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January 2012 News

Midlands weeklies celebrate RSPCA campaign success

Weeklies appealed on behalf of unwanted pets

Accolade for former Scottish weekly editor

Award winner has been journalist for 35 years

Newspaper’s correction over mis-quote

Woman complained about article’s accuracy

Regional daily puts together front page on Twitter

Readers asked for views via social networking platform

Welsh MP calls for curbs on ‘bonkers’ FoI requests

A Welsh MP has called on the UK Government to tighten rules surrounding Freedom of Information requests in a bid to curb ‘bonkers’ requests. Simon Hart, Conservative MP for Carmathen West and South , made the calls following a list of

Family in dispute with hospital over journalist’s death

Claims that former reporter was ‘left to starve’

Journalist reveals police forces failing to meet FoI laws

Some constabularies falling short of deadline

Former weekly newspaper owner dies aged 89

Managing director bought paper along with editor

Lottery funding boost for charity newspaper

A free newspaper for the health and disability sector has received £10,000 in lottery funding. All Together Now! has been awarded the grant from the Big Lottery’s Awards For All Scheme and it will enable more copies of the title to be

Scottish daily to move to morning sale

Evening newspaper to be printed overnight

Ex-journalist’s death linked to Stepping Hill probe

Former news editor was among patients whose drips were poisoned

Fitzpatrick elected NUJ deputy general secretary

Head of publishing scores first ballot win

Tributes to former Midlands weekly editor

Newspaperman spent 30 years on regional titles

Campaigning weekly welcomes drug-driving review

Minister has praised newspaper’s efforts

Government takes out smoke alarm ads in local papers

The government is launching an advertising campaign across more than 130 local newspapers next month highlighting the importance of fitting smoke alarms. The Central Office of Information will launch its Fire Kills campaign next month using Featurelink – a platform

Weekly helps kit out retreat for sick youngsters

Readers donated thousands of pounds

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.