged 67

Journalist went from hometown paper to Fleet Street fame

Reporter chalks up 40 years on weekly title

Journalist recalls ‘cramped and smoky’ 70s newsroom

Journalist couple complete ‘tough’ charity trek

Married couple hiked Hadrian’s Wall route

Scottish newspaper boss hits out over Olympic passes

Three newspapers and freelance gain accreditation

Police powers will be focus of free seminar

A seminar on police powers will be held by the London Photographers’ branch of the National Union of Journalists next month. The free event in London on 17 November will cover police powers of arrest, detention and seizure for journalists

Finalists for Wales’ top bloggers revealed

People have until 21 October to vote

Council leader quits amid claims of newspaper ‘harassment’

Politician claimed ‘vendetta of grudges’

‘Hugely respected’ sports journalist dies aged 82

Reporter landed Clough-Taylor scoop

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.