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August 2012 News

Tributes paid to former journalists’ union chief

Former broadcaster covered Krays and Ripper cases

Regional journalism, Aussie-style

We’re not sure any UK regional newspapers would use this headline from Australia’s Northern Territory News, still less the colourful comments from the gentleman involved, but it’s nevertheless interesting to see how things are done down under.

Sponsor announced for Journalism Skills Conference

A sponsor has been announced for an annual conference run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Invest in Nottingham is supporting the Journalism Skills Conference which takes place in the city on 28 and 29 November and

Men convicted over robbery witnessed by reporter

Journalist took photo of vehicle used in offence

Six-month delay for new thrice-weekly newspaper

Staff defections disrupt plans for new title

Former EDP veteran laments loss of editor

News chief may have faced pressure to make cuts

NUJ backs council paper staff amid £47k salary claims

Editor stands by story despite union criticisms

New law aims to improve access to council meetings

Hyperlocal journalists given same rights as regional press

HMV boss to take over as Trinity Mirror chief

Publisher confirms appointment of Sly Bailey’s successor

New editor for JP daily-turned-weekly

Former news chief moves on to group design role

Regional daily moves to new offices after 25 years

Newspaper to remain in town centre

Archant ABC figures delayed after sales faking scandal

Circulation auditing not completed on time

Reporter wins prize after covering car with newspaper

Dog wears themed party hat for event

Just 14 paid-for weeklies record sales increases

Editor welcomes boost in figures

Big audience growth for regional newspaper websites

Latest user stats for newspapers’ online platforms

ABC figures: How each regional daily performed

All UK dailies post circulation drop

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.