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August 2012 News

Regional daily launches bid to boost Olympic turnout

Paper calls for more visitors to area

Regional daily reporter visits school in Zambia

Journalist takes donations from readers

Weekly breaks news of MP’s shock resignation

Reporter writes story in her pyjamas

Former weekly editor creates news blog for home town

Site has topped 1,000 page views since launch

Politician threatens PCC complaint over expenses story

AM claimed nearly £5,000 on hotel stays

Jobs go under restructure at South West dailies

Picture and news desks merged at titles

Johnston Press reveals new city base for Yorkshire newspapers

Offices of local weekly set to close

Journalist who covered two London Olympics honoured

Former local press man covered 1948 Games as well as London 2012

Man convicted after poison pen letters sent to weekly

Ex-husband found guilty of harassment

New free newspaper to be launched in Midlands town

Former Northcliffe sales manager behind new title

Archant claims ‘strong position’ despite £0.9m loss

Interim results released for first six months of year

Yorkshire Post set to move to new home under JP plans

Papers could move to one of five sites around Leeds

Northcliffe drops legal bid to unmask spoof tweeter

Company keen to avoid US court battle

Union faces revolt over plans to axe training unit

Two positions at risk under plans to outsource work

Production director takes on Dolomites cycling challenge

Roundup of fundraising events at regional publisher

Local papers given access to nationals’ Olympic photos

Partnership set up ahead of London 2012

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.