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August 2012 News

Profits up at Trinity Mirror regionals as revenues fall

Trading conditions ‘challenging’ for northern titles says group

Former weekly sport editor dies aged 77

Writer started out as music journalist

Johnston Press to launch UK-wide entertainments website

Company advertises for content head to lead initiative

Regional daily scores success with veterans campaign

Government minister makes pledges to editor

Health trust’s complaint against newspapers resolved

Round up of recent PCC cases involving regional newspapers

Former editor rugby tackles intruder at PM visit

Sports training pays off for former daily news chief

Horse race named in retiring journalist’s honour

A racing journalist who is retiring this week is to have the 3.25 at Redcar named after him. Today’s race at the North-East racetrack will be named the ‘Happy Retirement Howard Wright Selling Stakes’. Howard has covered racing industry matters for

Union to probe stress levels among journalists

Survey targets those working in regional press

Dyson at Large: Headlines that slap readers in the face

Suffolk weekly brings readers the ‘mad, brutal facts’

Weekly apologises over inaccurate reader’s letter

Letter angered local Palestinian campaigners

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.