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January 2012 News

Cable praises newspapers’ growth fund role

Business secretary ‘overwhelmed’ by businesses’ enthusiasm

Facebook and Twitter may escape regulation – Leveson

Inquiry chairman ponders exclusion for social networking sites

Newspaper leads fight to secure future of its region

North East title launches ambitious campaign

Future of Johnston Press is ‘beyond print’ says Highfield

Chief executive reveals reason behind appointment

Young reporter’s talent caught publisher’s eye

Love story is due to hit shelves

Newspaper team prove they are fit for 2012

Editors and reporters will tot up their mileage

Race will remember journalist who lost life to leukaemia

People encouarged to become blood donors

Club invites entries for Midlands Press Awards

Journalists in the Midlands have until 10 February to enter an awards ceremony hosted by the Birmingham Press Club. The Midlands Media Awards 2012 will be held at Edgbaston, the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, on 15 March. There

Letter to newspaper could hold key to murder probe

Case to be featured on BBBC’s Crimewatch

Agency’s report led to complaint against newspaper

Inquest story contained a number of errors

Daily newspaper in fight to save paid lollipop ladies

Move is part of local council’s budget cuts

Regional daily columnist ‘still proud to be a journalist’

Former TV presenter in impassioned defence of trade

Plight of regional press is cause for concern – PA editor

Agency boss gives evidence to standards inquiry

Amnesty International’s journalism awards open for entry

Amnesty International has launched its annual Media Awards to find the best human rights journalists in the industry. The awards are in their 20th year and aim to recognise the breadth and quality of human rights reporting across newspaper, magazine,

Weekly newspaper goes online-only after 137 years

Title launched in the 1800s

Essex journalists to stage three-day strike

Industrial action will begin next week.

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.