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December 2012 News

Former MD of weekly newspaper series dies at 93

Chairman in charge when news first put on front page

Weekly names 15-year-old rapist after court challenge

Reporter argued S39 order should be overturned

Union demands answers after publisher ‘hid’ profits

Masthead scheme thought to prevent wage increases for journalists

Journalist at Sunday title named best in Scotland

Students hold awards to recognise journalistic heroes

Journalism school appoints new head

A journalism school has appointed a new head who will work closely with a regional daily to launch a local TV station. Carole Fleming, left, has been promoted to lead the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism at Nottingham Trent University after

Jobs saved as newspapers sold to former MD

Former chief back at the helm of closure-threatened titles

Weekly wins fight to save prison from axe

Law firm paid for wraparound advert to back campaign

Former reporter turned newspaper manager dies at 89

Journalist flew Spitfires in Second World War

Publisher appoints editorial director for websites

Role will guide digital content for titles

Digital Dandy comic set to go live

Regional publisher DC Thomson will launch an online-only version of its popular children’s comic The Dandy tomorrow. HTFP reported earlier this year that the comic will be printed for the final time tomorrow with a special edition to mark its

Former journalist who had 30-year career dies at 66

Career came to an end due to illness

Regional daily backs campaign with masthead change

Paper shows support for initiative against domestic violence

Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Lead – Chief Media Officer  Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Senior Content, Channels and Engagement Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communication Planning Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 22 Sep
Communications Manager NCTJ Saffron Walden, closes 26 Sep
Press Photographer North News and Pictures Newcastle, closes 13 Sep

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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.