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April 2012 News

News site to launch TV channel and magazine

York company has joined forces with film director

Dyson joins hyperlocal pioneer in workshop venture

Would-be entrepreneurs to be shown how to make print pay

Councillor brands weekly’s FoI requests a ‘waste of money’

Editor hits back at politician’s claims

Bath editor Holliday joins Northcliffe exodus

News chief is eighth senior editorial figure to leave company in past year

Publisher offers lifeline to axed Johnston Press journalists

Newspaperman says there is an opportunity for new titles

Editor quit hyperlocal site ‘because it made no money’

Founder handed running of site to student

JP moves to calm fears over daily-to-weekly switch

No plans to take North West titles weekly say bosses

Public backs local press in traffic orders row

Research shows local newspapers are best way to advertise changes

Editor commissoned tasty treat for town party

Giant cake marked 150 years of resort pier

Northcliffe goes head to head with Archant in Essex town

Gazette series expands to rival’s patch

Archant takes on new MD for magazine division

Archant has taken on a managing director of exhibitions and events for its magazine division. Mike Sherrard has joined Archant Lifestyle to help develop a third route to market, alongside print and digital. Mike’s portfolio will include the Wedding Link

Former national and regional editor dies aged 75

Journalist became newspaper editor at 21

Linklater laments loss of Scotsman boss McLellan

Former news chief praises axed editor’s reign

Third new title for Northamptonshire is launched

Titles aim to bring good news to communities

The Law Column: A political reporter’s brush with the law

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

Shortlists announced for Regional Press Awards

Shortlists for the Society of Editors’ Regional Press Awards celebrating the best of British regional newspaper journalism in 2011 have been announced. A total of 740 entries were received for the awards which will be handed out at an Oscars-style

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.