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September 2012 News

Cabbage tale dug up in Hereford

The silly season has officially ended, but clearly no one has told the Hereford Times. Its tale about a discarded cabbage sprouting a 12-inch stalk in less than a fortnight has been the most viewed story on its website this

Weekly newspaper fined £900 over court nib blunder

Reporter broke court order over naming youths

Journalist completes book to fulfil reporter’s dying wish

Birdwatching guide published eight months after death

‘Talented’ former press photographer dies aged 53

Illness claimed life of former regional daily snapper

Northcliffe magazine editor quits to start own business

Media company to be set up by journalist

Regional daily launches fight against child poverty

Staff donate money towards food for youngsters

Deadline extended for NCTJ awards

The deadline for entries to an award scheme which aims to recognise the best journalism students and trainees has been extended by two weeks. The Awards for Excellence, which are held by the National Council for the Training of Journalists,

Investigative journalism award open for entries

An annual award which aims to recognise the best investigative and campaigning journalism in the UK has opened for entries. The Paul Foot Award was set up by The Guardian and Private Eye in memory of the investigative journalist of

Regional publisher launches hyperlocal glossy mag

New title produced for wealthy London suburb

Local TV comeback for axed deputy editor

First Ofcom licences awarded for new stations

Housing group confirms it is in talks to buy weekly

Newspaper to take break from publication

Editor in free speech warning over BNP blogger case

‘Bad day for British liberty’ warns news chief

Local agency’s shock at Sun’s ‘Truth’ headline

Mackenzie says sorry for infamous front page

Miliband hails regional daily’s Hillsborough campaign

Special edition published to mark ground-breaking report

Scottish daily has more online readers than print

Combined figures for regional newspapers published

JP to hand out 1,700 laptops as relaunches delayed

‘Lessons learned’ from first phase of revamp says Highfield

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.