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March 2012 News

Bush trimmers’ gift to headline writer

Since this Northampton Chronicle and Echo headline is almost certainly deliberate, it technically doesn’t qualify as a media gaffe – but we thought it nevertheless deserved inclusion in our funnies file! Click here to read the full unexpurgated story.

Regional daily banned by football club

Ban follows ‘weeks of childish screw-tightening’ says paper

Mel Cook named as new Nottingham Post editor

Promotion for news chief who oversaw daily-to-weekly switch

Jobs go as rebranded weekly is axed after 12 months

Final curtain for weekly title after 152 years

Daily newspaper in mobile scooter safety drive

Reporter called buggy experience ‘terrifying’

Police press offices are ‘barrier to information’ say editors

Regional newsmen give evidence at Leveson Inquiry

Dyson bangs gong for print-first strategy

Companion websites carry only what has been in the paper

Star goes broadsheet to mark Kate’s visit

Kate asks for copy of eight-page special

Journalist’s book set to be a hit with tourists

Newspaper keen on promoting local attractions

Irish Post signs deal with rugby club

The Irish Post is to become the official media partner to the London Irish Rugby Football Club. The partnership has been forged to build a closer relationship between supporters of London Irish – who play their home games at Reading

Newspaper apologises over ‘Dunblane’ headline

Round-up of recently-resolved PCC cases

Data journalism will be focus of May seminar

Integrating data journalism skills into training will be the focus of a one-day seminar in May. Organised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists the seminar on 25 May will include demonstrations from industry professionals, as well as covering

Scottish journalist ‘was prime suspect in blagging probe’

Former police officer spoke to Sunday Herald

Afghanistan veteran swapped army life for journalism

Ex Lance Corporal wins Stamford Bridge placement

Local contacts pay off as Berkshire weekly scoops nats

Newspaper lands interview with £1m punter

Newspaper faces boycott calls on Facebook

Row follows axeing of paper boys and girls

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.