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April 2012 News

Teacher turned journalist pens first book

Story inspired by Second World War

Midlands newspapers launched the old fashioned way

News vendors descended on towns

Police investigate newspaper’s ‘gypsy’ billboard

Somerset councillor made complaint

Tindle acquires nine more newspapers in south west

No jobs will be lost as result of takeover

Long-serving member of newspaper team has died

Managing director paid tribute to friend

Thousands logged onto regional daily’s online fuel map

Newspaper gave regular petrol station updates

Reporting pals pounded streets for trio of charities

Journalists took on half marathon

App launch for newspaper that boasts massive web hits

Free trial is available on north east title’s iPhone app

Block Sly Bailey’s bonus to save jobs, say union

Newspaper group shareholders will be asked to approve changes

Regional newspaper boss hints at name change

Johnston Press could become ‘Johnston’

Former newspaper photographer loses leukaemia battle

Town stalwart was diagnosed just weeks ago

Daily runs second jobs scheme after smashing target

Youngsters will be helped into work

Welsh weekly in search for new columnist

Sample columns put to public vote

Traditional dishes key ingredient for journalist’s book

Proceeds will go to children’s charity

Journalist steps up to challenge to raise £1,000

Charity dance contest was success

New editor appointed at Evening Standard

Sarah Sands has been appointed as editor of the London Evening Standard. The newspaper’s former deputy editor takes over from Geordie Greig who last month announced his departure to the Mail on Sunday. Ian Walker has been promoted to senior

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.