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February 2012 News

Dates for Local Newspaper Week announced

Local Newspaper Week, the annual campaign to raise awareness of the strengths of local newspapers, will be held during the week of 21-27 May. In the run up to the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics it will highlight how local

Regional publisher creates communications role

A brand and communications manager has been appointed at the Midland News Association, publisher of Britain’s best selling regional newspaper the Express & Star. Chris Leggett, who has been the MNA’s electronic editor in charge of online content since 2006,

North-West weekly wins fight to name teen convict

Judge agreed to overturn order

Campaign victory for Midlands daily as factory is saved

Editor flew to Berlin in personal plea to company

Regional daily ups supplements to eight a week

Publications aimed at sports fans

Double success for reporter on Scottish daily

Chief reporter won two awards

West Midlands daily fought gran’s case and won

NHS will now fund £15,000 surgery

Independent weekly launches new edition

Title first launched 145 years ago

A Goode man and true

Every so often we publish a story on HoldtheFrontPage – usually a retirement story or an obituary – which reveals the depth of affection in which some journalists are held by their former colleagues. Such an example is Alan Goode,

Weekly newspaper intruded into grief rules watchdog

Critical ruling over suicide report

PCC director quits role after two years

Complaints watchdog chief to move to PR

Daily newspaper saves school crossing patrols

Campaign was success within weeks

Journalist to give politicians lesson in social media

Council invite prompted by budget story

Take Five: Bob Bounds

Kent weekly news chief answers the questions

New editor appointed for Bucks weeklies

News chief moves over from independent publisher

Press Association appoints technology officer to board

National news agency the Press Association has appointed a chief technology officer to its main board for the first time in history. PA says the appointment of Andrew Dowsett underlines its commitment to driving technology-led innovation and new product development.

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.