AddThis SmartLayers

May 2012 News

Tributes to former weekly editor found dead at home

Journalist of 40 years was a ‘thoroughly decent chap’

Award number three for regional business journalist

Business writer’s features impressed

Union passes no confidence vote in bosses over job cuts

Five jobs to go at weekly newspaper group

Dyson at Large: Poor splash choice for free weekly

HTFP blogger finds Gazette’s front page a yawn

Daily print publishing will remain our focus – E&S boss

News chief reaffirms faith in newspapers in live Q&A

Decision on Topper newspaper takeover delayed again

A ruling by the Office of Fair Trading on whether Northcliffe Media has been successful in its attempts to purchase an independent weekly newspaper has been delayed for the second time. Last August HTFP reported that the regional newspaper publisher wanted to acquire

Local newspapers will rise again says retiring editor

Weekly news chief set to bow out after five decades

Regional daily editor moves on after seven weeks in job

Three editorships in as many months for Gazette boss

Dailies overturn ruling in false rape claim case

Court reporter challenges restrictive order

Newspaper apologies over drugs death report

Round-up of recent PCC cases involving regional newspapers

Photographer pens regional daily’s splash

Exclusive interview yields rare front-page byline

Editors to report to publishing director in shake-up

Regional publisher creates senior editorial role

Portakabin Police strike at Midlands weekly

This paragraph in a list of recent planning applications may seem innocuous enough but it landed the editor in hot water with the police – the Portakabin Police, that is. Andy Rush, editor of the Loughborough Echo received a letter

Former Olympic swimmer’s message for local newspapers

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE has spoken of local newspapers giving vital publicity to upcoming sports stars in a message for Local Newspaper Week. Said Sharron: “Even before I started competing as a professional swimmer at the age of eleven,

Places still available at data journalism seminar

There is still time to book a place on a data journalism seminar which is being held by the National Council for the Training of Journalists this week. The event takes place on Friday 25 May at Bloomberg in London

Editor accused of gagging readers over weekly switch

Former journalist hits out over Johnston Press changes

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.