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October 2012 News

Cricket tour inspires journalist’s first novel

Book was partly based on true story

Former news chief sets up ‘pay-as-you-go’ PR firm

Company aims to gain publicity without long-term contracts

Reporter’s half marathon raises funds for hospice

Journalist supports charity set up by local mum

Weekly gives away anti-knife wristbands for campaign

A weekly newspaper has given away more than 2,000 wristbands as part of a campaign which aims to stamp out knife crime across the area. The Clacton Gazette and sister title the Harwich and Manningtree Standard launched the Lives Not Knives

Former weekly editor dies in Australia at age of 94

Journalist met beauty queen wife during interview

Regional daily columnist axed following legal row

Journalist told editor to ‘shove’ offer of lunch

Victorian journalist’s diaries brought to life in play

Performance will mark 100 years since death

Regional daily completes move to new offices

A regional daily newspaper has moved to a new home after leaving its base of 25 years. HTFP reported in August that The Bolton News was planning to leave its Churchgate offices to move to new headquarters in Bolton town

Photographer completes Paris to Cardiff cycle ride

More than £1,200 raised for housing charity

Highfield defends Johnston Press cover price rises

Subscription model is key to strategy says chief

Scottish daily bans comments on football stories

Action taken in response to “sectarianism” and “foul language”

Get the new-look HTFP on your mobile phone

New browser site launched for journalism news and jobs

Regionals boss Harvey out in Trinity Mirror restructure

Daily deals businesss Happli to close

Weekly in row over ‘cat-killing’ drugs campaign slogan

Animal charity feared logo could incite cruelty

Compulsory job cuts avoided as JP subbing hub closes

Alternative roles found for journalists

East of England media awards open for entries today

Download entry form here for EDF Energy sponsored contest

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.