AddThis SmartLayers

August 2012 News

Trainees not getting enough help say examiners

July NCE: NCTJ chief examiners report in full

Weekly journalist scores double success in NCE

July NCE: Reporter wins awards for news report and logbook

News agency boss wins apology from BT

Series of bungles left journalists without phoneline

Editors to survey state of journalism training

HTFP readers urged to have their say

Former weekly editor publishes book of writing tips

Guide aimed at budding journalists and novelists

Pickles to meet industry leaders over council freesheets

NS redoubles calls for faster action on town hall pravdas

Cat purr-fects Usain Bolt impression

Not a media funny in the classical sense of the term…but full marks to Brighton’s Argus for coming up with what one regional editor described as the best story of the Olympics so far.

Online editor quits to head referendum campaign

Journalist joins drive for Scottish independence

Northcliffe poaches new ad director from MNA

A new advertising director has been appointed for a group of Northcliffe-owned weeklies in the Midlands. Andrew Robinson, currently deputy advertising director at Express and Star publisher the Midland News Association in Wolverhampton, will take up the role at Central

Local press criticised over 2011 riots coverage

‘Few examples of good practice’ says academic

Newspaper photographer succumbs to MS aged 42

Former MEN man loses fight for life

Appeal closes early after newspaper hits target

Weekly raises £144,000 for lifesaving equipment

Law column: Reporting restriction gave rapist anonymity

Our fortnightly look at legal issues facing the industry

Editor quits Northcliffe to help journalists in Africa

Regional editorial director leaves publisher

London 2012 heroes give newspapers moment to shine

Front pages celebrate local heroes’ success

Reporter promoted to news editor at sister weekly

A senior reporter at a weekly newspaper has been promoted to become news editor at a sister title. Alana Lewis will leave the Llanelli Star after heading its campaign to save local hospital services to become news editor at Northcliffe

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.