AddThis SmartLayers

August 2012 News

JP dailies-to-weeklies see large sales rises

Titles post large circulation increases after relaunches

ABC figures: How all the UK weeklies performed

All the circulation figures for UK weekly titles

Circulation down for all UK regional dailies

Print sales down for all UK dalies but website audiences grow

Waters out, Pickover in at EDP as editor roles axed

Regional publisher announces reshuffle of editors

Police under fire for trying to stop journalist tweeting

News editor reported from rooftop drama

Dyson at Large: Print comes before digital on quality weekly

Our blogger praises ‘web-stingy style’ at Guardian

Weekly news chief leaves to take up regional daily role

Job move announced on Twitter

Former journalist honoured for 42 years covering shows

Agricultural editor praised for long service

Publisher’s HQ to be bulldozed under homes plan

New base for company to be constructed

Former press photographer jailed for £84k benefit fraud

Snapper claimed incapacity benefit while working for papers

Parky to speak at NCTJ conference

Sir Michael Parkinson has been announced as the after-dinner speaker at an annual conference run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. The television presenter, who is best known for his long-running Parkinson talk show, will speak at

Council newspaper staff on £47k salary packages, FoI reveals

Weekly title continues to defy Pickles

Tributes paid after death of blind journalist and NUJ activist

67-year-old became member of honour at union

Reporter serves up fish and chips to Top Gear presenters

Regional daily responded to tweets by Clarkson

Cover price slashed for regional daily’s relaunch

New look is part of restructure at Scottish titles

Director at regional publisher sacked for faking sales figures

Executive dismissed a week before starting retirement

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.