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May 2012 News

More jobs set to go at Johnston Press weeklies

Five posts under threat in fresh reorganisation

Oakley responds to Dyson questions over SoE speech

Bimingham Mail overnight debate was “cosmetic” says former editor

Newsagents launch legal challenge against watchdog

Federation has joined forces with retail group

Tindle increases stake in Johnston Press to 8pc

Full takeover would be ‘wonderful, but not possible’

Citizen journalists to be paid in Northcliffe video venture

Company’s digital sector has signed new deal

Late edition for city daily as fire claims children’s lives

Second special in seven days for Midlands title

Five minutes to midnight: Chris Oakley’s speech in full

Former editor-turned-owner gives his view on industry crisis

Dyson at Large: A few questions for Chris Oakley

Former Birmingham Mail editor puts former company boss on spot

Oakley: Time has run out for regional dailies

Former editor in ‘Del Boy’ jibe at Highfield

Print still has a future say hyperlocal pioneers

Print products offer advertisers better deal than web says editor

New panel will examine future of newspapers in Wales

Minister spoke of ‘grave concerns’ for industry

Author who started career as local reporter dies aged 83

Journalist started out in industry in 1950s

Weekly newspapers in fight to save hospital wards

Campaigns created after NHS announced review

Sports reporter to join celebrities on epic cycle challenge

Journalist will inteview football manager along the way

Trinity Mirror sees fall in revenue for regional titles

Company predicts further decline

NS president: ‘Local papers will come through’

Speech formed part of visit to newspaper group

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.