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December 2011 News

Journalism training body launches mobile site

Advice for future journalists is at their fingertips

Editor reflects on how paper covered horrific killings

News team pulled together to report tragedy

Dyson at Large: Fine weekly soothes din of Christmas closures

HTFP blogger enjoys good read alongside roaring fire and fish and chips

Decision on future of Kent titles expected next month

Collapsed deal has had knock-on effect

Citizen journalists ‘may harm emergency services’

Expert airs concerns ahead of Olympics

Journalist’s book reveals benefits of blogging

Ex editor ‘blogs for happiness’

Changes introduced to Editor’s Code

Critical adjudications should be used in full says code committee

Journalists help convict killer for third time

Re-trial in France for 1999 murder

Regional daily reveals huge cost of hoax calls

Scam callers waste time and money

Quartet of top NCE performers are recognised

Top senior reporters are awarded

Company’s finest honoured at O2 Arena

Recognition for Archant staff

Regional daily calls on football boss to go

Home defeat is ‘last straw’ says paper in front-page editorial

Solider’s story told in journalist’s book

A Scottish writer and journalist has written a book telling the story of a World War Two soldier. Roger Hutchinson, a former journalist at West Highland Free Press in Sky, has written The Silent Weaver: The Extraordinary Life of Angus MacPhee The

Editor axed at South Coast daily after 13 years in chair

Newspaperman was at helm of title for 13 years

Daily joins workers to urge Cameron to save jobs

Campaign has gained pace

Council complained about weekly’s asbestos story

Matter was resolved through letter

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.