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August 2012 News

Regional daily in launch of new edition

Paper aims to reflect distinct communities

New app helps budding reporters choose courses

Budding reporters could be guided in choosing the right journalism course for them with the launch of a new iPhone app. Chris Gaynor has launched the Journalism Course Finder app to help people narrow down the best course options for them, with most of

Former sub who spent 50 years at daily dies aged 75

Journalist joined paper as teenage copy boy

Journalists’ trek raises £1,500 for paper’s hospice appeal

Deputy PM sponsors team

Three regional publishers in partnership to run local TV

Former daily editor also submits application

Belfast Telegraph sees sales fall by 9.2pc

Irish ABC figures published

Regional daily’s offices at centre of man’s suicide bid

Man unharmed after four hour police operation

Spark of wisdom from Kent

Most people knew about the dangers of mixing fire and petrol but this story on KentOnline, the website of the Kent Messenger, provides a timely reminder to any readers not aware of the risks.

Reporter tries wheelchair sport ahead of Paralympics

Journalist trains with basketball team for feature

Lecturer launches research into ‘silly season’

Journalists invited to take part in survey

Prize awarded in memory of budding journalist

Former student died suddenly at age of 21

Society of Editors appoints new research assistant

The Society of Editors has appointed a former journalism student as its new research assistant. Claire Meadows joins the SoE after just completing a fast-track course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists at Liverpool Community College.

Tributes paid after sports sub loses cancer fight at 57

Journalist known as ‘voice of youth football’

Former local press reporter lands Sinead scoop

Singer gives rare one-to-one interview

Union wins recognition across Trinity Mirror’s English titles

The National Union of Journalists now has collective bargaining rights across Trinity Mirror titles in England after a chapel in the North West gained recognition. The union said Trinity Mirror Chester was previously the only subsidiary of the company without

Law Column: Bad joke news day? Well, maybe not

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

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.