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February 2012 News

Joy of six for ‘brilliant’ investigative reporter

All the winners from the EDF Energy East of England Awards

Editor to play predecessor in Titanic musical

Campaigning newspaperman died in shipping tragedy

Newspaper reprinted after sex offender photo mix-up

Hundreds of copies of weekly recalled

Photos from New Year project go on show in Mayfair

Regional press photographer’s January 1 project enters ninth year

Seminar will see launch of new Essential Law book

The latest edition of a law book that is used so regularly by journalists that it is often referred to as ‘the Bible’ will be launched next month. The 21st edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists will be launched at

Regional newspaper office hit by three-hour power cut

Journalists at the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times were hit by a three-hour power cut this morning. Phone lines, e-mail and the internet at the Archant-owned titles were down for three hours before a temporary generator was put

Morse bounces back again as editor of Irish Post

Experienced newspaperman proud to take on role

Editor hits out at ‘questionable’ crash pic ruling

Compliant over photo was upheld

‘Last Johnston’ in talks over future

Three senior executive roles under threat at publisher

Arts columnist for regional daily dies aged 76

Former reporter continued arts column

Scottish publisher launches discount deals website

A newspaper and magazine publisher based in Scotland has launched an online deals website. Dundee-based Thomson & Co Ltd has created www.beezerdeals.com, a discount website offering deals on products and services from restaurants and hotels, to beauty treatments, car MOT’s,

Austin takes on nationals in Foot award battle

Regional press man up against some of industry’s biggest names

Newspaper marks 50 years since it made history

Local title led way in colour printing

Former editor praises care he received after heart attack

Yorkshire news chief spent time in intensive care

Editor to stage fruity charity challenge on beach

Event will raise funds for Paralympic hopeful

Axed assistant editor lands top role at Bahamas daily

Journalist heads off to warmer climes

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.