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April 2012 News

Former reporter becomes deputy Lord Lieutenant

Honour for retired journalist

Northcliffe boss Auckland takes charge of digital wing

Wowcher split off into separate business unit

Football club denies ban on chief sports writer

Journalist was denied press box tickets

Hat-trick of awards for journalism law students

Cash prize was given for performance in law exam

Complaint over paper’s ‘Nazi salute’ photo rejected

Picture led to man being suspended from job

Editor’s anger at police’s refusal to name dead man

Data Protection Act was citied

PM and prince praise 150-year-old newspaper

Anniversary marked with 16-page supplement

Success for daily newspaper in libel case

Editor gave evidence in court

Former long-serving Welsh newspaper editor dies

Journalist oversaw transformation into modern title

PCC rejects hookah smoker’s complaint over photo

Picture had been taken in shisha cafe

Queen pens message for regional newspapers

Royal seal of approval for Local Newspaper Week

KM Group president remembered at memorial service

Sir Ray Tindle was amongst those paying tribute

Reporter won court challenge over identity of serial killer’s mum

Lawyer wanted details kept private

Reporters felt the heat in fire walking challenge

Brave pair took part in charity event

‘Outstanding’ old-school regional journalist dies

Former assistant editor had been ill for some time

Latest law book for journalists is launched

The latest version of a law book often referred to as the journalists’ bible has been launched. The 21st edition of McNae’s Essential Law for Journalists was launched by Lord Hunt, Chair of the Press Complaints Commission, at a Media

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.