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January 2012 News

Cut out ‘boring’ fillers and focus on quality, says Sands

Former editor’s hard-hitting message to industry

Public debate on impact of phone hacking scandal

The National Union of Journalists is staging a public debate on the phone hacking scandal and its impact on the profession. The event entitled “The Phone-Hacking Scandal: Journalism on Trial?” will take place at Coventry University London Campus, London E1,

New look for newspaper of four decades

A weekly newspaper in Bristol that was founded 40 years ago has been given a new look. The Bristol Observer has been given a re-design which is aimed at being more appealing to both readers and advertisers. The re-designed newspaper

Tributes to ‘great journalist’ who lost cancer battle at 52

Friends will raise a glass to mother and wife

Reporters gain recognition at region’s awards

Annual ceremony is run by brewery

Editor welcomes PCC ruling over mayor’s complaint

Press watchdog found in paper’s favour

Newspaper aims to save lives with organ donor campaign

Editor is calling for change in Scottish law

Journalist aims to raise £1,000 following brain surgery

Epilepsy charities will benefit from events

Take Five: Neil Speight

Essex weekly editor answers the questions

Not such a mystery after all, then

The Belper News excelled itself in the funnies’ stakes with its launch of a new ‘mystery photograph’ feature designed to test readers’ knowledge of their local patch. Anyone wanting to know the location of the church bell-tower depicted need only

Weekly newspaper fights gagging order on drunk driver

Editorial hits out at ‘peep show pantomime’

Midlands daily calls for ‘safer’ town following stabbing

Anti-knife message will be taken to schools

Journalist pips national rivals to win health prize

Reporter’s operations report won him £500

Industry regulators to take stand at Leveson Inquiry

Industry regulators are set to take centre stage at next week’s session of the Leveson Inquiry with representatives of the Press Complaints Commission and Ofcom among those giving evidence. Stepehen Abell, the current director of the PCC, will give evidence

Newsroom in shock at journalist’s sudden death

Editors in tribute to popular colleague

Oscars-style ceremony for 2012 Regional Press Awards

Ex MEN-editor Horrocks to become chair of judges

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.