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November 2012 News

Former Northcliffe journalist turned manager dies at 73

Management roles held at a number of newspapers

Regional editor fears ‘oppressive’ press laws

Society of Editors’ vice-president sets out views on Leveson Inquiry

Weekly collects 400 Christmas shoeboxes for troops

Boxes sent to those serving in Afghanistan

BBC apologises over newspaper ‘closure’ blunder

‘Reports of death are greatly exaggerated’ says editor

Ofcom delays decisions on remaining local TV bids

Applicants asked for further details on programming

Reporter escapes from blaze at Dubai apartment block

Journalist moved to start new life just two months ago

‘Tamworth Two’ journalist retires after 44 years

Reporter has covered market town for most of career

Former weekly correspondent in Leeds Utd takeover

New director worked for newspaper as a teenager

Regional publishing boss appointed to PCC

Publishing director is one of two regional press representatives

Sub-editor publishes second children’s book

Book series based on real dog

Leveson report to be published next Thursday

Document will recommend how press should be regulated

Circulation figures fall for Scottish papers

ABC figures show continuing decline in sales.

Headcount reduction sees Northcliffe profits rise 54pc

Figures show regional publisher axed 324 staff during year

PM praises regional publisher in press muzzling debate

Cameron says press behaviour issues do not apply to regional media

Weekly editor wins ‘Woman of Future’ title

Journalist beats off competition from five other candidates

Weekly reporter fights off bid to ban him from court

Witness wants journalist removed while giving evidence

Press Officer Ministry of Justice Westminster, closes 19 Feb
News Reporters and Sub-Editors DMG Media London, closes 21 Feb
News Reporter MyLocalNews Hemel Hempstead, closes 10 Feb
Financial Data Journalist Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 7 Mar
Editor Moneyfacts Group Norwich/Remote, closes 4 Mar
Multi-media Journalist Veterinary Business Development Peterborough/Remote, closes 13 Feb

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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.