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June 2012 News

Archant boss takes over as Society president

Regional publishing chief to head industry body

Northcliffe completes takeover of Nottingham weekly

The sale of independent weekly the Nottingham and Long Eaton topper to Nottingham Post publisher Northcliffe Media has today been finalised, a month after it was given the go-ahead by competition watchdogs. Despite fears voiced by the National Union of

Hyperlocal news site launches first print edition

Monthly title builds on success of blog

Free weeklies ‘ignored’ in race for Olympic press passes

Only two passes received for papers

Union hopeful of avoiding compulsory job cuts

NUJ says talks with Johnston Press “encouraging”

Weekly admits mistaken identity over ‘headless monkey’

Story corrected after RSPCA investigation

Passion the key says award-winning daily editor

News chief thanks staff and readers following EDF Awards win

Honours shared at EDF Energy South West Awards

All the winners from yesterday’s awards ceremony in Bath

Winners’ gallery from EDF Energy South West Media Awards

Best of the West receive their prizes at Bath ceremony

Journalism student describes horrific sex attack in Cairo

Student determined to return to country despite ordeal

Former journalist turned professor awarded CBE

A former regional press journalist who went on to become a national newspaper editor and is now a university professor has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Ian Hargreaves started his career at the Keighley News

Photographers to boycott Stone Roses gigs in contract row

Photographers are set to boycott three Stone Roses concerts after demands they sign contracts restricting use of their images. Freelance photographer Ian Turton has organised the boycott involving hundreds of snappers who will not attend the band’s three reunion concerts

Plan to outsource jobs to India ‘could be illegal’ says union

Union rep criticises proposals to transfer ad creation teams

Newspaper accused of ‘hounding out’ absent councillor

Editor defends newspaper’s stance

Weekly to move to new offices after 48 years

Title moving to smaller base after printing press closure

On yer bikes, regional publisher tells journalists

Electric bike scheme could be rolled out across country

News Reporter MyLocalNews Hemel Hempstead, closes 10 Feb
Editor Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 6 Feb
Senior Journalist Midland News Association - Express and Star Wolverhampton, closes 10 Jan
Multi-media Journalist Veterinary Business Development Peterborough/Remote, closes 16 Jan

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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.